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Delicious Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry Recipe

If you’re looking for a nutritious and satisfying plant-based dish, Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry is a perfect option. This hearty curry is made with protein-packed lentils and nutrient-rich spinach, simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and coconut milk. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this curry is comforting, flavorful, and simple to prepare.

At Green Gourmet, we’re excited to show you how to create this delicious Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry, along with helpful tips, nutritional information, and FAQs to ensure you get the most out of every bite.

Why Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry is a Great Choice

This curry is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutrients. Here’s why Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry is a fantastic meal for anyone:

High in Plant-Based Protein: Lentils are a great source of protein, making this dish hearty and filling without any animal products.
Rich in Nutrients: Spinach provides essential vitamins and minerals like iron and calcium, while the spices offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Creamy and Comforting: The coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture to the curry, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Easy and Versatile: This curry is easy to prepare and can be customized with different vegetables or served with rice, naan, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Naturally Gluten-Free: This curry is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

How to Make Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry

Ingredients:

1 cup dried red, green or yellow lentils, rinsed
4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed)
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 tablespoon coconut oil (or olive oil)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooked rice or naan for serving

Instructions:

Cook the Lentils: In a medium pot, bring the lentils and vegetable broth to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook the onions for 3-4 minutes until they turn soft and clear.
Add the Spices: Stir in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.
Simmer the Curry: Add the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and cooked lentils to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the Spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook for another 3-5 minutes until wilted (or heated through if using frozen spinach).
Serve and Enjoy: Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice or with naan, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutritional Information for Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350 kcal
Protein (g)	16 g
Fat (g)	14 g
Carbohydrates (g)	42 g
Fiber (g)	12 g
Iron	6 mg (33%)
Vitamin A	8000 IU (160%)
Calcium	150 mg (15%)

Benefits of Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry

Protein-Packed: Lentils are a plant-based protein powerhouse, making this dish filling and nutritious.
Rich in Fiber: Lentils and spinach provide a good amount of fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Iron-Rich: Spinach is high in iron, which is especially important in plant-based diets to support healthy blood circulation.
Low in Calories but Filling: This curry is both light and satisfying, perfect for those looking for a nutritious yet hearty meal.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily switch up the vegetables or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.

FAQs About Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry

Q1: Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Yes, canned lentils work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the curry. This will save time, as you can skip the step of cooking the lentils.

Q2: Can I substitute spinach with another green?

Absolutely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even mustard greens are great alternatives to spinach. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the heartiness of the greens you choose.

Q3: Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?

Yes, light coconut milk can be used if you want to reduce the fat content. Keep in mind that the curry will be slightly less creamy, but it will still be delicious.

Q4: What can I serve with Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry?

This curry pairs well with basmati rice, quinoa, or naan bread. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to add some crunch.

Q5: Can I make this curry in a slow cooker?

Yes, to make this in a slow cooker, add all the ingredients (except for the spinach) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q6: How can I add more protein to this dish?

If you want to boost the protein, add chickpeas or tofu to the curry. Both will blend well with the flavors and add extra texture to the dish.

Q7: Is it possible to make this dish without coconut milk?

If you want to skip the coconut milk, you can substitute it with a plant-based cream, like cashew cream or almond milk, to maintain a creamy texture without the coconut flavor.

Q8: Can I use other types of lentils?

Yes, red lentils cook faster and tend to become mushy, making the curry thicker, while green or brown lentils hold their shape better. Choose based on your texture preference.

Q8: How can I balance the flavors if the curry is too acidic from the tomatoes?

If the curry tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of coconut cream to balance out the flavors. This will help round out the tanginess from the tomatoes.

Conclusion

Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry is a wholesome, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with plant-based nutrients. With its fragrant spices, creamy coconut milk, and protein-rich lentils, this curry is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Looking for a delicious and nutritious vegan meal? Give this Vegan Lentil and Spinach Curry a try, and enjoy a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion!