Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Meals

Experience vibrant flavors with three easy, single-pan curries inspired by Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines. Minimal prep and bold spices make these dishes ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy chickpeas, red lentils, and sweet potatoes simmered in aromatic coconut milk with herbs and savory vegetables. Flexible options include vegan variations and adjustable heat. Serve each fragrant curry alongside rice or flatbread for a filling vegetarian meal. Each dish comes together in under an hour, allowing you to savor a world of taste with little fuss. Easy prep tools and allergy-friendly suggestions included for convenience.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:51:00 GMT
Vibrant Single-Pan Global Curries showcasing rich colors and fresh ingredients in an elegant bowl.  Pin it
Vibrant Single-Pan Global Curries showcasing rich colors and fresh ingredients in an elegant bowl. | weeknightwhisk.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 first made these curries on a busy evening and loved how effortlessly the house filled with rich, spicy aromas. Each pan brought its own unique flair, and my family enjoyed taste-testing flavors from three continents without leaving the kitchen.

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.
A steaming bowl of Single-Pan Global Curries, perfect for easy weeknight dinners with bold flavors.  Pin it
A steaming bowl of Single-Pan Global Curries, perfect for easy weeknight dinners with bold flavors. | weeknightwhisk.com

My family loves gathering around the table as we pick our favorite curry each time. Our youngest usually chooses the sweet potato version, while the adults enjoy adding extra herbs on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these curries with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread for a complete meal. Swap chickpeas with white beans, or lentils with split peas for variety based on what you have on hand.

Tools Needed

All you need is a large skillet or Dutch oven, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving provides approximately 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein.

Single-Pan Global Curries highlighting a diverse range of spices and textures for adventurous eaters. Pin it
Single-Pan Global Curries highlighting a diverse range of spices and textures for adventurous eaters. | weeknightwhisk.com

Try pairing each curry with a different side or bread for a world tour at dinner. You will love how leftovers taste even better the next day.

Common Questions

Can I make all three curries together?

Yes, each curry can be made sequentially or in separate pans to offer a diverse meal with global flavors.

Are these curries suitable for vegans?

All recipes are vegetarian and can be made vegan by choosing plant-based broth and curry paste.

How can I adjust the spiciness?

Increase or decrease chili in the Caribbean curry, and adjust curry paste in the Thai variety to suit your taste.

What can I serve with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbreads pair perfectly, making the curries a complete and satisfying meal.

Are there allergen concerns I should watch for?

Coconut and soy sauce are present; use tamari and verify ingredient labels for gluten-free and allergy safety.

Can I substitute beans or lentils in these dishes?

Chickpeas can be swapped for white beans, and lentils for split peas, offering variety and adaptability.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Three bold curries, global flavors, one pan. A simple weeknight dinner with Indian, Thai, and Caribbean inspiration.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Time Needed
45 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free, 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 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, 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

Step-by-Step

Step 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 02

Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Add Spices: Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir and cook for 1 minute.

Step 04

Simmer Curry Base: Incorporate diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Finish and Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro prior to serving.

Step 06

Prepare Thai Red Lentil Curry: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, roughly 4 minutes.

Step 07

Introduce Aromatics: Add minced garlic and red curry paste; sauté for 1 minute.

Step 08

Simmer Components: Combine lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, carrot slices, and red bell pepper. Bring to boil; reduce to simmer and cook for 20 minutes until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 09

Season and Garnish: Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Finish with basil or cilantro.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Aromatics and Spice: Add minced garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds till fragrant.

Step 12

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

Step 13

Cook Covered: Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 14

Garnish: Top with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools Required

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

Allergy Notice

Go through every ingredient to identify allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Thai curry contains soy sauce, which may include soy and wheat (gluten). Use tamari for gluten-free preparation.
  • Check curry paste and broth labels for additional allergens.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Nutrition details are for general reference and shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Content: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g