Comforting Chickpea and Green Lentil Curry
A fragrant, protein-rich plant curry simmered in chopped tomatoes and warming spices, served over fluffy steamed rice.
Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min
Makes
4 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Leyla + Lila
Leyla created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthDigestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Saucepan · Colander
Time saver
Portion leftover curry into individual airtight containers; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes easily for up to 3 months.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 10 steps complete
Next: Measure the dry basmati rice into a…
- 01
Measure the dry basmati rice into a…
Measure the dry basmati rice into a small saucepan, rinse under cold water until clear, add fresh water, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil over high heat.
Look for: clear, add fresh water, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil over high heat
Tap card to mark done - 02
Turn heat down to low and let…
Turn heat down to low and let rice steam covered for 12 minutes without lifting the lid, then remove from heat and let rest undisturbed for 5 minutes.
Allow: 12 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 03
Heat olive oil in a wide saucepan…
Heat olive oil in a wide saucepan over medium heat for 1 minute until warm and shimmering.
Look for: warm and shimmering
Tap card to mark done - 04
Add diced onion
Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger to the pan, sautéing for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Look for: soft and translucent
Tap card to mark done - 05
Stir in curry powder and cook for…
Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and bubbling in oil.
Look for: fragrant and bubbling in oil
Tap card to mark done - 06
Add rinsed green lentils
Add rinsed green lentils, canned chickpeas, canned chopped tomatoes, and vegetable broth, stirring thoroughly to combine.
Tap card to mark done - 07
Bring curry to a boil
Bring curry to a boil, then turn heat down to medium-low, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes until lentils are soft and creaminess develops.
Look for: lentils are soft and creaminess develops
Tap card to mark done - 08
Remove curry lid and cook uncovered for…
Remove curry lid and cook uncovered for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to thicken sauce to a rich stew consistency.
Allow: 3 to 5 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 09
Fluff cooked basmati rice with a fork…
Fluff cooked basmati rice with a fork and divide among four serving bowls.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done - 10
Spoon warm lentil and chickpea curry over…
Spoon warm lentil and chickpea curry over rice and let cool slightly before serving.
Tap card to mark done
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