Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Savory Quick Bites

Prepare three flavorful curries in one pan—Indian chickpea, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato—each packed with unique spices and fresh ingredients. Minimal prep and easy steps make these vegetarian mains ideal for busy weeknights. Garnish with herbs, serve with rice or flatbread, and personalize with swaps or spice levels to match tastes. These curries offer bold global flavors using simple techniques and basic kitchen tools, combining convenience with delicious results.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:59:00 GMT
Vibrant Single-Pan Global Curries with chickpeas, coconut milk, and fragrant spices in one pot.  Save
Vibrant Single-Pan Global Curries with chickpeas, coconut milk, and fragrant spices in one pot. | collationspot.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 made these curries for a global-themed dinner night, and each one was a hit with family and friends. It is amazing how you can bring unique flavors from India, Thailand, and the Caribbean to your table with just a single pan and easy-to-find ingredients.

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.
Comforting Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry served with fresh parsley, black beans, and rich coconut flavors.  Save
Comforting Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry served with fresh parsley, black beans, and rich coconut flavors. | collationspot.com

The first time my kids tried the Caribbean curry, we all laughed at their surprise when the sweet potatoes paired so well with coconut milk. Sharing these dishes makes dinner feel like a celebration of flavors from every corner of the world.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains coconut (tree nut allergen). Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat (gluten). 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

Delicious Thai Red Lentil Curry garnished with basil, featuring colorful vegetables and creamy coconut texture. Save
Delicious Thai Red Lentil Curry garnished with basil, featuring colorful vegetables and creamy coconut texture. | collationspot.com

Try making all three curries in one night for a flavorful vegan-friendly feast. Each curry tastes incredible with fresh herbs sprinkled right before serving.

Recipe Help

Can I prepare these curries vegan?

Yes, use plant-based curry paste and vegetable broth. Check ingredient labels to ensure all components are vegan-friendly.

Which sides pair well with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread complement these dishes, soaking up sauces and adding texture.

Can I adjust the spiciness?

Absolutely. Reduce or omit chili peppers, or choose mild curry pastes for less heat. Add extra chili to taste for more spice.

Are there gluten-free options?

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

What can I substitute for chickpeas or lentils?

White beans can replace chickpeas, and split peas are a suitable alternative to lentils for varying textures.

Do these curries freeze well?

Yes. Store cooled curries in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy quick, vibrant Indian, Thai, and Caribbean curries—all made easily in a single pan for busy evenings.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Makes 12 Portions

Special Diets Vegetarian, 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, chopped, 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, chopped, 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 dried thyme
11 Salt and pepper to taste
12 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How-To

Step 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 02

Flavor Aromatics for Chickpea Curry: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to skillet; cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Step 03

Toast Spices for Chickpea Curry: Stir in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Simmer Chickpeas: Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.

Step 05

Finish and Garnish Chickpea Curry: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Incorporate Aromatics for Lentil Curry: Add minced garlic and Thai red curry paste; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 08

Simmer Lentils and Vegetables: Add rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and sliced red bell pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are cooked through.

Step 09

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

Step 10

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

Step 11

Flavor Aromatics for Sweet Potato Curry: Add minced garlic and minced chili; saute for 1 minute.

Step 12

Toast Curry Powder: Stir in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 13

Simmer Sweet Potatoes and Beans: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, drained black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 14

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

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review every item for allergens and connect with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat (gluten); use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Check curry paste and broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Info for reference only—don’t take this as expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 360
  • Lipids: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g