Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: West Coast Fresh

Discover three enticing curries—Indian chickpea, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato—each made effortlessly in a single pan. Experience bold flavors from garam masala and coconut milk, spicy Thai red curry paste, and warming Caribbean spices. Vegetarian ingredients paired with fragrant herbs create comforting meals for any night, with easy steps and minimal cleanup. A perfect choice for anyone craving global tastes with simple tools and straightforward prep.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:28:00 GMT
Colorful Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet, with fresh cilantro garnish.  Save
Colorful Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet, with fresh cilantro garnish. | dashofstates.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 remember the first time I made these curries for my family. Each dish filled the kitchen with its own aroma and we all picked our favorites from the trio.

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), 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 and sauté 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala and 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 and 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 and 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.
Aromatic Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling in a pot, served with lime wedges.  Save
Aromatic Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling in a pot, served with lime wedges. | dashofstates.com

Sharing these curries always turns dinner into a world tour for my family. Everyone enjoys choosing their favorite and debating which is the top pick that night.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these curries with steamed white rice, naan, or flatbread to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter meal, pair with a green salad.

Allergen Info

Coconut milk is a tree nut allergen. Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat. Always check packaged ingredients for allergens.

Nutrition

Each serving averages 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein.

Vibrant Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry topped with parsley, ready for a warm meal. Save
Vibrant Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry topped with parsley, ready for a warm meal. | dashofstates.com

Try making all three curries for a special global night or pick your favorite for a fast and flavorful one-pan dinner.

Recipe FAQ

What types of curries are included?

This set features Indian chickpea, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato curries, each offering unique flavor profiles.

Can I make these dishes vegan?

Yes. Choose plant-based curry pastes and vegetable broth to keep all curries vegan-friendly.

Which main tools will I need?

You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven, a chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons, and a wooden spoon.

How spicy are these curries?

Heat can be adjusted by varying the chili quantity, especially in the Caribbean curry. Thai curry paste also influences spice levels.

What can I serve with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread are ideal accompaniments for soaking up the vibrant sauces.

Are there allergen considerations?

Coconut milk is used in all three curries, and soy sauce may contain gluten. Read labels and swap with tamari if needed.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy vibrant one-pan curries inspired by Indian, Thai, and Caribbean flavors. Simple, tasty, and vegetarian-friendly.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free, No dairy

Components

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, adjust to taste)
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

Method

Phase 01

Indian Chickpea Curry Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Incorporate garlic and ginger; cook an additional minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; heat for 1 minute to release aromas. Stir 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.

Phase 02

Thai Red Lentil Curry Preparation: Warm coconut oil in a spacious pan on medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, roughly 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and red curry paste; cook for 1 minute. Stir in rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, carrot, and bell pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils reach desired tenderness. Integrate soy sauce and lime juice, and garnish with basil or cilantro.

Phase 03

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry Preparation: Pour olive oil into a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Sauté sliced onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle curry powder and allow it to bloom for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and freshly ground pepper; stir thoroughly. Simmer covered for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes become tender. garnish with fresh parsley.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, which is a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and wheat (gluten); substitute tamari for a gluten-free version.
  • Verify curry paste and broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g