Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Everyday Joyful Meals

Discover flavorful curries from different global cuisines, all made in a single pan for ease and convenience. Indian chickpea curry brings aromatic spices and coconut milk for richness, Thai red lentil curry balances heat and zest with fresh veggies and tangy lime, and Caribbean sweet potato curry highlights hearty vegetables and beans with warming accents. Serve with rice or flatbread for a satisfying main dish. These curries offer vegetarian and vegan options, bold flavors, and minimal prep—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Adjust spice level or ingredients to suit your tastes and enjoy vibrant, international comfort food at home.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:49:00 GMT
Vibrant single-pan global curries packed with flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners.  Pin It
Vibrant single-pan global curries packed with flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners. | platefullyjoy.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 started making one-pot curries on busy weeknights and soon began experimenting with global flavors. These recipes bring comforting variety while streamlining the cooking process at home.

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.
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We love setting out the three curries together for family dinner. Each person gets to pick their favorite and it makes for lively conversation at the table.

Serving Suggestions

Serve curries with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread to make the meal complete. Each curry pairs well with fresh herbs and extra lime on the side.

Recipe Variations

Swap chickpeas with white beans, or lentils with split peas for variety. Adjust the chili for preferred heat or substitute bell pepper for milder flavor.

Nutritional Information

Each serving averages 360 calories, 13 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein. Curries are naturally high in fiber and suitable for most diets.

A hearty Indian chickpea curry simmered in coconut milk, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Pin It
A hearty Indian chickpea curry simmered in coconut milk, garnished with fresh cilantro. | platefullyjoy.com

With one pan and a bit of prep, weeknight dinners are stress-free and delicious. Feel free to mix and match curry bases and toppings to suit your family.

Recipe FAQs

What pan size is ideal for these curries?

A large skillet or Dutch oven with a capacity of 3-4 quarts is recommended for optimal results.

How can I make the curries vegan?

Use plant-based curry paste and broth. Ensure all ingredients, like soy sauce, are vegan-friendly.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, increase or reduce chili quantities and spice blends based on your preference for heat.

What side dishes pair well with curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbreads complement these curries and make a complete meal.

Are there gluten-free options?

Use tamari in place of soy sauce and check labels on curry paste and broth to ensure gluten-free.

Can I substitute beans or lentils?

Chickpeas may be swapped with white beans, and lentils with split peas for variety.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Easy one-pan curries highlight Indian, Thai, and Caribbean flavors with vibrant vegetables and spices.

Time to Prep
15 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Info Vegetarian-Friendly, 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 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 dried thyme
11 Salt and pepper to taste
12 Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Indian Chickpea Curry Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, and toast the spices for 1 minute until aromatic. Add diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt; stir thoroughly. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finish with a garnish of chopped fresh cilantro.

Step 02

Thai Red Lentil Curry Preparation: Melt coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and Thai red curry paste, cooking for 1 minute to release flavors. Add rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and red bell pepper. Bring mixture 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 serving bowls with fresh basil or cilantro.

Step 03

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry Preparation: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté sliced onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and chili, cooking for 1 additional minute. Blend in curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are fully tender. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce includes soy and wheat (gluten); substitute with tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Read ingredient labels on curry paste and broth to check for possible allergens.

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g