Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: One-Pot Recipes

Experience a trio of vibrant curries featuring global inspiration, ready in one pan and packed with rich spices and silky coconut milk. Chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes star in Indian, Thai, and Caribbean variations. Quick prep and streamlined steps make each dish weeknight-friendly. Finish with fresh herbs and serve alongside rice or breads. Adapt ingredients for vegan or gluten-free needs and adjust heat to taste. These satisfying, fuss-free mains are full of bold flavor and wholesome ingredients ideal for sharing.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:15:00 GMT
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Pin
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro. | forkandbloom.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.

When I first began experimenting with global curries, the joy of using just a single pan made weeknights so much more relaxed. These curries invite you to travel the world from your kitchen while enjoying comforting flavors 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), 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.
Thai Red Lentil Curry:
Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion. 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. 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 curries has become a family tradition on busy evenings, where everyone has their favorite. Seeing my kids request the Caribbean sweet potato version always brings a smile.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread. Fresh garnishes like cilantro or basil bring out each curry's unique flavor.

Tool Recommendations

A large skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for making all three curries. A sharp chefs knife and sturdy wooden spoon make prep and cooking a breeze.

Nutrition Information

Each serving averages 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein. These numbers are perfect for those watching their intake but still wanting plenty of satisfaction.

Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling with colorful vegetables and rich coconut milk.  Pin
Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling with colorful vegetables and rich coconut milk. | forkandbloom.com

Whichever curry you choose, you will travel the world without leaving your kitchen. Quick, flavorful, and ideal for sharing: these curries will make any evening special.

Recipe Q&A

Can these curries be made vegan?

Yes, simply use plant-based curry paste and broth. All other listed ingredients are suitable for vegan cooking.

What sides pair well with these dishes?

Serve with steamed rice, naan, flatbread, or grains like quinoa for balanced, hearty meals.

How spicy are these curries?

Heat level can be adjusted by varying chili amounts or curry paste. Omit or add chilies for personal preference.

Can I substitute beans or lentils?

Swap chickpeas for white beans, or red lentils for split peas to suit your taste or pantry supplies.

Are these curries gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free option and check labels on curry paste and broth.

What tools are needed to prepare these?

A large pan, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon are recommended.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy vibrant, fuss-free one-pan curries from Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines for flavorful weeknight meals.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min

Category One-Pot Recipes

Skill level Easy

Origin Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Yield 4 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Dairy-free

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, 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, chopped, 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)
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

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute. Incorporate cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Step 02

Prepare Thai Red Lentil Curry: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and Thai red curry paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and red bell pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft. Add soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro.

Step 03

Prepare Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and chili, cooking for 1 minute. Add curry powder and sauté for 30 seconds to release aroma. Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, drained black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Finish with chopped parsley as garnish.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat (gluten); opt for tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Always confirm labels of curry paste and vegetable broth for potential allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 360
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbs: 48 g
  • Protein: 12 g