Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: One-Pot Recipes

Enjoy a trio of one-pan curries from India, Thailand, and the Caribbean for quick, flavorful meals. Each variation features aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, highlighting chickpeas, lentils, or sweet potatoes. The curries cook easily in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste. Serve these vibrant dishes with rice or flatbread for a complete vegetarian dinner. Adjust chili levels and ingredients for custom heat and dietary preferences. Perfect for weeknights, these curries offer hearty nutrition, bold flavors, and effortless versatility with plant-based options.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:06:00 GMT
Vibrant Indian chickpea curry simmering in a skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Save
Vibrant Indian chickpea curry simmering in a skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro. | cinnamonglow.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.

These curries quickly became my go-to options for busy evenings when I wanted something warming and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Each recipe offers its own unique twist, making it fun to switch between different cuisines without a lot of prep work.

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, cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and ginger, sauté 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, cook until fragrant (1 minute). Add tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir well, bring to 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 boil, reduce heat & simmer for 20 minutes, 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, cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and chili, cook 1 minute. Stir in curry powder, cook until fragrant (30 seconds). Add sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Creamy Thai red lentil curry bubbling with colorful bell peppers and fragrant spices.  Save
Creamy Thai red lentil curry bubbling with colorful bell peppers and fragrant spices. | cinnamonglow.com

Whenever I make these curries, my family gathers around the table eager to try a spoonful of each variety. The aroma fills the kitchen, promising a comforting meal that everyone enjoys together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve any of these curries with steamed basmati rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread. Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil add a bright finish to each bowl.

Allergen & Dietary Info

Contains coconut. Thai curry may contain soy and wheat (gluten). Swap soy sauce for tamari for gluten-free. Always check curry paste and broth labels for allergens and vegan certification.

Nutrition Details

Each serving contains about 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein. These one-pot curries provide hearty nutrition and satisfying flavor.

Hearty Caribbean sweet potato curry served with parsley and a touch of chili heat. Save
Hearty Caribbean sweet potato curry served with parsley and a touch of chili heat. | cinnamonglow.com

Try rotating these curries for meal planning throughout the week. Each makes tasty leftovers for lunches the next day.

Recipe FAQ Section

Can I use canned beans instead of chickpeas for the Indian variation?

Yes, you can substitute chickpeas with canned white beans or other legumes for a different texture and flavor.

Are these curries suitable for vegan diets?

Absolutely. Use plant-based curry paste and broth, and check labels to ensure all ingredients align with vegan standards.

How spicy are these curries?

Spice levels vary. Adjust chili quantities and curry pastes to suit your taste. Omit or add more chili for desired heat.

What sides pair well with these curries?

Serve with steamed rice, naan, or any favorite flatbread to complement the flavors and soak up the rich sauces.

Can I meal prep with these curries?

Yes, they store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated easily for quick meals.

Are these curries gluten-free?

All except the Thai lentil curry, which may include soy sauce. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce as a substitute.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Make flavorful, global curries with chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes, all in one pan for easy meals.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification One-Pot Recipes

Skill level Easy

Cultural Origin Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portion count

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
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

Method

Phase 01

Indian Chickpea Curry Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Aromatics Cooking: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Spice Blooming: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.

Phase 04

Simmering Curry: Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Mix thoroughly, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 05

Garnishing: Top with fresh cilantro before serving.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Curry Paste Addition: Add minced garlic and red curry paste; sauté for 1 minute.

Phase 08

Building the Curry Base: Stir in 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.

Phase 09

Final Flavoring: Stir in soy sauce and fresh lime juice. Garnish with basil or cilantro.

Phase 10

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

Phase 11

Chili and Garlic Cooking: Add minced garlic and Scotch bonnet or habanero chili; cook for 1 minute.

Phase 12

Spice Layer: Stir in curry powder and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.

Phase 13

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

Phase 14

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

Tools needed

  • 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 consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains coconut milk, which may be a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat (gluten); substitute with tamari for gluten-free.
  • Verify curry paste and broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

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