Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: One-Pot Comforts

This collection brings together three zesty curries from Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines, all easily prepared in a single pan. Chickpea, red lentil, and sweet potato base options make each dish hearty and nutritious. Aromatic spices combine with coconut milk to deliver creaminess and depth, and fresh herbs add brightness. With easy steps and minimal clean-up, this set is perfect for busy nights, offering a variety of flavors sure to please vegetarian and vegan diners. Serve with rice, naan, or flatbreads for a complete meal, adjusting spice level as desired and customizing protein and vegetables to taste.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:32:00 GMT
A vibrant Single-Pan Global Curry featuring chickpeas, coconut milk, and fresh cilantro.  Save
A vibrant Single-Pan Global Curry featuring chickpeas, coconut milk, and fresh cilantro. | kookycrunch.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 these curries when I wanted quick, flavorful dinners from different cuisines without using lots of pots. Ever since, this single-pan approach has become a weeknight staple in my kitchen.

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 (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 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.
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, 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.
Savory Thai Red Lentil Curry with tender carrots and aromatic basil for added flavor.  Save
Savory Thai Red Lentil Curry with tender carrots and aromatic basil for added flavor. | kookycrunch.com

Making these curries always brings everyone around the table. Each person gets to pick their favorite, and my kids love helping garnish them at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the curries with steamed rice or flatbread to soak up the delicious sauces. Naan pairs wonderfully with the Indian curry.

Ingredient Swaps

Swap chickpeas for white beans or lentils for split peas to vary textures and flavors, based on what you have on hand.

Allergen Tips

If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check labels for coconut products.

Colorful Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry, brimming with spices and topped with fresh parsley. Save
Colorful Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry, brimming with spices and topped with fresh parsley. | kookycrunch.com

Enjoy these easy global curries as a comforting, flavorful meal any night of the week. They make great leftovers and keep well for lunch the next day.

Recipe FAQ

Can I swap chickpeas for another legume?

Yes, white beans or other legumes work well and absorb flavors from the spices and coconut milk.

Is the dish suitable for vegan diets?

All curries can be made vegan by ensuring the curry paste and broth are plant-based.

How spicy are these curries?

Spice levels vary; adjust chili and curry paste to taste for mild or more robust heat.

What can I serve alongside these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread pair beautifully and help soak up the sauces.

Are there gluten-free options?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify curry paste and broth ingredients for gluten-free choices.

What equipment do I need?

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

Single-Pan Global Curries

Three flavorful curries in one pan, capturing Indian, Thai, and Caribbean tastes with simple ingredients.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portions

Diet considerations 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 (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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Add Aromatics to Indian Curry: Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Spice Tempering for Indian Curry: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1 minute to release aromatic oils.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Finish Indian Curry: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Integrate Curry Paste and Garlic: Add minced garlic and Thai red curry paste, sautéing for 1 minute.

Phase 08

Simmer Lentils and Vegetables: Stir in red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and red bell pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring intermittently, until lentils are tender.

Phase 09

Season Thai Curry: Add soy sauce and lime juice, stirring to combine. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro before serving.

Phase 10

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

Phase 11

Add Aromatics to Caribbean Curry: Add minced garlic and chili, sauté for 1 minute.

Phase 12

Spice Bloom for Caribbean Curry: Stir in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.

Phase 13

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

Phase 14

Finish and Garnish Caribbean Curry: Cover and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender, then garnish with fresh parsley.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chefs knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may include soy and wheat (gluten); use tamari for gluten-free variation.
  • Verify curry paste and broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

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