Indian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, colors, and aromas that captivate food lovers worldwide. Among its many treasures, vegan Indian curries stand out for their rich spices and hearty ingredients that satisfy both body and soul.
This vegan Indian curry with cauliflower and lentils is a perfect example — a wholesome, comforting dish that’s not only nourishing but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this curry offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Using everyday pantry staples like red lentils and cauliflower, this recipe delivers a creamy, aromatic curry with layers of traditional Indian spices. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or for meal prep during the week.
Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein and fiber, making it a win-win for both your health and your taste buds. Ready to dive into a bowl of vibrant, flavorful comfort?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Indian curry brings together the best of wholesome ingredients and authentic Indian spices in one pot. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Nutritious and filling: Cauliflower and lentils provide a great source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
- Rich layers of flavor: The combination of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala creates an irresistible aroma and depth.
- Simple and budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and fresh produce, perfect for everyday meals.
- Versatile: Enjoy it with rice, flatbreads, or even in wraps for a satisfying vegan feast.
- Meal prep friendly: Keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for rinsing lentils
- Grater for ginger
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the lentils and cauliflower: Rinse the red lentils in cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and rinse under running water.
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. When they begin to crackle, proceed to the next step.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in the turmeric, coriander, chili powder, ground cinnamon, and garam masala. Stir well to coat the onions and release the spices’ aromas, cooking for 1 minute.
- Incorporate tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes (or crushed canned tomatoes) and cook until the mixture thickens slightly and oil begins to separate from the masala, about 5 minutes.
- Add lentils and cauliflower: Pour in the rinsed lentils and cauliflower florets. Stir to combine everything evenly with the spice mixture.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth or water and season with salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the cauliflower is tender.
- Adjust consistency: If the curry is too thick, add a little more water or broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
- Finish with lemon and cilantro: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips & Variations
For a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
- Spice level: Adjust chili powder according to your preference, or add fresh green chilies for more heat.
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add diced potatoes, carrots, or peas for extra veggies.
- Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free but double-check your broth ingredients to be sure.
- Batch cooking tip: This curry freezes beautifully. Portion into airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners.
- Protein boost: Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (serves 4) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 14 g |
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Vitamin C | 45% DV |
Iron | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan Indian curry is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to enjoy it to the fullest:
- Serve over steamed basmati rice or with fluffy quinoa for a complete meal.
- Pair with warm naan or chapati to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Top with a dollop of vegan yogurt or coconut cream for added creaminess.
- Accompany with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad for refreshing contrast.
- For a heartier meal, serve alongside spiced roasted potatoes or a lentil-based side dish.
Conclusion
This vegan Indian curry with cauliflower and lentils is a beautiful example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create an extraordinary meal. Its rich aromas, vibrant colors, and comforting textures make it a standout dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping ahead.
Beyond being delicious, it’s nutritious and easy to customize based on your pantry and spice preferences.
Incorporating this curry into your recipe arsenal opens the door to exploring more vegan Indian delights that celebrate plant-based eating without sacrificing flavor. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our Bok Choy Indian Recipe, a refreshing twist on traditional curry, or our hearty Boots And Sonny’S Chili Recipe, which is perfect for chilly evenings.
For a delightful breakfast option, check out the Breakfast Wellington Recipe, a savory start to your day.
Give this curry a try and savor the warmth of Indian spices in a wholesome, vegan meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
📖 Recipe Card: All Recipes Vegan Indian Curry with Cauliflower and Lentils
Description: A flavorful vegan Indian curry combining tender cauliflower and protein-rich lentils in a spiced tomato sauce. This hearty dish is perfect served with rice or flatbread.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and toast until fragrant.
- Add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in turmeric, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder; cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add lentils, cauliflower florets, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils and cauliflower are tender.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 45 g
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