Anti-Inflammatory French Lentil Light Coconut Curry

About this French curry

Anti-Inflammatory French Lentil Light Coconut Curry is a French main built around dried lentils. It takes about 35 min from start to finish, 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, and serves 4.

Cooking method: curry. Difficulty is rated medium. Vegan, and marked gluten-free in our data.

Good for: anti-inflammatory, light & low calorie, meal prep, one-pot wonders, everyday healthy.

Ingredients

Quantities are for 4 servings. Change the servings in the app to rescale them automatically.

• 250 g dried lentils, rinsed
• 200 ml light coconut milk
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• Seasoning: thyme, rosemary and Dijon mustard
• Sauce: 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Step 1. Soften the onion and ginger in a little oil for 4 minutes.

   Heat

   Medium to high, stir or flip now and then

   Look for

   Golden-brown edges, a steady sizzle and a toasty smell.

   Why it matters

   Browning (the Maillard reaction) creates deep savoury flavour that boiling cannot.

   Avoid

   Overcrowding the pan: the temperature drops and food steams. Cook in batches.

2. Step 2. Stir in the thyme, rosemary and Dijon mustard and cook for 1 minute.

   Heat

   Keep the heat steady

   Look for

   The new ingredient is coated and the mixture returns to a gentle bubble.

   Why it matters

   Adding things in order lets each ingredient cook for just the right time.

   Avoid

   Dumping everything in at once: delicate items turn mushy before tougher ones are done.

3. Step 3. Add the lentil and coat in the spices.

   Heat

   Keep the heat steady

   Look for

   The new ingredient is coated and the mixture returns to a gentle bubble.

   Why it matters

   Adding things in order lets each ingredient cook for just the right time.

   Avoid

   Dumping everything in at once: delicate items turn mushy before tougher ones are done.

4. Step 4. Pour in the coconut milk and 100 ml water; simmer for 25 minutes.

   Heat

   Keep the heat steady

   Look for

   The new ingredient is coated and the mixture returns to a gentle bubble.

   Why it matters

   Adding things in order lets each ingredient cook for just the right time.

   Avoid

   Dumping everything in at once: delicate items turn mushy before tougher ones are done.

5. Step 5. Add the green beans for the last 5 minutes.

   Heat

   Keep the heat steady

   Look for

   The new ingredient is coated and the mixture returns to a gentle bubble.

   Why it matters

   Adding things in order lets each ingredient cook for just the right time.

   Avoid

   Dumping everything in at once: delicate items turn mushy before tougher ones are done.

6. Step 6. Finish with chives and serve hot.

   Heat

   Warm plates

   Look for

   Hot food on warm plates with a fresh, bright garnish on top.

   Why it matters

   Garnish adds colour, crunch and freshness. Tasting and adjusting salt or acid at the end lifts the whole dish.

   Avoid

   Waiting too long: the dish cools and crisp parts go soft.

Chef's tip

Add black pepper with turmeric - it boosts absorption.

Equipment you will need

• Heavy pan with lid
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board and knife

Nutrition per serving

Estimated per serving: 345 kcal, 18 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate and 21 g fat. Roughly 21% of the energy comes from protein, 24% from carbohydrate and 55% from fat, using standard energy values.

Nutrition values are estimates from typical ingredient profiles. They are not medical data, and brands and portions vary. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian about your diet.

When to cook Anti-Inflammatory French Lentil Light Coconut Curry

• 🫚 Anti-InflammatoryTurmeric, ginger, omega-3s and leafy greens.
• 🥗 Light & Low CalorieUnder 380 kcal, still full of flavour.
• 🍱 Meal PrepCook once, eat all week.
• 🍲 One-Pot WondersMinimal washing up, maximal taste.
• 🌿 Everyday HealthyBalanced plates for daily eating.

Substitutions and variations

• Swap the main protein for firm tofu, chickpeas or paneer. Add tofu near the end so it keeps its shape.
• For a milder sauce, use less curry paste and stir in extra coconut milk at the end.
• If the sauce is thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions about Anti-Inflammatory French Lentil Light Coconut Curry

More French recipes

• Keto French Egg Light Coconut Curry35 min · 496 kcal
• High-Fibre French Egg Light Coconut Curry35 min · 406 kcal
• Anti-Inflammatory French Egg Light Coconut Curry35 min · 364 kcal
• Potato Gratin55 min · 439 kcal
• Cauliflower Gratin55 min · 382 kcal
• Pumpkin Gratin55 min · 359 kcal
• Zucchini Gratin55 min · 324 kcal
• Spinach Gratin55 min · 324 kcal

All French recipesOpen in the interactive app