Vegan Brown Lentil Curry Bowl with Rice

This hearty and nourishing Vegan Brown Lentil Curry Bowl is simple, satisfying, and packed with protein and fiber. The earthy flavor of brown lentils pairs beautifully with aromatic spices, herbed rice, and crisp, colorful veggies. It’s the ultimate comfort meal — balanced, wholesome, and 100% plant-based!

🌿 Ingredients

For the Brown Lentil Curry

• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp red chili powder (optional)
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Herbed Rice

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp chopped spinach, cilantro, or mint
• 1 tsp oil or vegan butter
• Salt to taste

For the Bowl Toppings

• Sliced cucumber
• Pickled carrots or radishes
• Boiled or roasted turmeric potatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Fresh green chilies (optional for spice)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Curry:
   • Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds.
   • Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
   • Stir in tomato and cook until soft. Add turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, and chili powder.
   • Add soaked lentils and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 25–30 minutes, until lentils are soft and thickened.
   • Adjust salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
2. Cook the Herbed Rice:
   • In another pot, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once aromatic, add rice, water, herbs, and salt.
   • Cook until rice is fluffy and water is absorbed. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Bowl:
   • Add a generous scoop of herbed rice to a bowl.
   • Pour the brown lentil curry on one side.
   • Add cucumber, pickled carrots, onion slices, and potatoes.
   • Top with green chilies and a sprinkle of herbs.
4. Serve Hot:
   • Enjoy this nutritious bowl with lemon wedges or vegan yogurt on the side!

🧊 Storage

• Refrigerate: Store curry and rice separately for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Lentil curry freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Reheat and serve with fresh rice.