Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Fresh & Easy Dinners

Enjoy three colorful curries inspired by Indian chickpeas, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato—all crafted in one pan for easy cleanup. Each dish features aromatic spices like cumin, garam masala, Thai curry paste, and Caribbean curry powder, balanced with coconut milk and plenty of fresh herbs. Simple prep and quick cooking make these dishes perfect for busy evenings. Serve with rice or flatbread, and customize with vegan options or ingredient swaps to suit dietary preferences. Garnish generously for eye-catching flavor, and let your kitchen fill with global aromas.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:22:00 GMT
Vibrant single-pan global curries featuring chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes.  Save
Vibrant single-pan global curries featuring chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes. | freshyforks.com

A vibrant collection of three easy, one-pot curries inspired by world cuisines, ideal for weeknight dinners. Each curry is packed with flavor and only requires a single pan for minimal fuss in the kitchen.

I started making these curries as a way to liven up weeknight meals with international flavors. They quickly became a favorite in my home for their simplicity and delicious results.

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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Making these curries together with family allows everyone to sample new flavors. My kids especially enjoy helping garnish each curry with fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve each curry with steamed rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread for a complete meal.

Ingredient Swaps

Chickpeas may be swapped with white beans, and lentils with split peas for a new twist. Adjust chili quantity for preferred heat.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving contains about 360 calories, 13 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein, making these curries filling yet wholesome.

A colorful display of three hearty curries perfect for weeknight meals.  Save
A colorful display of three hearty curries perfect for weeknight meals. | freshyforks.com

Try serving these global curries together for a colorful, varied dinner. Each one-pot dish brings a new flavor adventure to your table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use different beans or lentils?

Yes, swap chickpeas with white beans or lentils with split peas to vary flavors and textures.

Is this meal suitable for vegans?

All curries can be made vegan by ensuring the curry paste and broth are plant-based and using tamari instead of soy sauce if needed.

How spicy are the curries?

The Indian and Thai dishes are moderately spiced, while the Caribbean curry’s heat can be adjusted by adding more or less chili.

What can I serve alongside these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread pair beautifully with these flavorful dishes for a complete meal.

Are these curries gluten-free?

Most options are gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce in the Thai curry and verify all packaged ingredients.

Do I need special equipment?

Just a large skillet or Dutch oven, chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring cups, and a wooden spoon will cover all steps.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy bold, global flavors with easy, one-pan curries inspired by Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Time required
45 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Portions 4 Number of servings

Diet Details Meatless, No dairy

What You'll Need

Indian Chickpea Curry

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1-inch 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 diced tomatoes (14 oz)
10 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (14 oz each)
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 coconut milk (14 oz)
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 coconut milk (14 oz)
08 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (14 oz)
09 1 cup vegetable broth
10 1 teaspoon thyme
11 Salt and pepper, to taste
12 Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute. Blend in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, sautéing for 1 minute until aromatic. Incorporate diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir thoroughly, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finish with fresh cilantro as garnish.

Step 02

Prepare Thai Red Lentil Curry: Melt coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red curry paste, cooking for 1 minute. Add rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and sliced red bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. Finish with soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro.

Step 03

Prepare Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and chili, cooking for 1 minute. Incorporate curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, drained black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Top with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Thai curry includes soy sauce, which may contain soy and wheat (gluten). Use tamari for gluten-free preference.
  • Check curry paste and broth labels for additional allergens.

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 360
  • Lipids: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 48 grams
  • Proteins: 12 grams