Easy Cauliflower & Lentil Curry (Vegan)

This Easy Cauliflower & Lentil Curry is the perfect meat-free, midweek family feast. Delicious, filling & fuss-free it is packed with veggie goodness. 

We are huge fans of curries here! Even the kids are willing to devour dishes with a bit more heat to what they used to, although I don’t think we will go full throttle with the chillies any time soon! This lovely cauliflower and red lentils based veggie curry (dhal) is an example of milder fare which will suit all the palates. Having said that, if you like some heat I’ve got few tips on how you can adjust it without much hassle, just read on!

Why is this curry so wonderful?

• Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish meaning you don’t need to wait for the weekend and more time on your hands to be able to enjoy it.
• It’s the perfect midweek family dinner (as per above)!
• Perfect Meat-Free Monday dinner if you’re trying to limit your meat intake a bit.
• Fragrant and full of flavour yet on the mild side so that your entire family can enjoy it.
• Easily adaptable as per your spice tolerance!
• Super wholesome and packed full of veg!
• Naturally gluten and dairy-free
• It’s really, really delicious! Proper comfort food!

I’m not a fan of mild curries, how can I make it more spicy?

I totally get it. Since having children I was forced to curb my enthusiasm when adding chillies to my favourite spicy dishes which hasn’t been easy! I have learnt to enjoy the fragrance and flavour more these days but I have also learnt few tricks to adjust dishes to my taste if I indeed fancy something more spicy.

I do swear by chilli infused olive oil (this is the one* I use and love).  A little drizzle over the plated portion and I’m in business! Although it might not be very authentic, it is, however, an effective way of getting some spice. Alternatively, you can sprinkle your portion with some dried chilli flakes or some cayenne pepper will work too.

If you, however, are not making this curry with children in mind you can simply use hotter curry paste (rather than korma I’ve used here) and/or add a chopped red chilli into the mix and add it at the same time as curry paste and other spices. Whether you leave the seeds in or out is entirely up to you!

Tips and answers you may find helpful when making Easy Cauliflower & Lentil Curry

The cooked curry has got consistency of a dahl (lentil based curry) which makes sense considering there is a substantial amount of lentils here. The great thing about dried lentils as opposed to other dried beans and pulses is that they cook very quickly and there is no need to pre-soak them. Simply add them as they are and they will cook in no time. Some people tend to rinse lentils briefly before adding to dishes but personally, I haven’t noticed any difference in the texture or cooking time so I usually don’t bother.

This curry is perfect for batch cooking and freezing too. Simply pop it in the freezer proof containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight or if you find yourself in a last minute dinner panic (I’ve been there on more than one occasion) simply use microwave or decant it into the pot and defrost on low heat on the stovetop. This curry can be also prepared in advance and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. As with most curries, the flavours will intensify the longer they have a chance to develop.

Easy Cauliflower and Lentil Curry Serving Suggestions

This veggie and lentil curry or dhal would be perfect as a part of an Indian food banquet but on this particular occasion I served it with some brown rice and my no yeast Easy Flatbreads.

My Easy Indian Spiced Basmati Rice or Easy Turmeric Rice would make this feast even more special and my yeast-free Easy Naan Bread would be perfect for mopping your plate clean! Little drizzle of homemade Cucumber Raita and you’re all set.

How to make Easy Cauliflower & Lentil Curry – Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Heat up the oil in a large pot with a lid, add chopped onion and garlic and fry for 5-8 minutes until softened and translucent but not coloured.

2. Add curry paste, tomato puree and all the spices and fry them with onions for a couple of minutes. At this point your kitchen will start to smell amazing!

4. Add cauliflower florets and make sure they are immersed in the liquid. Bring curry to boil, cover (at which point you lower the heat) and simmer for about 10 min stirring from time to time.

5. After 10 minutes add cubed sweet potato making sure it is immersed in the liquid. You might need to add a splash of water or stock if mixture is getting a bit dry. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until both cauliflower and sweet potato are tender.

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5 from 11 votes

Easy Cauliflower & Lentil Curry (Vegan)

This Easy Cauliflower & Lentil Curry is the perfect meat-free, midweek family feast. Delicious, filling & fuss-free it is packed with veggie goodness. 

Course Curry, Main Course, Vegetarian

Cuisine British, Indian

Keyword Cauliflower Curry, Dhal, Lentil Curry, Meat-Free, Midweek Meal, Vegan Curry, Vegetarian Curry

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 387kcal

Author Jo Allison

Ingredients

Metric - US Customary

• 1 large cauliflower broken into florets and large florets cut in half
• 1 large sweet potato peeled and cubed
• 2 handfuls fresh spinach optional
• 200 g red lentils
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves finely chopped or minced
• 500 ml vegetable stock (from cube is fine)
• 1 tin (400ml/13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
• 50 g mild korma curry paste or curry paste of your choice
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tsp (heaped) turmeric
• 1 tsp (heaped) ground coriander
• 2 tsp (heaped) garam masala
• 1 tsp black mustard seeds
• juice of one lemon or to taste
• small bunch of coriander/cilantro (leaves and stalks) finely chopped, some saved for garnish
• 2 tbsp rapeseed or coconut oil

Instructions

• Heat up the oil in a large pot with a lid, add chopped onion and garlic and fry for 5-8 minutes until softened and translucent but not coloured.
• Add curry paste, tomato puree and all the spices and fry them with onions for a couple of minutes. At this point your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
• Add lentils followed quickly by veggie stock and coconut milk. Keep stirring and prodding until the solid part of the coconut milk melts into the liquid.
• Add cauliflower florets and make sure they are immersed in the liquid. Bring curry to boil, cover (at which point you lower the heat) and simmer for about 10 min stirring from time to time.
• After 10 minutes add cubed sweet potato making sure it is immersed in the liquid. You might need to add a splash of water or stock if mixture is getting a bit dry. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until both cauliflower and sweet potato are tender. 
• Add two handfuls of fresh spinach leaves and mix it in. 
• Take curry off the heat, taste and season well with salt and pepper. Add the juice of one lemon (or to taste) and mix in chopped coriander/cilantro stalks and leaves (leaving some leaves as garnish).
• Serve with rice and/or flat breads of your choice. 

Notes

• Nutritional information is approximate and should be treated as a guideline only.
• I used mild korma curry paste here but you could use your favourite curry paste instead.
• If you fancy some extra heat, feel free to use small chopped chilli (without or with seeds if you're brave) and add it as you are adding curry paste and spices.
• You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Cook it as per packaging instructions and stir it in at the very end.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Easy Cauliflower & Lentil Curry (Vegan)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 387 Calories from Fat 198

% Daily Value*

Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 14g70%

Cholesterol 0mg0%

Sodium 395mg16%

Potassium 956mg27%

Carbohydrates 38g13%

Fiber 15g60%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 13g26%

Vitamin A 5530IU111%

Vitamin C 55.5mg67%

Calcium 87mg9%

Iron 5mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Some more lovely curries & similar recipes you might enjoy:

Tarka Dhal with Spinach (Vegan)

Easy Butter Chicken Curry

Jamie Oliver’s Inspired Chicken Tikka Masala

Easy Veggie Lentil & Bean Chilli

30-minute Vegetable Egg Fried Rice

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