Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Everyday Flavors

Experience a trio of flavorful curries, each inspired by unique international cuisines. Indian chickpea curry combines warming spices with coconut milk, while Thai red lentil curry blends fragrant aromatics and fresh vegetables. The Caribbean sweet potato curry offers the boldness of chili, earthy thyme, and creamy coconut. Each curry is cooked in a single pan for minimal fuss and easy cleanup, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with rice or flatbreads, and garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish. Adaptable, vegetarian, and full of taste, these dishes offer global flavors in a hassle-free style.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:04:00 GMT
Vibrant single-pan global curries loaded with spices and fresh herbs for weeknight dinners.  Save
Vibrant single-pan global curries loaded with spices and fresh herbs for weeknight dinners. | oventhyme.com

A vibrant collection of three easy, one-pot curries inspired by global cuisine. These curries are perfect for weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Each is made entirely in a single pan for a fuss-free dinner solution.

The first time I tried cooking these curries together, I was amazed at how each delivered bold flavors from their cuisine while being simple enough for weeknight cooking. My kitchen smelled incredible and cleanup was almost effortless because everything happened in just one pan.

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: 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 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: 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 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 parsley.
Savor rich Indian chickpea curry packed with coconut milk and fragrant spices on rice.  Save
Savor rich Indian chickpea curry packed with coconut milk and fragrant spices on rice. | oventhyme.com

My family loves gathering for these curry nights. Each person gets to pick their favorite, and we love trying a bit from all three bowls. It's become one of our simplest traditions for busy Monday evenings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these curries with steamed rice, naan, flatbread, or your favorite grain. They pair wonderfully with a squeeze of lime or extra fresh herbs on top.

Allergen and Dietary Info

Contains coconut (tree nut). The Thai curry contains soy sauce (soy, wheat). Choose gluten-free and vegan options as needed by swapping ingredients.

Nutritional Information

On average, each serving has about 360 calories, 13 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein. Values may vary by curry.

Comforting Caribbean sweet potato curry featuring tender veggies, spices, and a creamy coconut base. Save
Comforting Caribbean sweet potato curry featuring tender veggies, spices, and a creamy coconut base. | oventhyme.com

Try making two curries at once for a fun dinner spread. These recipes are perfect for batch cooking and keeping meals exciting all week long.

Kitchen Guide

Can I substitute the chickpeas in the Indian curry?

Yes. White beans or kidney beans work well as alternatives for chickpeas in the Indian curry.

How spicy is the Caribbean curry?

The heat comes from Scotch bonnet or habanero chili. Adjust quantity to suit your taste or omit for milder flavor.

Is this suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, ensure curry paste and broth are plant-based, and use tamari instead of soy sauce for the Thai curry.

What can I serve with these curries?

Serve with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread. Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil make great garnishes.

What tools are necessary for cooking?

A large skillet or Dutch oven, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon will be useful.

Are there any common allergens in these dishes?

Coconut and soy are present. For gluten-free, use tamari and verify plant-based broth and paste ingredients.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy three flavorful curries from around the world, all cooked easily in a single pan for quick meals.

Prep duration
15 min
Kitchen time
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements 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 ground 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 dried 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 cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute. Add ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Incorporate diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir thoroughly and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finish with fresh cilantro garnish.

Phase 02

Prepare Thai Red Lentil Curry: Warm coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and Thai red curry paste; cook 1 minute. Add red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice, then garnish with basil or cilantro.

Phase 03

Prepare Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and chili; sauté for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender. Finish with fresh parsley garnish.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Coconut milk is a tree nut allergen and present in all three curries.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and may contain wheat (gluten); use tamari for gluten-free serving.
  • Always review labels for curry paste and broth to ensure allergens are avoided.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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