Red Lentil Cauliflower Curry

4.92 from 12 votes

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This red lentil cauliflower curry is a packed with rice, red lentils, cauliflower and carrots and is easy to make in one pot in 30 minutes.

Two white bowls of vegan red lentil cauliflower curry topped with cilantro.

Why You’ll Love this Red Lentil Cauliflower Curry

  • It’s quick and easy to make in one pot in 30 minutes, rice included!
  • It’s great for meal prep and stores well in the fridge or freezer.
  • It’s vegan and gluten-free.
  • It has lots of delicious Thai-inspired flavour.

If you’re looking for an Indian-inspired lentil curry, this Spinach Lentil Curry and Vegan Coconut Red Lentil Dahl.

Ingredient Notes

  1. Onion, garlic and ginger. Mmm, curry favourites onion, garlic and fresh ginger make up flavour base of this recipe. White or yellow onion works and if you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, ground ginger will do in a pinch.
  2. Thai red curry paste. If you’re looking for a vegan red curry paste, Thai Kitchen is an option as it does not contain fish sauce or anchovies. Not all store-bought red curry paste is vegan, so just give the ingredient list a look if you want this recipe to be 100% plant-based. If you’ve got red curry paste on hand don’t miss these red curry noodles and butternut squash curry!
  3. Carrots and cauliflower. The veggies in this recipe are carrots and cauliflower but you can always switch it up with different veggies or add additional veggies.
  4. Jasmine rice. Instead of serving this curry with rice on the side, the rice gets mixed right in for a quick and easy 1-pot meal!
  5. Red lentils. Red lentils are full of nutrition and have the perfect soft texture for curries and stews.
  6. Diced tomatoes. Any kind works but I like to go for a no salt added organic option if possible.

How to Make Red Lentil Cauliflower Curry

Onions, garlic, ginger and broth in a large saucepan on the stovetop.

Step 1: Cook the onions, garlic and ginger in 2-3 tbsp of broth for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can saute using 1 tbsp oil.

Carrots and cauliflower in a large saucepan on the stovetop.

Step 2: Add the cauliflower, carrots and curry paste and cook a few more minutes, stirring to coat the veggies.

Start by cooking the onions, garlic and ginger in a little broth for a few minutes. Add the cauliflower, carrots and curry paste, stir and cook for a few more minutes. Add everything else, simmer until cooked and enjoy!

Adding red lentils to a pot of cauliflower curry stew.

Step 3: Add the rest of the ingredients, mix well, cover and lightly simmer for 20 minutes.

Adding the lid to a saucepan of cauliflower lentil curry stew.

Step 4: Remove the lid and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes until everything is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. Option to stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk for extra creaminess. Season with salt, if needed.

Enjoy your curry on its own or over your favourite rice with fresh cilantro and lime, if desired!

A close up of a white bowl of red lentil cauliflower curry topped with cilantro.

FAQs

How long does this curry keep in the fridge?

The curry can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes. To freeze, let cool then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

More Curry Recipes

Here are some more easy curries you’ll love:

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Two white bowls of vegan red lentil cauliflower curry topped with cilantro.
4.92 from 12 votes

Red Lentil Cauliflower Curry

By: Deryn Macey
This hearty, flavourful stew is ready in less than 30 minutes and features cauliflower and carrot married with red curry, rice and lentils.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 tbsp of red curry paste
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
  • 1/2 cup uncooked jasmine rice
  • 1/2 cup uncooked red lentils
  • 1 1/3 cup vegetable stock
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, with the juices
  • 2 tsp coconut sugar, brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk, optional
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • In a large sauce pan, cook the garlic, onion and ginger in 1-2 tbsp of vegetable broth over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring, until softened and fragrant.
  • Add the carrots, cauliflower and red curry paste. Stir and cook for a 3-4 more minutes.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients, mix well, cover and lightly simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes until everything is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. Option to stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk for extra creaminess. 
  • Season with salt and pepper and serve right away.

Notes

Nutrition facts include coconut milk.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 of recipe, Calories: 504kcal, Carbohydrates: 80g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 10g, Fiber: 16g, Sugar: 10g
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

This recipe was originally published April 26, 2015.

About Deryn Macey

Deryn Macey is a nutrition coach, certified personal trainer, and the creator of Running on Real Food, where she's been sharing nutritious recipes since 2013. She holds a science degree and offers strength training and nutrition coaching through Onward Strong, focusing on strength, sustainable eating habits, and breaking free from diet culture.

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35 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I love this recipe! So delicious! I adjusted it a smidge by adding an extra clove of garlic, 4 TBSP Red curry paste  instead of 3 and 1 cup of coconut milk instead of 1/2 cup … I love that there’s no oil !!! This stew warms my soul ❤️ 

  2. 5 stars
    Just made this for dinner tonight & it was delicious. I didn’t add any rice & added coconut milk at the end, which made it extra creamy. Thank you! 

  3. Can this be made without adding the jasmine rice to the pot and cooking the rice alone and serving the curry on top of it?? Also could we use brown rice instead? If so would it change the liquid amounts needed or the cooking time?

    1. Brown rice would need a longer cooking time and may need a bit more liquid. You can leave the rice out and serve over rice if you prefer. I would reduce the liquid to 1 cup and add more if needed as it cooks. Thanks!

  4. 4 stars
    Hey! I enjoyed this recipe very much. I found it a bit sweet, so next time I’ll slightly increase the amount of curry paste or omit the maple syrup. Will definitely make again.

  5. 5 stars
    delicious……. family favourite and soooooo healthy. Doubled the recipe and it was all gone super quick. Thank you Deryn – love you recipes xx

  6. 5 stars
    Delicious and simple weeknight meal. I made it without the coconut milk but can imagine that would be a lovely addition. Thank you!