Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: One-Skillet Wonders

This vibrant dish brings together three diverse one-pan curries, each inspired by Indian, Thai, and Caribbean kitchens. Chickpea, lentil, and sweet potato are the foundation, simmered with aromatic spices, coconut milk, and fresh herbs for bright layers of taste. Wholesome ingredients and straightforward cooking methods make this meal perfect for busy evenings, offering bold flavors and warmth in every bite. Serve with rice or flatbread for a satisfying, well-rounded main. Vegan options and heat adjustments let you tailor each curry to your preferences, making these global classics both comforting and accessible.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:56:00 GMT
A colorful array of single-pan global curries bursting with vibrant flavors.  Save
A colorful array of single-pan global curries bursting with vibrant flavors. | smokyfeast.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.

When I first tried making all three curries in a single night, my family was amazed at how each dish brought such different aromas and tastes from around the world right to our table. This lineup has become our go-to for cozy nights and fun gatherings alike.

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 for 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.
Delicious Indian chickpea curry simmered with spices, ready for weeknight meals.  Save
Delicious Indian chickpea curry simmered with spices, ready for weeknight meals. | smokyfeast.com

Sharing these curries with my kids always sparks fun conversations about travel and flavors. It is so rewarding to see everyone choose their favorite and dig in together around the kitchen table.

Required Tools

Large skillet or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains coconut. Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat. Use tamari for gluten-free option. Always check curry paste and broth labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Rich and creamy Caribbean sweet potato curry topped with fresh parsley garnish. Save
Rich and creamy Caribbean sweet potato curry topped with fresh parsley garnish. | smokyfeast.com

Try making all three curries ahead for meal prep success. Let flavors meld overnight for even more depth in each bite.

Kitchen Questions

Can I make these curries vegan?

Yes! Simply use plant-based curry paste and vegetable broth, and check labels for hidden animal products.

What is the best pan type for these curries?

A large nonstick skillet or Dutch oven works best to accommodate the ingredients and ensure even cooking.

How can I control the spice level?

Adjust chili quantities to taste, and select milder curry paste or omit hot peppers for less heat.

What can I serve with these curries?

Pair each with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread to round out the meal and soak up the flavorful sauces.

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes, replace soy sauce with tamari and verify that curry paste and broth are gluten-free.

Can I swap the main pulses or beans?

Absolutely! Try white beans instead of chickpeas, or use split peas to replace red lentils for variety.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy colorful one-pan curries full of global flavors with simple steps for busy weeknights.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 4 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 (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 onion until soft, about 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Add Aromatics for Chickpea Curry: Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Add Spices for Chickpea Curry: Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Toast spices for 1 minute.

Phase 04

Simmer Chickpea Curry: Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Mix thoroughly and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Add Aromatics and Paste for Lentil Curry: Add garlic and Thai red curry paste; stir and cook for 1 minute.

Phase 08

Simmer Lentil Curry: Incorporate red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, carrot, and bell pepper. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.

Phase 09

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

Phase 10

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

Phase 11

Add Aromatics for Sweet Potato Curry: Add garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute.

Phase 12

Add Spices for Sweet Potato Curry: Stir in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Phase 13

Simmer Sweet Potato Curry: Add sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.

Phase 14

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

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may include soy and wheat (gluten). For gluten-free, select tamari.
  • Always inspect curry paste and broth labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (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