Spinach & lentil curry 🍛

Spinach & lentil curry 🍛 is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Sara - Nutrient Matters on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 43 min | Total: 1 hr 3 min

Cost: $8.74 total, $2.19 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Red Lentils (rinsed)
  • 4 cup Water (for boiling lentils)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 piece Onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 clove Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1 tsp Curry Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin
  • 0.5 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 cube Chicken Bouillon (or vegetable bouillon for vegetarian version)
  • 2 piece Tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 10 oz Spinach (fresh, washed and drained)
  • 0.25 cup Water (for simmering spinach)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 4 piece Naan Bread (toasted before serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook Lentils

    Rinse the red lentils, then place them in a large pot with 4 cups of salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until soft but not mushy.

    Time: PT20M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    While the lentils cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Toast Spices

    Add red chili powder, ground coriander, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and the bouillon cube to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute so the spices become aromatic.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Cook Tomatoes

    Add the chopped tomatoes and 1 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and become a soft, mushy base.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Combine Lentils

    Drain the cooked lentils in a colander and add them to the tomato‑spice mixture. Stir well to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add Spinach and Simmer

    Add the fresh spinach, 0.25 cup water, a pinch of salt and pepper to the pan. Cover and let simmer for 5‑10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and the curry reaches your desired consistency.

    Time: PT8M

  7. Finish and Serve

    Stir in the fresh lemon juice, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with toasted naan on the side.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
4g
Fiber
8g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (use vegetable bouillon), High protein, Low fat, Gluten‑free if naan omitted

Allergens: Contains gluten (if served with naan)

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Spinach & lentil curry 🍛

Recipe by Sara - Nutrient Matters

A cheap, nutritious, and flavorful Indian‑inspired spinach and lentil curry that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Soft lentils, aromatic spices, fresh tomatoes, and wilted spinach come together in a bright lemon‑finished sauce, served with toasted naan.

EasyIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
3m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
53m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.74
Total cost
$2.19
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking lentils until soft but not mushy
  • Toasting the spices for a minute to release aroma
  • Simmering spinach until fully wilted and incorporated

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot water and boiling lentils with care to avoid burns
  • Use a pot holder when removing the skillet from the stove
  • Watch the garlic closely; it can burn quickly
  • Use a sharp knife safely when chopping onion and garlic

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Spinach and Lentil Curry in Indian cuisine?

A

Lentils (dal) and leafy greens are staple foods in Indian households, providing affordable protein and nutrients. Combining them in a curry reflects the Indian tradition of creating balanced, one‑pot meals that are both nourishing and flavorful.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Spinach and Lentil Curry in Indian cuisine?

A

In North India, similar dishes often use ghee and garam masala, while South Indian versions may add coconut milk and mustard seeds. Some regions add tamarind for tanginess, but the core concept of lentils with greens remains consistent.

cultural
Q

How is Spinach and Lentil Curry traditionally served in India?

A

It is typically served hot with flatbreads such as roti, naan, or paratha, and accompanied by a side of plain rice or a dollop of yogurt to balance the spices.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Spinach and Lentil Curry commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

Because it is inexpensive and nutritious, it is a everyday family meal, but it also appears during fasting days (when meat is avoided) and at community gatherings where large pots are shared.

cultural
Q

What makes Spinach and Lentil Curry special within Indian vegetarian cuisine?

A

The dish pairs plant‑based protein from lentils with iron‑rich spinach, creating a complete, nutrient‑dense meal that is both hearty and quick to prepare, embodying the Indian principle of ‘food as medicine.’

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spinach and Lentil Curry?

A

Overcooking the lentils so they turn mushy, burning the garlic, and adding spinach too early (which can release excess water) are typical errors. Follow the timing steps and add spinach at the end for best texture.

technical
Q

Why does this Spinach and Lentil Curry recipe toast the spices for only one minute instead of longer?

A

A brief toast releases the essential oils without risking bitterness. Longer cooking can burn delicate spices like turmeric and chili powder, resulting in a harsh flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make Spinach and Lentil Curry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can cook the lentils and the tomato‑spice base a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, combine and add fresh spinach when reheating. Reheat gently on the stove and finish with lemon juice.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Spinach and Lentil Curry is done?

A

The lentils should be soft but hold their shape, the sauce should coat them lightly, and the spinach should be fully wilted, turning a deep green without excess liquid.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Spinach and Lentil Curry is fully cooked?

A

Taste a lentil; it should be tender with no crunch. The tomatoes should have broken down into a thick sauce, and the spinach should have reduced in volume and become glossy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sara - Nutrient Matters specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sara - Nutrient Matters focuses on affordable, nutrient‑dense recipes that emphasize whole foods, balanced macros, and practical cooking tips for health‑conscious home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Sara - Nutrient Matters' approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Sara - Nutrient Matters prioritizes cost‑effectiveness and nutritional analysis, often adapting traditional Indian dishes with simplified ingredient lists and clear macro breakdowns, whereas many other channels focus more on authentic techniques or restaurant‑style presentations.

channel

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