Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Fresh & Easy Dinners

Explore three easy, one-pan curries inspired by Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines—perfect for busy weeknights. Chickpea curry brings classic Indian spices, the red lentil curry echoes Thai coconut flavor, and sweet potato curry features Caribbean heat and beans. Each dish comes together quickly, using hearty veggies, rich coconut milk, and aromatic seasonings. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish. Customize the spice level and serve with rice or flatbreads for a comforting meal. Vegetarian and vegan options make these curries versatile for any table.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:58:00 GMT
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering with coconut milk and spices in a skillet.  Pin it
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering with coconut milk and spices in a skillet. | freshymeals.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 cooking from different cuisines in my tiny kitchen, one-pan recipes like these curries became my go-to for both simplicity and taste. I love how each variation brings out bold spices and comfort no matter the season.

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. Saute 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 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. 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. 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.
Aromatic Thai Red Lentil Curry garnished with fresh herbs, ready for serving.  Pin it
Aromatic Thai Red Lentil Curry garnished with fresh herbs, ready for serving. | freshymeals.com

My favorite kitchen moments happen when the aroma of simmering curries draws my family crowding eagerly into the kitchen, each curious to taste a spoonful of something new. Sharing different flavors always brings extra smiles to the table.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains coconut (tree nut allergen). Soy sauce may contain soy and wheat. Use tamari for a gluten-free option. Check curry paste and broth labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Colorful Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry bursting with flavor, served with rice or naan. Pin it
Colorful Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry bursting with flavor, served with rice or naan. | freshymeals.com

Enjoy sampling each curry with steamed rice or flatbread. One pan, three vibrant flavors—the world in your home kitchen!

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the chickpeas in the Indian curry?

Yes, you can use white beans or kidney beans for a different texture and flavor profile.

How do I make the curries vegan?

Ensure your curry paste and broth are plant-based, and swap soy sauce for tamari if needed.

What can I serve with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread complement the curries perfectly, soaking up the rich sauces.

How spicy is the Caribbean sweet potato curry?

Spiciness varies with the amount of chili used. Adjust the Scotch bonnet or habanero to suit your taste.

Which pan works best for cooking?

A large skillet or Dutch oven offers space for sautéing and simmering all ingredients evenly.

Are these curries suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, they keep well in the fridge for up to three days and flavors deepen after resting.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy bold, colorful curries from three cultures—all cooked easily in a single pan. Weeknight-friendly and full of flavor.

How long to prep
15 min
Time to cook
30 min
Overall time
45 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Fresh & Easy Dinners

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Makes 12 Serving size

Dietary details Vegetarian option, No dairy

What you 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, 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, 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 thyme
11 Salt and pepper, to taste
12 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Steps to follow

Step 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Spicing Chickpea Curry: Incorporate ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; stir and cook for 1 minute.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Finish Chickpea Curry: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Build Thai Curry Base: Add minced garlic and Thai red curry paste; cook for 1 minute while stirring.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Finish Thai Curry: Stir in soy sauce and lime juice, then 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. Sauté sliced onion until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Spicing Caribbean Curry: Add curry powder and cook for 30 seconds, stirring until aromatic.

Step 13

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

Step 14

Cook Sweet Potato Curry: Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes become tender.

Step 15

Finish Caribbean Curry: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tools you’ll need

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

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Coconut milk may contain tree nut allergens.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and wheat (gluten); replace with tamari for gluten-free option.
  • Always verify curry paste and broth packaging for possible allergens.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 360
  • Fat content: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Protein amount: 12 g