One Pot Creamy Lentil and Chickpea Coconut Curry
A comforting, high-protein vegetarian curry featuring green lentils, chickpeas, and fresh spinach simmered in warm spices and rich coconut milk. Served with a generous scoop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and 30g+ of protein per serving.
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
50 min
Makes
5 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by April + Lila
April 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 HealthComfortably 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
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Digestive 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
Everyday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
50 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven
Time saver
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
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 8 steps complete
Next: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large…
- 01
Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large…
Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat for 2 minutes until shimmered.
Look for: shimmered
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic…
Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot. Saute for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and soft.
Look for: the onions turn translucent and soft
Tap card to mark done - 03
Stir in ground cumin
Stir in ground cumin, ground turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant to bloom the spices.
Look for: fragrant to bloom the spices
Tap card to mark done - 04
Add dry green lentils
Add dry green lentils, drained chickpeas, canned diced tomatoes, full-fat coconut milk, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Bring the mixture to a boil over…
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until the lentils are tender and creamy.
Look for: the lentils are tender and creamy
Tap card to mark done - 06
Uncover the pot and fold in fresh…
Uncover the pot and fold in fresh spinach and salt. Stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts completely into the stew.
Look for: the spinach wilts completely into the stew
Tap card to mark done - 07
Remove the pot from heat and allow…
Remove the pot from heat and allow it to sit uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Allow: 5 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 08
Divide into 5 equal bowls and top…
Divide into 5 equal bowls and top each portion with a generous scoop of plain Greek yogurt before serving.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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