Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

Prepare flavorful curries from Indian, Thai, and Caribbean traditions all in a single pan. Featuring chickpeas, red lentils, and sweet potatoes, each version offers rich spices and easy steps for satisfying vegetarian main dishes. Cook onions, garlic, select seasonings, and coconut milk; add main ingredients and simmer to let flavors meld. Garnish with fresh herbs. Ideal for weeknight dinners, these curries deliver hearty texture and world-inspired taste with minimal fuss. Serve with rice or flatbread and customize heat or protein sources to suit your taste.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:23:00 GMT
Delicious single-pan global curries showcasing vibrant colors and rich flavors.  Pin
Delicious single-pan global curries showcasing vibrant colors and rich flavors. | grillandbites.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 started exploring global curries when I needed quick dinners that didn't compromise on taste. These recipes became my favorites for both busy nights and casual get-togethers.

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 member of my family has a favorite curry from this trio. It's always a fun dinner when we all get to sample a spoonful from each bowl and guess which one will win the night.

Required Tools

Large skillet or Dutch oven, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon

Nutritional Information (per serving, average)

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

Dietary & Variations

For vegan curries, ensure curry paste and broth are plant-based. Swap chickpeas with white beans, or lentils with split peas for variety. Adjust chili quantities for desired heat level.

Aromatic Indian chickpea curry simmering in coconut milk, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Pin
Aromatic Indian chickpea curry simmering in coconut milk, garnished with fresh cilantro. | grillandbites.com

Try all three curries in one night for a flavorful culinary adventure. Serve with rice and bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make these curries vegan?

Yes, use plant-based broth and check that curry paste is vegan-friendly for all three variations.

What can I serve with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread pair well and help scoop up every flavorful bite.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely. Increase or decrease chili or curry powder based on your preferred level of heat.

Do these curries keep well for leftovers?

They store well in the fridge for up to three days and reheat beautifully for future meals.

Can I substitute any ingredients?

Chickpeas and lentils can be swapped for white beans or split peas; use vegetables you have on hand.

Are these curries gluten-free?

Most ingredients are gluten-free; use tamari instead of soy sauce in the Thai curry for a safe option.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Three vibrant, one-pan curries with global flavors—quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Overall duration
45 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, 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 Base: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Sauté Aromatics for Indian Curry: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute.

Phase 03

Cook Spices for Indian Curry: Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala to the skillet; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 04

Simmer Indian Chickpea Curry: Incorporate diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt; stir thoroughly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Phase 05

Start 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 06

Build Flavor in Thai Curry: Add minced garlic and Thai red curry paste; sauté for 1 minute.

Phase 07

Simmer Thai Red Lentil Curry: Add rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils become tender.

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

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

Phase 10

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

Phase 11

Cook Spices for Caribbean Curry: Stir in curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Phase 12

Simmer Caribbean Curry: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and gluten; substitute tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Always check labels on curry paste and broth for additional allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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