Lentil, Mushroom and Coconut Curry

Just to let you know, this post was written before I started the paleo diet to help ease my psoriasis. Nowadays I eat a more allergy-friendly diet, but leave these older, non-paleo posts up in case they are useful to readers, as I know not everyone eats the same as I do. Thanks for your understanding. 

Although I love a dark, spicy lamb curry mopped up with garlic and coriander naan bread, sometimes I'm in the mood for something lighter, more mild, and fragrant. And so one rainy night, this dish was born: lentils and mushrooms in a slightly creamy coconut-based sauce. And it's healthy on many levels. For a start, it's vegan - it's also dairy-free and gluten-free. I love it with a pile of brown Basmati rice. Eating it feels indulgent, but still healthy. 

Lentil, Mushroom and Coconut Curry



Serves 2-3 

Ingredients
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
quarter teaspoon of turmeric
quarter teaspoon of ground cumin
quarter teaspoon ground coriander
4-5 medium-sized chestnut mushrooms, quartered
one 400g tin green lentils
200ml coconut milk
half teaspoon garam masala
salt, to taste
fresh coriander leaves, to serve

Method
Heat the oil in a medium-sized frying pan and cook the garlic until just softened (but not coloured). Add the turmeric, ground cumin and the ground coriander and stir, cooking, until fragrant. Throw in the mushrooms and then drain the lentils and add to the pan. Stir well, and cook for about 5 minutes, until everything is warmed through. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Once everything's hot, stir in the garam masala and season with salt and serve with the coriander leaves scattered over. 

What are your favourite veggie curries? 

I've entered this recipe into the Gluten Free Wednesdays Linky hosted by Gluten Free Homemaker.