These Red Curry Lentils bring back memories of Thailand and its wonderful spicy cuisine.
Some of you may know we are currently taking a breather from our travels. At the moment we are living in Calgary, Canada but our hearts, minds and taste-buds are still traveling around the world.
It is often said that travel expands the mind. In our case it also expanded our palates. And even if we have settled down a little for the moment, we are bringing the flavors and aromas from around the world into our kitchen.
Almost all of our (dinner) cooking is somewhat internationally inspired. We want to invite you and take you on this taste trip with us, while we are sharing some of our favorite international recipes with you. We are calling this new series a Nomad’s Dish and we aim for monthly installments. Most of the recipes are healthier make-overs with our own spin added to them.
Today’s Red Lentil Curry makes me dream about Thailand. While we have never actually seen or tasted a lentil curry there, the spicy red curry flavor instantly transports us to Thai night food markets. This is just a vegetarian interpretation of that same flavor.
This lentil curry is a great example of how travel has grown and changed us. Before our 1.5 years of living and traveling in Asia neither Konrad nor I cared one bit for spicy food.
Nowadays, we find ourselves not only tolerating spicy dishes but actually craving some nice heat with our meals 🙂
We love this lentil curry served with quinoa, as healthier option over white rice, or spooned over pita flatbread slices.
These Red Curry Lentils bring back memories of Thailand and its wonderful spicy cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 can (19 oz./540 ml) green lentils
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 can (14 oz.) tomato puree
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- green onion, parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the lentils. Set aside.
- Saute the chopped onion in melted butter over medium heat. Once translucent add garlic and continue cooking until golden. Add spices (curry powder, sugar, ginger, chili, pepper and red curry paste) and fry for a couple minutes while stirring. Add tomato puree, stir and simmer until smooth.
- Add in lentils and coconut milk and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Serve over quinoa or rice or with flatbread. Garnish with green onion, parsley or cilantro.
Recipe adapted from Pinch of Yum