Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: One-Pot Wonders

Bring global flavors to your kitchen with three vibrant curries, each made in just one pan. Savor an Indian chickpea blend, Thai-inspired red lentils, and a Caribbean sweet potato combination—all loaded with fresh aromatics and simmered until tender. Flexible for different diets, these curries are a perfect option for busy nights, providing maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Serve them alongside rice or flatbreads and customize heat or protein with simple swaps to suit your taste. Each dish delivers a unique taste of its regional heritage, all with straightforward cooking and accessible ingredients.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:21:00 GMT
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Pin
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro. | potfuljoy.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 serving these curries for casual dinner parties because each one brings a unique taste adventure that sparks conversation. The simplicity of making them all in one pan means I can enjoy more time with friends and less time in the kitchen.

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.
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| potfuljoy.com

My family gets excited when we rotate these curries through our meal plan. Everyone has a favorite but there are never leftovers, because the flavors win over even picky eaters.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread for a complete meal. Fresh lemon or lime wedges add a bright finish.

Ingredient Swaps

Chickpeas can be swapped for white beans or lentils, and sweet potatoes for pumpkin or squash. Try split peas instead of lentils for extra variety.

Nutrition

Average per serving: 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein.

A colorful bowl of Thai Red Lentil Curry with coconut milk and fresh basil on top.  Pin
A colorful bowl of Thai Red Lentil Curry with coconut milk and fresh basil on top. | potfuljoy.com

These quick curries make weeknights feel special. Enjoy experimenting with spice blends and fresh herbs for your own twist.

Recipe Q&A

Can these curries be made vegan?

Yes, ensure the curry paste and broth are plant-based, and these dishes are fully vegan-friendly.

What can I serve with these curries?

Pair them with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread to complement the bold flavors and create a satisfying meal.

How can I adjust the heat level?

Modify the amount of chili added, or select a mild or hot curry paste depending on your preference for spice.

Are there ingredient substitutions available?

Swap chickpeas for white beans or lentils with split peas for variety, and choose tamari for a gluten-free option.

Which kitchen tools are required?

You'll need a large skillet or Dutch oven, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons, and a wooden spoon.

Are these curries suitable for meal prep?

Yes, they reheat well and are great for preparing in advance to enjoy on busy weekdays.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Experience easy, vibrant curries from Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines, all cooked simply in a single pan.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
30 min
Total time
45 min

Category One-Pot Wonders

Difficulty Easy

Origin Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Dairy-free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Aromatics for Indian Curry: Add garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 03

Toast Spices for Indian Curry: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Simmer Indian Curry: Incorporate tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Mix well, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Finish Indian Chickpea Curry: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Step 10

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

Step 11

Add Aromatics for Caribbean Curry: Add minced garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute.

Step 12

Toast Curry Powder for Caribbean Curry: Add curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 13

Simmer Caribbean Curry: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and bring to a simmer.

Step 14

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

Step 15

Finish Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Garnish with fresh parsley.

Required equipment

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

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains coconut, which is a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce used in Thai curry may include soy and wheat (gluten). Use tamari for gluten-free adaptation.
  • Check labels for curry paste and broth to ensure allergen disclosures.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 360
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbs: 48 g
  • Protein: 12 g