Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Fresh Healthy

Enjoy three flavorful curries—Indian chickpea, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato—all cooked in a single pan. These dishes showcase aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and a variety of fresh vegetables, delivering vibrant colors and interesting textures. Flexible for vegetarian and vegan diets, they offer balanced nutrition and can be easily adapted for different heat preferences. Perfect for busy weeknights, each curry pairs well with rice or flatbread, comes together with minimal fuss, and is prepared using common kitchen tools.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:53:00 GMT
Vibrant Single-Pan Global Curries featuring aromatic spices and luscious coconut milk.  Pin
Vibrant Single-Pan Global Curries featuring aromatic spices and luscious coconut milk. | panpatriot.com

A vibrant collection of three easy, one-pot curries inspired by different world cuisines. Perfect for weeknights, these curries are packed with flavor and can be made with minimal fuss in a single pan.

I love how these curries come together quickly for a flavorful dinner on busy nights, and my family always looks forward to trying different styles from around the world.

Ingredients

  • Indian Chickpea Curry: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated), 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes, 2 (14 oz/400 g) cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk, 1 tsp salt, Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Thai Red Lentil Curry: 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 medium onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste, 1 cup (200 g) red lentils (rinsed), 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can coconut milk, 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth, 1 medium carrot (sliced), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, Juice of 1 lime, Fresh basil or cilantro (for garnish)
  • Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion (sliced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chili (deseeded and minced, optional, adjust to taste), 1 tbsp curry powder, 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and diced), 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can coconut milk, 1 (14 oz/400 g) can black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth, 1 tsp thyme, Salt and pepper to taste, Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Indian Chickpea Curry:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger; sauté 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Thai Red Lentil Curry:
Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and curry paste; cook 1 minute. Stir in lentils, coconut milk, broth, carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with basil or cilantro.
Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and chili; cook 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley.
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The first time I made these curries for my kids, they loved guessing each country's flavors, making dinner a fun and educational moment at our table.

Required Tools

Large skillet or Dutch oven, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons, Wooden spoon

Notes

Serve curries with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread. For vegan curries, ensure curry paste and broth are plant-based. Swap chickpeas with white beans, or lentils with split peas for variety. Adjust chili quantities for desired heat level.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein on average.

Delicious Indian Chickpea Curry garnished with fresh cilantro, perfect for weeknight meals.  Pin
Delicious Indian Chickpea Curry garnished with fresh cilantro, perfect for weeknight meals. | panpatriot.com

Gather your fresh ingredients and enjoy these curries hot from the pan for a flavorful global dinner adventure.

Recipe Questions

Can the curries be made vegan?

Absolutely. Replace any non-vegan broth or curry paste with plant-based alternatives for a fully vegan meal.

What can I serve with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or simple flatbreads make excellent accompaniments, soaking up all the flavorful sauces.

Are these curries spicy?

Spiciness varies by curry; adjust chili amounts and use mild curry powders to suit your taste preferences.

Can I substitute chickpeas or lentils?

Yes, try white beans for chickpeas or split peas instead of red lentils for different textures and flavors.

What kitchen tools do I need?

Use a large skillet or Dutch oven, a chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon.

Are there any allergens to consider?

Coconut and soy sauce may present allergens; check labels on curry paste and broth, and use tamari for gluten-free needs.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Try three vibrant, international curries cooked easily in one pan for a quick, satisfying meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
30 min
Total duration
45 min

Category Fresh Healthy

Difficulty Easy

Origin Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Yield 12 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, Dairy-free

Ingredients

Indian Chickpea Curry

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
05 2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 2 teaspoons ground coriander
07 1 teaspoon turmeric
08 1 teaspoon garam masala
09 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
10 2 cans (14 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
11 1 cup coconut milk
12 1 teaspoon salt
13 Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Thai Red Lentil Curry

01 2 tablespoons coconut oil
02 1 medium onion, diced
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
05 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
06 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
07 2 cups vegetable broth
08 1 medium carrot, sliced
09 1 red bell pepper, sliced
10 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11 Juice of 1 lime
12 Fresh basil or cilantro, for garnish

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium onion, sliced
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chili, deseeded and minced (optional)
05 1 tablespoon curry powder
06 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
07 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
08 1 can (14 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
09 1 cup vegetable broth
10 1 teaspoon thyme
11 Salt and pepper, to taste
12 Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Indian Chickpea Curry Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute. Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, letting spices bloom for 1 minute. Pour in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Mix thoroughly, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finish with fresh cilantro garnish.

Step 02

Thai Red Lentil Curry Preparation: In a large pan, warm coconut oil over medium heat and add diced onion, cooking until translucent, approximately 4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and Thai red curry paste, sautéing for another minute. Add rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and red bell pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, lower heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring intermittently until lentils are tender. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice, then garnish with basil or cilantro.

Step 03

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and chili, cooking for an additional minute. Stir in curry powder and let it bloom for 30 seconds. Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Complete with fresh parsley garnish.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce used in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat gluten; tamari can be used for gluten-free needs.
  • Verify labels on curry paste and broth for potential allergens.

Nutrition facts (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 360
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Protein: 12 g