Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Dinner Winners

Experience a trio of fast, flavorful curries—Indian chickpea, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato—all prepared in a single pan for simple clean-up and convenient weeknight cooking. Each curry uses coconut milk for richness, aromatic spices for depth, and fresh herbs for a vibrant finish. Serve with rice, naan, or flatbreads to round out the dish. Options for vegan adaptations make these curries ideal for varied diets, while customizable spice levels provide comfort or heat. With straightforward steps and easily sourced ingredients, you’ll bring global flavors to your table in 45 minutes.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:10:00 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. | tastybattle.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 love making these curries when I crave variety but want minimal clean-up. Each recipe offers a unique taste adventure and is a hit with both friends and family!

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.
Colorful Thai red lentil curry in a bowl, topped with basil and lime zest.  Save
Colorful Thai red lentil curry in a bowl, topped with basil and lime zest. | tastybattle.com

Serving these curries together is a family favorite in our home, especially when everyone wants to try a little bit of everything. We gather around with warm rice and naan, sharing stories and global flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Pair curries with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread. Try serving with a side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for contrast.

Allergen & Nutrition Info

Each curry contains coconut. Thai curry may include soy and wheat. Average per serving: 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein.

Make Ahead & Storage

Curry leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Delicious Caribbean sweet potato curry served in a rustic dish, drizzled with coconut milk. Save
Delicious Caribbean sweet potato curry served in a rustic dish, drizzled with coconut milk. | tastybattle.com

These one-pan global curries bring travel-inspired flavors to your table in under an hour. Enjoy customizing each dish and making it your own!

Recipe Questions

Can I substitute chickpeas in the Indian curry?

Yes, you can use white beans, kidney beans, or even lentils for a different texture and flavor.

How can I make the curries vegan?

Use plant-based curry paste and broth, and ensure no animal products are present in added ingredients.

What can I serve with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, pita, or flatbread complement each curry well and soak up the flavorful sauces.

How do I adjust the heat level?

Add more or less chili according to your taste. For mild curries, omit hot chilies altogether.

Are these curries gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free; use tamari in place of soy sauce for a fully gluten-free meal.

Do I need special equipment to cook these curries?

A large skillet or Dutch oven, knife, cutting board, and measuring tools are all you need for preparation.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy three flavorful curries inspired by Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines, all cooked in a single pan.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portions

Nutritional specifications 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
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

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about five minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for one minute until aromatic. Incorporate ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; cook one minute to release flavors. Stir in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Simmer uncovered for fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally. Finish with fresh cilantro.

Phase 02

Cook Thai Red Lentil Curry: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, approximately four minutes. Add garlic and Thai red curry paste, cooking for one minute. Stir in rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and red bell pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for twenty minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender. Season with soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro.

Phase 03

Prepare Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté sliced onion until softened, about five minutes. Add minced garlic and chili, stirring one minute. Sprinkle in curry powder and cook, stirring, for thirty seconds until fragrant. Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for twenty minutes until sweet potatoes are tender. Finish with fresh parsley.

Necessary tools

  • 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 seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and may have wheat; use gluten-free tamari if needed.
  • Review curry paste and broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

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