Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Weeknight Spoonfuls

This vibrant single-pan collection features Indian chickpea, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato curries. Each is crafted to deliver bold flavors and comes together easily in one pan—ideal for busy weeknights. Chickpeas, lentils, sweet potatoes, and black beans pair with aromatic spices, coconut milk, fresh herbs, and optional chilies for customizable heat. Vegetarian, with vegan options, these dishes suit many dietary needs. Serve with rice, flatbread, or naan for a satisfying meal. Prep and cook times make these accessible for all skill levels, with nutrition and allergens clearly noted. Garnish to taste with cilantro, basil, or parsley and enjoy global comfort food fast.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:46:00 GMT
Aromatic Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Save
Aromatic Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro. | cookinget.com

A vibrant collection of three easy one-pot curries inspired by global cuisines. These curries are perfect for weeknights and packed with flavor using minimal fuss in a single pan.

I first explored these curries when busy weeknights made variety and speed a priority. It was such a delight to taste distinct world flavors without switching pots or spending hours in the kitchen.

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 can diced tomatoes (14 oz/400 g), 2 cans chickpeas (14 oz/400 g each, drained and rinsed), 1 cup coconut milk (240 ml), 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 red lentils (200 g, rinsed), 1 can coconut milk (14 oz/400 ml), 2 cups vegetable broth (480 ml), 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 can coconut milk (14 oz/400 ml), 1 can black beans (14 oz/400 g, drained and rinsed), 1 cup vegetable broth (240 ml), 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper to taste, fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Indian Chickpea Curry:
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger then 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 simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Thai Red Lentil Curry:
Heat coconut oil in 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 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 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 simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Colorful Thai Red Lentil Curry, vibrant vegetables steaming in a rich coconut broth.  Save
Colorful Thai Red Lentil Curry, vibrant vegetables steaming in a rich coconut broth. | cookinget.com

Enjoying these curries around the table with my family was always a cheerful occasion. Everyone would pick their favorite and even the spice lovers were able to customize their bowls with extra chili!

Serving Suggestions

Pair with steamed rice naan or flatbread for a complete comforting meal. For lighter fare spoon curries over quinoa or roasted cauliflower.

Kitchen Tools Needed

You only need a large skillet or Dutch oven a chefs knife cutting board measuring cups and spoons and a wooden spoon to create these dishes.

Allergen & Nutrition Info

Coconut milk is used in each curry. Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and gluten so swap for tamari if needed. Each curry averages about 360 calories 13 g fat 48 g carbs and 12 g protein per serving.

Hearty Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry, topped with parsley, ready to serve over rice. Save
Hearty Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry, topped with parsley, ready to serve over rice. | cookinget.com

Three curries one pan endless flavor possibilities. This is truly a global weeknight win!

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute chickpeas in the Indian curry?

Yes, white beans or butter beans work well in place of chickpeas, offering similar texture and flavor absorption.

How spicy are these dishes?

Heat levels vary by curry. Adjust chilies or curry paste to preference; omit chili in the Caribbean curry for milder flavor.

What can I serve with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbreads pair perfectly, soaking up the rich sauces and complementing the spices.

Are these curries suitable for vegans?

Yes—ensure plant-based curry paste and broth for the Thai curry, and check other packaged ingredients for animal products.

Can I make the curries ahead of time?

Absolutely. These curries reheat well and flavors often deepen after resting overnight in the refrigerator.

What kitchen tools do I need?

A large skillet or Dutch oven, chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and wooden spoon are recommended.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Explore three colorful curries in one pan, reflecting Indian, Thai, and Caribbean flavors. Simple, weeknight-friendly meal.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Recipe by Sophie Daniels


Skill Difficulty Easy

Cuisine Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portion Count

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option, 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 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

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 02

Aromatics for Chickpea Curry: Mix in garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute to release flavors.

Step 03

Add Spices to Chickpea Curry: Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 04

Simmer Chickpea Curry: Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Blend thoroughly, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Finish Chickpea Curry: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro just before serving.

Step 06

Prepare Thai Red Lentil Curry: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 4 minutes.

Step 07

Aromatics for Lentil Curry: Incorporate minced garlic and red curry paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 08

Simmer Lentil Curry: Blend in rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and red bell pepper. Bring mixture to a boil; lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.

Step 09

Finish Lentil Curry: Season with soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with basil or cilantro.

Step 10

Prepare Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté sliced onion until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 11

Aromatics and Spice for Sweet Potato Curry: Add minced garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and sauté until aromatic, about 30 seconds.

Step 12

Simmer Sweet Potato Curry: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 13

Cook Sweet Potato Curry: Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 14

Finish Sweet Potato Curry: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens. Ask a medical expert when uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may include soy and wheat (gluten); use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Always check curry paste and broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Facts (per portion)

These numbers offer reference only, not medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g