Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Flavor Rush

Explore three vibrant curries—Indian chickpea, Thai lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato—all easily cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup. Each dish harnesses bold spices and creamy coconut milk, with options to adjust heat and swap ingredients for variety. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, these flavorful curries pair beautifully with rice or flatbread for satisfying, globally-inspired meals in under an hour. Perfect for weeknights, just garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:20:00 GMT
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering with spices and topped with fresh cilantro.  Save
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering with spices and topped with fresh cilantro. | fryflick.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 tried making one-pot curries on busy weeknights and was amazed how quickly everything came together in just one pan. Each version has found a regular place in my rotation thanks to both simplicity and taste.

Ingredients

  • Indian Chickpea Curry: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1-inch fresh ginger (grated), 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz/400 g), 2 cans chickpeas (14 oz/400 g each, drained and rinsed), 1 cup coconut milk (240 ml), 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 red lentils (200 g, rinsed), 1 can coconut milk (14 oz/400 ml), 2 cups vegetable broth (480 ml), 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 can coconut milk (14 oz/400 ml), 1 can black beans (14 oz/400 g, drained and rinsed), 1 cup vegetable broth (240 ml), 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, 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.
Delicious Thai Red Lentil Curry filled with colorful vegetables and rich coconut milk.  Save
Delicious Thai Red Lentil Curry filled with colorful vegetables and rich coconut milk. | fryflick.com

Cooking these curries together has become a fun family ritual. Everyone picks their favorite and helps with chopping or stirring, so dinner becomes a team effort and a time to catch up after a busy 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, and always check curry paste and broth for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving average: Calories: 360, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 12 g

Hearty Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry garnished with parsley, perfect for cozy dinners. Save
Hearty Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry garnished with parsley, perfect for cozy dinners. | fryflick.com

These global curries are packed with nutrition and flavor, all ready from one pan. Your dinner routine just became simpler and more exciting.

Recipe Guide

Can I make these curries vegan?

Yes, simply ensure your curry pastes and vegetable broths are vegan-friendly, and substitute soy sauce with tamari if needed.

What can I serve with these curries?

Enjoy them with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Is the spice level adjustable?

Absolutely—reduce or omit chili in the Caribbean curry, or use mild curry paste for the Thai curry to suit your taste.

Which kitchen tools do I need?

You’ll need a large pan or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring tools, and a wooden spoon for best results.

Are these curries suitable for meal prep?

Yes, all curries store well in the fridge and reheat easily, making them excellent for preparing ahead of busy nights.

Can I use different legumes or beans?

Certainly! Swap chickpeas with white beans, or lentils with split peas for new flavors and textures.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Try three vibrant one-pan curries, blending Indian, Thai, and Caribbean flavors. Quick, wholesome meals for any night.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Olivia Parker


Complexity Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines 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 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
10 2 (14 ounce) cans 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 (14 ounce) can 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 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
08 1 (14 ounce) can 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. Sauté chopped onion until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute. Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Blend thoroughly, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro prior to serving.

Phase 02

Cook Thai Red Lentil Curry: Warm coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and curry paste; cook for 1 minute. Integrate rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and sliced bell pepper. Elevate heat to bring mixture to a boil, then decrease to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring periodically, until lentils are tender. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Serve garnished with fresh basil or cilantro.

Phase 03

Make Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion, cooking until softened for about 5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and minced chili; cook for 1 minute. Add curry powder and cook until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds. Stir in diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen. Thai curry includes soy sauce, which may contain soy and wheat (gluten); use tamari for gluten-free option. Verify curry paste and broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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