Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: One-Pot Comforts

This collection provides three distinct curry options from Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines, all prepared in a single pan. Each features aromatic spices, rich coconut milk, and plant-based proteins, making them ideal for vegetarians or those seeking vegan alternatives. Quick cooking methods and simple ingredients keep prep easy—perfect for busy weeknights. Indian chickpea curry offers warming spices and tender legumes, Thai red lentil curry brings zesty citrus and fresh herbs, and Caribbean sweet potato curry highlights subtle heat and hearty vegetables. Serve alongside steamed rice or flatbreads to savor bold, comforting flavors with minimal fuss.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 09:47:00 GMT
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet with fresh herbs and spices.  Save
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet with fresh herbs and spices. | crumbnest.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 loved creating these curries for busy nights when you crave comforting, vibrant flavors without fuss. Each version has become a family favorite thanks to how quickly they come together.

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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Sharing these with my kids always turns dinner into a global tasting adventure at the table. We pick favorites and pair with warm naan or rice, making curry night a fun tradition.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy each curry with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread. Add a squeeze of lime, fresh herbs, or toasted coconut for extra flavor.

Swaps & Variations

Chickpeas can be swapped with white beans in the Indian curry, or use split peas instead of lentils for the Thai curry. Adjust chili for mild or hot curry, depending on your preference.

Allergen & Nutrition Info

Coconut milk is a tree nut allergen. Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain gluten and soy (use tamari for gluten-free). Per serving, each curry averages 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein.

Comforting Thai Red Lentil Curry featuring colorful veggies in creamy coconut sauce.  Save
Comforting Thai Red Lentil Curry featuring colorful veggies in creamy coconut sauce. | crumbnest.com

Whichever curry you choose, know that bold flavors are in every single pan. Enjoy a taste of the world without leaving your kitchen!

Recipe FAQ

Can I make these curries vegan?

Yes, simply use plant-based curry paste and vegetable broth, and check all ingredient labels for animal products.

What is the best pan to use?

A large skillet or Dutch oven works best for even heating and space to simmer all ingredients.

How spicy are these curries?

Spiciness varies; adjust chili and curry paste amounts to match your heat preferences in each dish.

What can I serve with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread pair well and soak up the flavorful sauces. Add a fresh salad if desired.

Can I substitute ingredients?

Yes, swap chickpeas for white beans or use split peas instead of lentils for variety. Adjust to your taste.

Are these dishes gluten-free?

Most components are naturally gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free Thai curry option.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy vibrant global curries with minimal prep—three easy one-pan options for weeknight cooking.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Multi-regional (Indian, Thai, Caribbean)

Output 12 Portions

Dietary 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 ground 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

Directions

Phase 01

Indian Chickpea Curry - Aromatic Base Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until soft, approximately 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Indian Chickpea Curry - Spice Infusion: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute. Add ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Continue cooking for 1 minute, allowing spices to become fragrant.

Phase 03

Indian Chickpea Curry - Simmering Ingredients: Incorporate diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir thoroughly, bring mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 04

Indian Chickpea Curry - Finishing Touches: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Phase 05

Thai Red Lentil Curry - Sautéing Aromatics: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, around 4 minutes.

Phase 06

Thai Red Lentil Curry - Flavor Layering: Add minced garlic and Thai red curry paste; sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.

Phase 07

Thai Red Lentil Curry - Lentil Incorporation: Add rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.

Phase 08

Thai Red Lentil Curry - Seasoning and Garnish: Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro before serving.

Phase 09

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry - Vegetable Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes.

Phase 10

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry - Spice Activation: Add minced garlic and chili; sauté for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Phase 11

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

Phase 12

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry - Braising and Garnishing: Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools needed

  • 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 medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Coconut milk present in all curries is a tree nut allergen.
  • Thai red lentil curry includes soy sauce, which may contain soy and wheat (gluten). Tamari may be used for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Verify labels on curry paste and broth for hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g