Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Family Dinners

Enjoy three bold one-pan curries inspired by Indian, Thai, and Caribbean flavors. These dishes combine chickpeas, lentils, or sweet potatoes with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. Quick prep and simple steps make them ideal for busy evenings. Each option offers vegetarian and vegan flexibility, plus delicious touches like fresh herbs and lime. Serve with rice or flatbread for a complete, satisfying meal. Tools needed include a large pan, knife, and measuring cups. Allergy variations and substitutions are easy—just check broth and curry paste labels and adjust soy or chili levels for personal taste.

Updated on Sat, 01 Nov 2025 12:14:00 GMT
A colorful display of single-pan global curries, showcasing vibrant spices and ingredients.  Save
A colorful display of single-pan global curries, showcasing vibrant spices and ingredients. | griddleglory.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 when craving variety after a busy workday. Bringing the tastes of India, Thailand, and the Caribbean into my kitchen made dinner exciting and satisfying with little prep time required.

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), 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; sauté 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.
Savory Indian chickpea curry simmering with coconut milk and garnished with fresh cilantro.  Save
Savory Indian chickpea curry simmering with coconut milk and garnished with fresh cilantro. | griddleglory.com

One of my fondest memories is making these curries with my family, everyone choosing their favorite and passing around naan fresh from the oven. It always sparks laughter and fun at our dinner 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 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

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

Hearty Caribbean sweet potato curry bubbling in a pot, featuring colorful veggies and herbs. Save
Hearty Caribbean sweet potato curry bubbling in a pot, featuring colorful veggies and herbs. | griddleglory.com

These single-pan global curries make weeknight dinners feel festive and comforting. Enjoy fresh flavors that travel the world from your kitchen in under an hour.

Cooking Questions

Can these curries be made vegan?

Yes, simply ensure your curry paste and broth are plant-based and use tamari instead of soy sauce when needed.

Which vegetables work well for substitutions?

You can swap chickpeas for white beans, lentils with split peas, and add vegetables like spinach, bell pepper, or carrots.

What sides pair best with these dishes?

Serve with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread for a wholesome meal and to soak up the flavorful sauces.

How spicy are the curries?

Spice levels vary. Adjust the chili and curry paste amounts to suit your preference for mild or fiery heat.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and always check curry paste and broth labels for hidden gluten sources.

Are there any common allergens?

Some recipes contain coconut and soy. Review ingredient labels for coconut, soy, and gluten content before preparing.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Three global curries, bursting with flavor, ready in one pan. Includes Indian, Thai, and Caribbean styles for easy dining.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free, No dairy

Components

Indian Chickpea Curry

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 inch 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 cloves garlic, 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 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chili, deseeded and minced
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, to taste
12 Black pepper, to taste
13 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Phase 01

Indian Chickpea Curry Preparation: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, approximately 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Aromatics and Spices: Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Incorporate cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Simmer Curry: Blend in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 04

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before plating.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Develop Flavor: Add garlic and Thai red curry paste; cook for 1 minute. Incorporate lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil.

Phase 07

Lentil Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils soften.

Phase 08

Finish and Garnish: Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with chopped basil or cilantro.

Phase 09

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry Preparation: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, roughly 5 minutes.

Phase 10

Aromatics and Spice Base: Add garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and allow to bloom for 30 seconds.

Phase 11

Simmer with Vegetables: Combine sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, and seasonings. Bring mixture to a simmer.

Phase 12

Finish and Garnish: Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender. Top with fresh parsley before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat. For gluten-free diets, substitute with tamari.
  • Check labels of curry paste and vegetable broth for hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g