Lentil Curry Over Cauliflower Rice Recipe

If you fancy an easy and comforting plant-based meal, look no further than this lentil curry over cauliflower rice. Recipe developer Annabelle Randles uses coconut milk to make this dish extra creamy. This recipe is entirely plant-based (Randles uses dairy-free yogurt on top), making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans. It's a flavorful and satisfying alternative to meat-based curries.

The lentil curry is served over cauliflower rice, a low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Cauliflower rice is naturally gluten-free and grain-free, making it an excellent option for individuals with gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, or those following a grain-free diet. It only takes minutes to prepare, so you can make it while the curry is simmering.

This budget-friendly recipe is ideal to add to your meal-prep rotation as, like most curries, this dish tastes even better the following day when the aromas of the spices have had time to develop. You can simply reheat the lentil curry and cauliflower rice in the microwave.

The main ingredient for the curry is dried lentils (you can use either green or brown). For the base of the curry, you will need vegetable oil, onion, garlic, ginger, mild curry powder, cayenne pepper, a can of chopped tomatoes, coconut milk, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt. To make the cauliflower rice, you will need a large head of cauliflower, some vegetable oil, garlic, and salt.

Randles likes to serve this curry with naan, yogurt, and some extra cilantro. You can use any type of curry powder for this recipe but Randles recommends using a good quality mild version to add plenty of depth — that way you can adjust the heat level with cayenne pepper. 

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for about 6 minutes until soft, stirring as it cooks.

Add the garlic, ginger, curry powder, and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute

Add the lentils, tomatoes, and water and mix well.

Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stirring from time to time, simmer covered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through. Add more water if necessary

Stir in the coconut milk and leave to simmer for a further 5 minutes.

In the meantime, prepare the cauliflower rice: Using the largest holes on a box grater, grate the cauliflower florets and cores. Alternatively, you can pulse the cauliflower in a food processor.

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat in a frying pan.

Add the cauliflower rice, grated garlic, and salt. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the cauliflower rice starts to soften.

Add the cilantro to the lentil curry and season to taste with lemon juice and salt.

Serve the lentil curry over cauliflower rice with naan. Top with cilantro and yogurt if desired.

Randles recommends using dried green or brown lentils for this recipe, as they hold their shape well during cooking and maintain a slightly chewy consistency. This makes them ideal for curries for which you want the lentils to provide some structure rather than completely disintegrating. Randles prefers not to use red lentils for this recipe because she likes a chunky and hearty texture. Red lentils tend to cook faster and break down more easily, creating a creamy and mushy texture.

If you are in a rush, you can substitute the dried lentils for cooked lentils, which is a convenient option that will reduce the overall cooking time. You will need to adjust Step 5 by reducing the amount of water to 1 cup and the cooking time by 10 minutes. If the curry seems too thick, you can add more water or coconut milk. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.

Randles serves this curry over cauliflower rice with naan on the side. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb and low-calorie alternative to traditional rice, making it suitable for those watching their carbohydrate intake or looking for a lighter option. Cauliflower rice has a mild and neutral flavor, making it versatile as a base for various cuisines. It easily absorbs the flavors of the dishes it is paired with and reheats well in a microwave or steamer.

Alternatively, you can serve this lentil curry over basmati rice, quinoa, or even on top of flatbread or whole-grain bread. Herb rice prepared with fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or mint makes another fragrant and flavorful side that complements this lentil curry well. 

For a crisp and refreshing side dish, Randles also suggests serving a simple side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. Instead of yogurt, a cooling raita, a yogurt-based condiment similar to Greek tzatziki sauce, will provide a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of this lentil curry.