Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Global Kitchen

Discover a trio of easy, one-pan curries inspired by Indian, Thai, and Caribbean traditions. Chickpeas, red lentils, and sweet potatoes star alongside aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk for hearty, vegetarian mains. Cook everything in a single skillet or Dutch oven, saving time and effort. Each dish simmers to tender perfection with minimal prep and tool requirements. Serve with rice, naan, or flatbread, and adjust ingredients for vegan or gluten-free options. These curries are packed with flavor, offering warming comfort and a satisfying burst of global taste.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:21:00 GMT
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Save
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro. | tastychuck.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 wanted to offer something that brings the joy of cooking worldwide flavors into everyday routines. These curries were a hit in my home, and I loved watching everyone pick their favorite as we explored each one together.

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, adjust to taste), 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 and sauté 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala and 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 and 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 and 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.
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Every time I make this trio, it becomes an event in our kitchen. Once, my nephew insisted on taste-testing every curry and declared the sweet potato version his champion.

Serving Suggestions

Pair curries with steamed rice, naan, or a warm flatbread for the full experience. A light cucumber salad or mango chutney on the side complements the flavors beautifully.

Allergen Tips

Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen. Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat. Use tamari for gluten-free curries, and always check curry paste and broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Highlights

Each serving provides balanced nutrition: about 360 calories with 13 g of fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein. Naturally plant-based, these curries are hearty and filling.

Aromatic Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling with colorful vegetables and herbs, ready to serve.  Save
Aromatic Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling with colorful vegetables and herbs, ready to serve. | tastychuck.com

With these single-pan curries, weeknight dinners are guaranteed to be flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy a taste of the world without leaving your kitchen.

Recipe Guide

Can I make these curries vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based curry paste and vegetable broth, and verify all labels for vegan suitability.

What side dishes pair well with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread complement the curries. Try cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Add or reduce chili and curry paste to fit your preferred heat. Omit the chili in Caribbean curry for a milder taste.

What tools are needed for cooking?

A large skillet or Dutch oven, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups, and a wooden spoon are essential.

Are there gluten-free options?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce in the Thai curry and check labels for gluten-free broth and curry paste.

How can I add protein to these dishes?

Add tofu, tempeh, or extra beans to boost protein content while keeping the dishes vegetarian or vegan.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Three world-inspired curries, each crafted in a single pan for simple, flavor-packed meals.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
30 min
Full duration
45 min
Created by Chuck Harrison


Skill level Easy

Heritage Global

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition Labels 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 (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 (optional)
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

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, approximately 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute. Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Garnish and Serve Chickpea Curry: Finish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Add Curry Paste and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and Thai red curry paste; cook for 1 minute.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

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

Phase 10

Add Aromatics and Spices: Add minced garlic and chili; sauté for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.

Phase 11

Combine Sweet Potatoes and Beans: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Phase 12

Cook and Garnish Sweet Potato Curry: Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and wheat; substitute tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Check curry paste and vegetable broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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