Single-Pan Global Curries Collection

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Meals

Experience vibrant Indian, Thai, and Caribbean curries made in just one pan. These easy dishes combine chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes with aromatic spices, coconut milk, and fresh herbs for nourishing meals bursting with flavor. Each curry comes together quickly—perfect for busy evenings. Serve with rice or flatbread and enjoy gluten-free or vegan variations by swapping ingredients. With minimal prep and a single pan, savor global tastes at home while keeping cleanup simple. Garnish with cilantro, parsley, or basil to finish these colorful, comforting classics.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:38:00 GMT
Vibrant Single-Pan Global Curries showcasing Indian, Thai, and Caribbean flavors served with rice.  Save
Vibrant Single-Pan Global Curries showcasing Indian, Thai, and Caribbean flavors served with rice. | meanwhilerecipe.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.

The first time I cooked all three curries in a single evening, my kitchen filled with amazing aromas and my friends loved sampling each unique dish. It was such a fun and easy way to travel the globe without leaving home.

Ingredients

  • Indian Chickpea Curry: vegetable oil, onion (finely chopped), garlic (minced), fresh ginger (grated), ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, garam masala, canned diced tomatoes, canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed), coconut milk, salt, fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Thai Red Lentil Curry: coconut oil, onion (diced), garlic (minced), Thai red curry paste, red lentils (rinsed), coconut milk, vegetable broth, carrot (sliced), red bell pepper (sliced), soy sauce, lime juice, fresh basil or cilantro (for garnish)
  • Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: olive oil, onion (sliced), garlic (minced), Scotch bonnet or habanero chili (optional, deseeded and minced), curry powder, sweet potatoes (peeled and diced), coconut milk, black beans (drained and rinsed), vegetable broth, thyme, salt and pepper, 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, vegetable 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.
Savory Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in coconut milk, topped with fresh cilantro.  Save
Savory Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in coconut milk, topped with fresh cilantro. | meanwhilerecipe.com

These curries have quickly become a family favorite. My kids have fun choosing which one to start with on curry night, and everyone ends up asking for seconds.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy each curry with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread for a hearty meal. Mix and match your toppings for extra freshness and crunch.

Tool Recommendations

Use a large skillet or Dutch oven, a chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a sturdy wooden spoon to make the process smooth and efficient.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving averages about 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein, making these curries filling and nutritious.

Colorful Thai Red Lentil Curry bursting with spices and garnished with fresh basil. Save
Colorful Thai Red Lentil Curry bursting with spices and garnished with fresh basil. | meanwhilerecipe.com

Try mixing leftovers for a fusion meal the next day. These curries are even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Recipe FAQ

Can these curries be made vegan?

Yes, use plant-based curry paste and broth, and verify your coconut milk is vegan-friendly.

What sides pair well with these curries?

Serve with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Are these curries suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check ingredient labels to ensure all components are gluten-free.

How spicy are the curries?

Spice levels vary by curry and can be adjusted by adding more or less chili or curry paste.

Can I swap beans or lentils in these curries?

Feel free to replace chickpeas with white beans or lentils with split peas for variety and texture.

What equipment is necessary?

You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven, chef’s knife, cutting board, and measuring tools.

Single-Pan Global Curries Collection

Delight in three easy, world-inspired curries made in one pan. Vegetarian, flavor-rich, and weeknight friendly.

Time to Prepare
15 mins
Time to Cook
30 mins
Complete Time
45 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Cozy Everyday Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegetarian-Friendly, No Dairy

Ingredient List

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, 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, chopped, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Indian Chickpea Curry Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 02

Aromatics and Spices: Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Continue to cook for 1 minute.

Step 03

Simmer Chickpeas: Incorporate diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt; mix thoroughly. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 04

Finish and Garnish: Add fresh cilantro before serving.

Step 05

Thai Red Lentil Curry Preparation: Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 4 minutes.

Step 06

Add Curry Paste and Aromatics: Add minced garlic and red curry paste; cook for 1 minute.

Step 07

Simmer Lentil Mixture: Stir in rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 08

Finish Thai Curry: Add soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro.

Step 09

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté sliced onion until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 10

Add Aromatics and Spices: Add minced garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 11

Simmer Sweet Potato Mixture: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 12

Cover and Finish: Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chefs knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and wheat; substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Verify curry paste and vegetable broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g