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    Home ยป Spicy recipes

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    Low-fat lentil curry (slow cooker recipe)

    Jump to Recipe

    This slow-cooker low-fat lentil curry is a mild, warm, satisfying dish that makes enough to feed a family of four (or two very hungry people).

    Front angle shot of Low-fat lentil curry served in a white bowl with a mummy too logo in the lower-left corner

    This week I'm cooking a lovely, earthy curry recipe sent in by Helen of Actually Mummy.

    Overhead shot of slow cooker Low-fat lentil curry served in a white bowl with a mummy too logo in the lower-right corner

    Helen promised the curry would be 'simple, healthy, filling and yummy' and indeed it is!

    Here's what to do...

    Ingredients

    • 250 g (1⅓ cup) red lentils rinsed
    • 1 onion peeled and finely chopped
    • 2 sticks celery finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
    • 2 cm (1 inch) fresh root ginger minced
    • ½ tsp chilli flakes
    • 1 tsp ground coriander
    • ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
    • ½ tsp turmeric
    • ½ tsp cumin seeds crushed
    • 400 g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
    • 300 ml (1¼ cups) boiling vegetable stock vegan or gluten free if required
    • 100 g (2 cups) spring greens shredded
    • 1 lime
    • handful fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, chopped

    Equipment

    • Weighing scales
    • Measuring spoons
    • Kitchen knife
    • Chopping board
    • Pestle and mortar
    • Slow cooker
    • Wooden spoon

    Instructions

    Put the onion, celery and tomatoes in the slow cooker.

    Overhead shot of onion, celery and tomatoes in a metal bowl slow cooker

    Add the red lentils.

    Overhead shot of onion, celery, tomatoes, and red lentils in a metal bowl slow cooker

    Add the chilli flakes, ground coriander, salt, turmeric and cumin seeds.

    Overhead shot of a hand holding chilli flakes, ground coriander, salt, turmeric and cumin seeds in a small clear bowl above a slow cooker metal bowl

    Add the garlic and ginger.

    Overhead shot of a hand holding garlic and ginger in a small clear bowl above a slow cooker metal bowl

    Add the hot stock.

    Overhead shot of a hand holding hot stock in a measuring cup
    Overhead shot of lentil curry ingredients in a metal bowl

    Stir.

    Overhead shot of mixed low fat lentil curry ingredients in a metal bowl

    Replace the lid and cook for 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high.

    Overhead shot of slow cooker with its lid on surrounded by ingredients in clear bowls
    Overhead shot of low fat lentil curry ingredients in slow cooker bowl

    Put the shredded greens on top and let them steam, covered, for about 20 minutes.

    Overhead shot of low fat lentil curry topped with shredded greens in slow cooker bowl

    Mix into the curry.

    Overhead shot of low fat lentil curry in a slow cooker metal bowl

    Serve with lime wedges, and coriander leaves sprinkled over the top.

    Front angle shot of a fork picking up slow cooker lentil curry served in a bowl with lime on the side and a mummy too logo in the lower-left corner

    This recipe is great served with low-fat flat breads.

    This is definitely something I'll be making again, although probably with the addition of one or two fresh chillis thrown in because we love a curry with kick.

    Print Recipe
    4.9 from 13 votes

    Low-Fat Lentil Curry (Slow Cooker Recipe)

    This slow-cooker low-fat lentil curry is a mild, warm, satisfying dish that makes enough to feed a family of four (or two very hungry people).
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
    Total Time2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Course: Spicy mains
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings: 4 servings
    Author: Emily Leary

    Ingredients

    • 250 g (1⅓ cup) red lentils rinsed
    • 1 onion peeled and finely chopped
    • 2 sticks celery finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
    • 2 cm (1 inch) fresh root ginger minced
    • ½ tsp chilli flakes
    • 1 tsp ground coriander
    • ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
    • ½ tsp turmeric
    • ½ tsp cumin seeds crushed
    • 400 g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
    • 300 ml (1¼ cups) boiling vegetable stock vegan or gluten free if required
    • 100 g (2 cups) spring greens shredded
    • 1 lime
    • handful fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, chopped

    Equipment

    • Weighing scales
    • Measuring spoons
    • Kitchen knife
    • Chopping board
    • Pestle and mortar
    • Slow cooker
    • Wooden spoon

    Instructions

    • Put the lentils, onion, celery, garlic, ginger, chilli flakes, ground coriander, salt, turmeric, cumin seeds, tomatoes and stock in the slow cooker. Stir.
    • Replace the lid and cook for 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high.
    • Put the shredded greens on top and let them steam, covered, for about 20 minutes.
    • Mix into the curry, and serve with lime wedges, low fat naan bread and coriander leaves sprinkled over the top.

    Video

    Notes

    This is quite a mild curry. If you'd like to add more heat, thinly slice one or two fresh chillis to garnish as desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 619mg | Potassium: 947mg | Fiber: 23g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1720IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 6mg
    * Note: nutritional information is estimated, based on publicly available data. Nutrient values may vary from those published. Information on this website should not be taken as medical advice. Cuisines identify the primary region of inspiration for a dish.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @amummytoo on Instagram or tag @EmilyLearyCooks on Twitter. I can't wait to see your posts!

    Pin this low-fat lentil curry

    graphic text LOW FAT SLOW COOKER LENTIL CURRY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE QUICK RECIPE above three collage photos of low fat lentil curry with website URL below
    Front angle shot of lentil curry served on a white bowl with graphic text SLOW COOKER LOW FAT LENTIL CURRY below
    graphic text LOW FAT LENTIL CURRY above front angle shot of lentil curry served on a white dotted bowl with a mummy too logo in the lower-left corner
    graphic text step-by-step recipe LOW FAT LENTIL CURRY above front angle shot of a fork picking up lentil curry with lime on the side and website URL below
    graphic text LOW FAT LENTIL CURRY step-by-step recipe above overhead shot of slow cooker lentil curry with lime on the side served on a dotted white bowl
    graphic text STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE LOW FAT LENTIL CURRY EASY AND DELICIOUS above front angle shot of a fork picking up lentil curry with lime on the side

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    This wonderfully warming pork curry recipe is as tasty as it looks. It's made with tender strips of pork loin steak and flavoured with fennel, turmeric and coconut milk, with a fresh hit of crunchy green beans.
    Get the recipe
    Chunky Keema Pasta Bake Recipe
    A deliciously flavourful keema pasta bake, with gently curry flavours and a fabulous topping of stretchy mozzarella cheese.
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    One Pot Harissa Chicken Curry Recipe
    Here’s a warming, one-pot chicken, lentil and potato curry you’re sure to make time and time and again as it’s so easy, quick and tasty.
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    Comments

      4.85 from 13 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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    1. Hayden says

      November 26, 2023 at 1:11 am

      I really liked this curry, I followed everything listed and cooked for 2h on high.

      This second batch I'm making I'm doubling the recipe, planning to freeze some, I am cooking for 5 hours on low. Hopefully it turns out.

      Reply
      • Eefje Gijzen says

        April 05, 2025 at 6:37 pm

        4 hours on low is not enough. Lentils were still uncooked. I'm very hungry now. Gonna try another hour on high to see if that helps. Already put the greens in, sovI hope that doesn't spoil them

        Reply
        • Emily Leary says

          April 09, 2025 at 8:26 am

          That's strange. I've made this probably a dozen times and it's always perfect. Different slow cooker brands do vary a bit, of course. How did it turn out?

          Reply
    2. Angela (@cherubpaddock) says

      January 11, 2013 at 10:29 am

      I made this for dinner last night. It was actually really good. I went out to work and left the slow cooker on, so it was in a bit longer than the recommended timings. If anyone else does this, I would suggest adding more water to the mix. Perhaps 400ml.

      It was delicious, but I had to add more salt and pepper and a bit of Madras curry powder. Thanks for posting, hoping to try your carrot and parsnip soup recipe this weekend, so I have it for lunches in the week.

      Great website!

      Reply
    3. Emma @emvanstone says

      January 02, 2013 at 5:55 pm

      oh lovely! Pinning this to my new recipe board!

      Reply
    4. Actually Mummy... says

      January 02, 2013 at 11:04 am

      Yum!! Glad you enjoyed it - you've reminded me to be healthy and frugal now the Christmas excess is all gone :)

      Reply
    5. The Fool says

      January 02, 2013 at 10:30 am

      Will be interested to try this, veg curries are much underrated I think but they do need some work to make sure they are filling enough.

      Reply
    6. Nicki Cawood says

      January 02, 2013 at 7:40 am

      This looks fantastic and is perfect for Slimming World. Unfortunately during my recent-ish house move someone (the Husband) accidentally threw out my slow cooker so I'm going to have to get another and give this a go.

      Reply
      • Actually Mummy... says

        January 02, 2013 at 11:05 am

        It would work in a casserole on the hob too, just simmer an reduce the cooking time

        Reply
        • Nicki Cawood says

          January 02, 2013 at 11:10 am

          I know but this is my excuse for buying a new SC even though I've promised myself not to spend anything else in Jan :)

          Reply
    7. Steph (@imcountingufoz) says

      January 01, 2013 at 6:49 pm

      This looks delish! I'm on a bit of a health kick (in other words, I'm fed up of being a slightly overweight lumpy lump who looks crap in nice underwear) so I'm definitely going to try this out.

      Reply

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