Okay, so it’s a rainy Saturday evening here—07:19 PM PKT, to be exact—and I’m craving something warm that won’t bust my budget. That’s how this $3 Vegan Lentil Curry came to be! I whipped it up last week when I scored some lentils on sale, and oh man, it’s like a cozy blanket in a bowl. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, totally plant-based, feeds four for about $3, and takes just 25 minutes. My family gobbled it up, and I’m still smiling about it!
The smell of this curry had my kitchen feeling like home—love that!
What Makes This Curry My Fave Thing Ever
- Super Cheap: Only $3 for four servings—can’t beat that!
- Quick as Can Be: Done in 25 minutes, even on my busiest days.
- Full of Flavor: Those spices and lentils just hit the spot.
- All Vegan Goodness: My meat-loving friends ask for seconds!
Ingredients
1. Stuff I Grabbed for This Yumminess
- 1 cup dry lentils (~$1.00, my budget protein star)
- 2 medium tomatoes (~$0.50, juicy and fresh)
- 1 onion, diced (~$0.30, makes everything better)
- 1 tbsp curry powder (~$0.10, my spice go-to)
- 1 tsp turmeric (~$0.05, gives it that sunny look)
- 1 tsp cumin (~$0.05, warms it right up)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (~$0.20, adds a little richness)
- 2 cups water or veggie broth (already in my pantry, yay!)
- Salt and pepper (you’ve got these, right?)
2. Keeping It Good for You
This curry’s got lentils for protein and fiber, plus tomatoes for vitamins. I tossed in some spinach I had lying around—makes it even healthier without costing more!
3. Play Around with Tastes
- A splash of coconut milk for creaminess
- A bit of ginger I grated fresh for zing
- Chili flakes when I’m feeling spicy
- Cilantro from my garden for a fresh pop
Instructions
1. Get the Onions Going
I heated some coconut oil in a pan and tossed in the onion, cooking it for 3-4 minutes till it softened. The smell hit me, and I knew I was onto something good!
2. Cook the Lentils Up
Threw in the lentils, chopped tomatoes, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and 2 cups of water. Brought it to a boil, then let it simmer for 20 minutes till the lentils were soft—super easy, even for me!
3. Finish It Off
Added a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then served it hot with rice. I sprinkled some cilantro on top, and it felt like I’d ordered takeout—my family was impressed!
Serving
1. Sides I Love with It
I paired it with a quick cucumber salad and some roasted veggies I had. A spoonful of vegan yogurt made it extra yummy—try it!
2. Make It Look Cool
I served it in my favorite bright bowl and added cilantro and a swirl of coconut milk. Snapped a pic for Instagram—everyone loved the look!
3. Drinks to Go With
A warm chai tea or a cold mango lassi paired so well with this curry—felt like a little treat!
Customization
- Switch the Protein: Tried chickpeas or split peas—works great!
- Add Veggies: Threw in spinach, peas, or peppers for fun.
- Spice It Up: Added garam masala or a squeeze of lemon last time.
Summary
This $3 Vegan Lentil Curry is a breeze: cook onions, simmer lentils with spices and tomatoes, and serve with rice. Tweak it with your fave veggies or spices. I made it on a whim, and my family raved—total budget-friendly comfort food!
Benefits
This curry’s a win for you and your wallet:
- Protein Kick: Lentils give you that plant-based power.
- Fiber Fix: Keeps me full and happy all day.
- Cheap Eats: Fills you up without emptying your pocket.
FAQs
1. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yep! It’s already gluten-free, just check your spices are too.
2. How long do leftovers last?
Stash it in the fridge for up to 4 days—tastes even better reheated!
3. Can I freeze it?
For sure! Freeze it in portions for up to 2 months—great for busy days.
Why It’s My Budget Go-To
This $3 Vegan Lentil Curry brings warm, yummy flavors with stuff like lentils and spices I always have. It’s part of our Frugal Spicy Global Dishes lineup, serving up 2025’s vegan curry trend on a shoestring budget!