Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Main Dishes

Savor three vibrant curries from around the world, each made in a single pan for easy weeknight cooking. The Indian chickpea curry features warming spices, ginger, and coconut milk; the Thai red lentil curry is fragrant with aromatic paste, vegetables, and zesty lime; and the Caribbean sweet potato version is hearty with black beans, chili, and thyme. All curries are vegetarian-friendly and can be customized for vegan diets. Serve each dish with rice, naan, or flatbread for a complete meal. Quick prep and minimal cleanup let you enjoy global flavors effortlessly.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:36:00 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. | cheerfulchefs.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.

My first experience making all three curries for friends on a busy weeknight was a hit, and everyone loved the variety and warmth each dish brought to the table.

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.
Colorful Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling with vegetables and creamy coconut milk.  Save
Colorful Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling with vegetables and creamy coconut milk. | cheerfulchefs.com

These curries have become a cherished dinner tradition with my family, letting everyone sample a bit from each pot and enjoy a global tasting experience together.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these curries with steamed rice, naan, or any flatbread for a comforting meal that highlights the flavors of each region.

Recipe Variations

Swap chickpeas for white beans in the Indian curry, or substitute lentils with split peas for a twist on the Thai version. Adjust the type and quantity of chili for the Caribbean curry to control spiciness.

Nutritional Information

Average per serving: 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein. Values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Hearty Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry served warm, featuring black beans and vibrant spices. Save
Hearty Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry served warm, featuring black beans and vibrant spices. | cheerfulchefs.com

Each spoonful packs authentic flavor and comfort. Let these curries become your go-to for simple, delicious weeknight dinners.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute beans in each curry?

Yes, swap chickpeas for white beans and lentils for split peas. Adjust to your preferred protein for variety.

How do I make these vegan?

Choose plant-based curry paste and broth. Make sure all ingredients are vegan-friendly for each dish.

What side dishes pair well?

Serve with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread. Simple salads or chutney also complement the flavors.

How spicy is the Caribbean curry?

Spiciness depends on chili used. Adjust Scotch bonnet or habanero quantities for the desired heat level.

Are there gluten-free options?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce for the Thai curry. Always check labels for broth and paste ingredients.

What kitchen tools do I need?

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

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy three vibrant, one-pan curries from Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines, full of flavor and simple to prepare.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Main Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Portions 12 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Dairy-Free Option

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, chopped, 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, chopped, 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, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Thai Red Lentil Curry: Warm coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red curry paste; sauté for 1 minute. Add rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and sliced red bell pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. Stir in 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 cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute. Stir in 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. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and may contain wheat (gluten); substitute with tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Check labels on curry paste and broth for potential allergens.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 360
  • Fats: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 48 grams
  • Proteins: 12 grams