Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Meals

Explore bold international flavors with three effortless single-pan curries! Enjoy Indian chickpea, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato blends, each brimming with fresh aromatics and creamy coconut milk. All dishes are vegetarian with vegan options; simply sauté, simmer, and garnish for comforting, vibrant meals. Serve each alongside rice or flatbread for global-inspired dinners with minimal fuss and easy clean-up. Adapt spice and ingredients for personal tastes. Each curry delivers rich nutrition and hearty satisfaction—ideal for busy weeknights or culinary adventures at home.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:39:00 GMT
A colorful bowl of Single-Pan Global Curries featuring vibrant ingredients and fresh herbs.  Pin It
A colorful bowl of Single-Pan Global Curries featuring vibrant ingredients and fresh herbs. | sweetbatata.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 tried blending these three curry styles for a family dinner that needed variety without cluttering the sink with extra pans. The quick prep and bold flavors made it a go-to for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • Indian Chickpea Curry: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1-inch 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 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh 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 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.
Deliciously rich Single-Pan Global Curries simmered with spices for a hearty weeknight meal.  Pin It
Deliciously rich Single-Pan Global Curries simmered with spices for a hearty weeknight meal. | sweetbatata.com

Sharing these curries for our weekend lunch has become a tradition. Everyone loves picking their favorite, and there are never any leftovers!

Serving Suggestions

Pair the curries with steamed rice or your favorite flatbread for a complete meal. Naan works especially well to soak up the flavorful sauces.

Make It Vegan

Use plant-based curry paste and broth for fully vegan curries. All three can be made dairy-free and gluten-free with simple swaps.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 360 calories, 13 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein. Nutrition may vary by variation and toppings used.

Aromatic Single-Pan Global Curries ready to serve with fluffy rice or warm naan. Pin It
Aromatic Single-Pan Global Curries ready to serve with fluffy rice or warm naan. | sweetbatata.com

Try these single-pan curries on your next busy night for a flavorful dinner. Just one pan, big taste, minimal cleanup!

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I make these curries vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based curry paste and broth, and check for vegan coconut milk. Swap soy sauce for tamari in the Thai curry for gluten-free options.

How do I adjust the curry's spice level?

Add or reduce chili according to preference. Omit Scotch bonnet in the Caribbean curry for a milder taste, or add extra for heat.

What is the best pan for cooking these dishes?

A large skillet, Dutch oven, or wide pot works well. Use a pan with a lid for the sweet potato curry to ensure even cooking.

Can I substitute ingredients in these curries?

Absolutely! Swap chickpeas for white beans, lentils for split peas, or adjust vegetables based on what's available.

What sides work well with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread pair perfectly. Try adding chopped herbs or a squeeze of lime for freshness.

Are these curries suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these curries store well in the fridge for up to three days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Create three bold curries in one pan, using simple ingredients for flavorful, fuss-free weeknight meals.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created by Nora James


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Makes 12 Portions

Dietary Details 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, adjust to taste)
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

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry Base: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 02

Add Aromatics to Indian Curry: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute.

Step 03

Toast Spices for Indian Curry: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir and cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.

Step 04

Simmer Indian Curry: Incorporate diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Garnish Indian Curry: Finish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Add Curry Paste and Garlic to Thai Curry: Stir in minced garlic and Thai red curry paste, cooking for 1 minute.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Step 10

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

Step 11

Add Aromatics to Caribbean Curry: Add minced garlic and chili, cooking for 1 minute.

Step 12

Toast Curry Powder in Caribbean Curry: Stir in curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 13

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

Step 14

Cook Caribbean Curry: Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 15

Garnish Caribbean Curry: Top with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Thai curry uses soy sauce which may contain soy and wheat (gluten). Substitute tamari for gluten-free diets.
  • Verify all curry pastes and broths for hidden allergens before use.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Sweetbatata only offers this for informational use. Please don't treat it as personalized medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g