Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Simple Suppers

Discover the simplicity of international flavors with these three single-pan curries inspired by Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines. Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, each curry uses wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, red lentils, and sweet potatoes simmered with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. Versatile and vegetarian-friendly, these dishes can be garnished with fresh herbs and served alongside rice or flatbreads. With minimal prep, easy methods, and plenty of options for customization, enjoy a world of taste in every bite—all cooked in just one pan.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:49:00 GMT
Aromatic Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a colorful skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Save
Aromatic Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a colorful skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro. | butterhollow.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 preparing these single-pan curries when I want comforting, fragrant meals with minimal effort. Over time, each has become a weeknight favorite because of how quickly they come together and the wonderful aromas they fill my kitchen with.

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 and sauté for 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala and cook for 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 for 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 for 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.
Vibrant Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling in a pan, featuring bright carrots and basil.  Save
Vibrant Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling in a pan, featuring bright carrots and basil. | butterhollow.com

When my family visits, we love to do a global curry night. Each person picks a favorite style, and we cook them together while chatting and sampling as the flavors develop.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these curries with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread for a wholesome meal. Bright herbs and a squeeze of lime add a fresh finish just before serving.

Required Tools

A large skillet or Dutch oven does the trick for all three curries. Gather your chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a sturdy wooden spoon for effortless prep and stirring.

Nutritional Information

Each serving offers around 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein, depending on your add-ins and base ingredients.

Creamy Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry topped with parsley, served alongside fluffy rice. Save
Creamy Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry topped with parsley, served alongside fluffy rice. | butterhollow.com

Switch up the legumes for variety and double the recipe to batch-cook for busy weeks. These curries get even better the next day!

Kitchen Tips & Answers

Can I make these curries vegan?

Yes, simply choose plant-based curry paste and vegetable broth, and the dishes will be fully vegan.

What is the best side to serve?

Steamed rice, naan, or any flatbread pairs well with all three curries for a complete meal.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely. Reduce or omit chili in the Caribbean curry and use mild curry paste for the Thai curry to lower heat.

Can I swap the beans or lentils?

Yes, white beans can be used instead of chickpeas, and split peas work well in place of red lentils.

What tools will I need?

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

Are there allergens to watch for?

Coconut milk contains tree nut allergens, and soy sauce may contain soy or wheat; check labels for any dietary concerns.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy a trio of global curries, packed with flavor and made simply in a single pan for easy weeknight dining.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portions

Eating preferences 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 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, adjust to taste)
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

Method

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

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

Phase 03

Add Spices to Chickpea Curry: Sprinkle ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala over the mixture; cook for 1 minute stirring frequently.

Phase 04

Simmer Chickpea Curry Mixture: Add diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Mix thoroughly, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 05

Finish Chickpea Curry: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Phase 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.

Phase 07

Flavor Base for Lentil Curry: Add minced garlic and Thai red curry paste to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring continuously.

Phase 08

Combine Lentil Curry Ingredients: Stir in rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and red bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, do occasionally stir until lentils are tender.

Phase 09

Finish Thai Red Lentil Curry: Add soy sauce and fresh lime juice. Garnish with torn basil leaves or chopped cilantro and serve.

Phase 10

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

Phase 11

Add Aromatics and Spices for Caribbean Curry: Stir in minced garlic and chili. Sauté for 1 minute, then add curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Phase 12

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

Phase 13

Simmer Caribbean Curry: Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Phase 14

Finish Caribbean Curry: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce contains soy and wheat (gluten); substitute with tamari for gluten-free.
  • Verify curry paste and broth for hidden allergens prior to use.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

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