Creamy & Comforting Lentil & Spinach Curry
This lentil & spinach curry is one of those real-life dinners that feels cozy, filling, and full of flavor — without needing anything fancy. Warm spices mingle with tender lentils and tomatoes to create a creamy, comforting curry that tastes like your favorite takeout but stays beautifully within budget.
Dry lentils simmer with garlic, onions, canned tomatoes, and curry powder until soft and hearty. A handful of fresh or frozen spinach wilts in at the end, adding color, nutrients, and just the right amount of freshness. Serve it with rice or warm flatbread and you’ve got a dinner that’s simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.
At about $4 for a whole family-sized pot, this curry stretches humble pantry staples into something that feels special — making it perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or anyone craving a cozy, plant-based dinner that doesn’t cost much to make.
Your Emergency $5 Dinner Kit
Dinner stress is real — especially when you’re low on time, energy, or cash. This kit has your back. Inside you’ll find 5 budget-friendly dinners (all under $5) using simple pantry staples — no fancy stuff, no weird ingredients, just real food your family will actually eat.
Instant access + no junk, promise.
Cozy, Creamy Comfort from Simple Ingredients
The lentils simmer into a naturally thick, velvety sauce — no dairy needed. Combined with tomatoes and warm spices, the result is a comforting curry that feels rich and soothing.
Takeout Flavor on a Real-Life Budget
Curry powder, garlic, and onions bring big flavor for just a few cents. This dish tastes restaurant-worthy but costs around $4 for the entire pot.
Nourishing & Protein-Packed
Lentils add plant-based protein and fiber, while spinach offers plenty of vitamins. It’s a wholesome bowl that fuels your body while still feeling indulgent.
Meal Prep Friendly & Freezer Friendly
This curry keeps beautifully in the fridge and freezes well, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers are even better the next day.
Easy Weeknight Dinner with Pantry Staples
Everything comes together in one pot, and most of the ingredients are already in your pantry. It’s a go-to recipe for nights when you want something homemade without extra effort.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry lentils (green or brown)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2–3 cups fresh or frozen spinach
(Optional: Add a pinch of turmeric, cumin, or red pepper flakes for extra warmth.)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and the curry thickens.
- Stir in spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Serve warm with rice or flatbread.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4–5 portions
- Estimated Cost: $4 total / ~$0.90 per serving
- Calories: ~290 per serving
- Fat: ~5g
- Protein: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~42g
Creamy & Comforting Lentil & Spinach Curry
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup dry lentils green or brown
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 –3 cups fresh or frozen spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and the curry thickens.
- Stir in spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Serve warm with rice or flatbread.
Your Emergency $5 Dinner Kit
Dinner stress is real — especially when you’re low on time, energy, or cash. This kit has your back. Inside you’ll find 5 budget-friendly dinners (all under $5) using simple pantry staples — no fancy stuff, no weird ingredients, just real food your family will actually eat.
Instant access + no junk, promise.
