Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: One-Pot Comfort Meals

Enjoy a vibrant trio of curries, each crafted in a single pan for fuss-free cooking and bold flavors. This collection features hearty Indian chickpea, fragrant Thai red lentil, and tropical Caribbean sweet potato blends. With just 45 minutes needed, you’ll savor exotic spices, creamy coconut milk, wholesome legumes, and colorful veggies in every bite. Perfect for weeknights, these dishes offer delicious, vegetarian-friendly options with simple steps and minimal equipment. Serve alongside rice or bread for a satisfying meal and adjust heat levels to your liking, making these curries suitable for varied palates.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:01:00 GMT
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a single pan, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Save
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a single pan, garnished with fresh cilantro. | fireandbites.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 when my friends requested a global dinner night. Each recipe came together quickly in one pan, and the kitchen smelled amazing as the spices mingled with coconut milk.

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 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.
Save
| fireandbites.com

I remember serving these curries family-style for a weekend lunch. Everyone enjoyed sampling each variety, and the leftovers were just as delicious the next day.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains coconut (tree nut allergen). Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat. Use tamari for gluten-free option. Check curry paste and broth labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 360, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 12 g (per serving, average across curries)

Creamy Thai Red Lentil Curry filled with vegetables, topped with fragrant basil leaves.  Save
Creamy Thai Red Lentil Curry filled with vegetables, topped with fragrant basil leaves. | fireandbites.com

Serve these curries with steamed rice or naan for a complete, satisfying meal. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste and enjoy fresh, global flavors in your kitchen.

Common Questions

Can I make these curries vegan?

Yes, use plant-based curry paste and broth, and verify all ingredients are vegan-friendly for each dish.

What can I serve with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread pair perfectly with any of these flavorful curries.

How spicy are these dishes?

Each curry offers adjustable heat—add or reduce chili and curry paste to suit your taste preference.

Can white beans or split peas be substituted?

Absolutely; swap chickpeas for white beans or lentils for split peas to vary textures and flavors.

What tools are needed for preparation?

A large skillet or Dutch oven, chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons, and wooden spoon are useful.

Are there common allergens in these curries?

Coconut is present in all curries; check soy sauce and curry paste labels for soy, wheat, or other allergens.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Discover easy one-pan Indian, Thai, and Caribbean curries bursting with flavor and perfect for busy evenings.

Setup Duration
15 min
Time at Heat
30 min
Complete Duration
45 min
Created by Logan Hayes

Recipe Type One-Pot Comfort Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 4 Portion Count

Special Diet 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 diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
10 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (14 ounces each)
11 1 cup coconut milk
12 1 teaspoon salt
13 Fresh cilantro, chopped, 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 coconut milk (14 ounces)
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 coconut milk (14 ounces)
08 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (14 ounces)
09 1 cup vegetable broth
10 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method Steps

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Aromatics for Indian Curry: Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for 1 minute until aromatic.

Phase 03

Spice Blooming: Incorporate cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; cook 1 minute to develop flavors.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Finish Indian Curry: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro prior to serving.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Flavor Base for Thai Curry: Add minced garlic and Thai red curry paste; sauté 1 minute.

Phase 08

Simmer Lentil Mixture: Add rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and red bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.

Phase 09

Finish Thai Lentil Curry: Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro before serving.

Phase 10

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

Phase 11

Aromatics and Spice for Caribbean Curry: Add minced garlic and chili; cook 1 minute. Incorporate curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Phase 12

Simmer Sweet Potato Mixture: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, drained black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Phase 13

Cook Caribbean Curry: Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Phase 14

Finish Caribbean Curry: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley prior to serving.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, classified as a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat (gluten); use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Always review labels for curry paste and broth to verify allergen presence.

Dietary Information (Single Portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific dietary advice.
  • Energy Content: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g