Single-Pan Global Curries

Experience the ease and depth of global flavors with this collection of three distinct one-pan curries. Each dish draws inspiration from Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines, highlighting ingredients such as chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes simmered in aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. Quick to prepare and even easier to clean up, these curries are perfect for a busy weeknight, serving up vibrant colors and satisfying nutrition. With vegetarian and vegan options and a variety of garnishes, enjoy a delicious taste adventure—all made in a single pan.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:47:00 GMT
Vibrant single-pan global curries showcasing rich flavors and colorful ingredients. Save
Vibrant single-pan global curries showcasing rich flavors and colorful ingredients. | butterhearth.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.

Making global curries in a single pan has made my weeknight meals much simpler. The variety of flavors makes my family excited for dinner every time.

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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We love settling around the table to try each curry with fresh rice and naan, laughing about whose favorite changes each week.

Required Tools

Large skillet or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains coconut, which is a tree nut allergen. Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat. Use tamari for gluten-free. Always check labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Approximately 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein per serving

A delicious Indian chickpea curry simmered to perfection with bold spices and coconut milk. Save
A delicious Indian chickpea curry simmered to perfection with bold spices and coconut milk. | butterhearth.com

With minimal prep and plenty of flavor, these curries bring global taste to your kitchen in just one pan.

Recipe Questions

Can I use canned beans instead of chickpeas?

Yes, white beans or even kidney beans make a great substitute for chickpeas in the Indian curry, resulting in a slightly different texture but similar results.

How can I make the Thai curry gluten-free?

Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy alternative to keep the curry gluten-free.

What sides pair well with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or any flatbread work well, soaking up sauces and complementing the global flavors.

How spicy are these curries?

Each curry can be adjusted to taste. The Caribbean version is the spiciest due to scotch bonnet chili, but you can use less or omit it for milder heat.

Are there vegan options available?

All three curries have vegan adaptations. Ensure pantry basics like curry paste and broth are plant-based to make them fully vegan.

Can I prepare these curries ahead?

Yes, the curries keep well in the fridge and flavors deepen overnight. Simply reheat and serve with your preferred sides.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Easy one-pan curries showcase global flavors with chickpeas, lentils, sweet potatoes, and rich seasonings.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 4 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 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

Stage 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute. Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, cooking for 1 minute until spices become aromatic. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir thoroughly, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Stage 02

Make Thai Red Lentil Curry: Warm coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Mix in garlic and Thai red curry paste; sauté for 1 minute. Incorporate rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and bell pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring periodically, until lentils are tender. Blend soy sauce and lime juice into the curry, then garnish with basil or cilantro.

Stage 03

Cook Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and chili; sauté for 1 minute. Add curry powder, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Integrate diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Finish with fresh 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 component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat (gluten). Substitute with tamari for gluten-free option.
  • Check curry paste and broth labels for cross-contamination and allergen content.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Protein Content: 12 g