Greek Yogurt Lentil Curry

This Greek yogurt lentil curry is a healthy, budget-friendly meal that provides a high-protein vegetarian dinner without the need for coconut milk or heavy cream.

For more lentil recipe ideas, try our classic lentil curry, easy red lentil dal, rich black lentil curry (dal makhani), or browse our best lentil recipes roundup.

Full ingredients and substitutions are in the recipe box below.

• Lentils: red lentils cook quickly and make this a creamy lentil curry. Substitute yellow lentils.
• Olive oil: adds flavor and helps soften the onion. Substitute avocado oil or a small knob of ghee or butter.
• Onion: yellow or white onion builds the base flavor. Substitute shallots or leeks for a milder taste.
• Garlic: fresh garlic adds depth. For garlic-sensitive diets, use garlic-infused oil or a pinch of asafoetida.
• Ginger: fresh ginger gives warmth and brightness. Substitute ground ginger or a small squeeze of ginger paste.
• Crushed tomatoes: add body and balance the spices. Substitute grated fresh ripe tomatoes or tomato passata.
• Vegetable stock: helps create a smooth, easy lentil curry. Substitute water with a pinch of salt if needed.
• Greek yogurt: makes the curry creamy without coconut milk. Use low-fat Greek yogurt or Skyr for extra protein, or a dairy-free yogurt if needed.
• Spices: curry powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric create a simple Indian lentil curry flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: add gentle heat. Skip for a milder curry or use fresh chili.
• Lemon: adds freshness at the end. Substitute lime juice.
• Cilantro: adds a fresh finish. Substitute parsley if you prefer.
• Serves well with: basmati rice, naan, or paratha.

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it’s soft and translucent.

This creates the essential flavor base for our red lentil dhal recipe. Next, add the grated garlic, ginger, and all those beautiful dry spices. Stir them for just one minute until your kitchen smells amazing!

Step 2. Simmer the Lentils

Now, tip in your rinsed red lentils, the crushed tomatoes, and the vegetable stock. Give everything a good stir and season with salt and pepper.

This is an easy one-pot red lentil curry where everything cooks together. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the lentils are soft. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to help them finish cooking.

This is the most important part: turn the heat off completely. Once the curry has stopped bubbling, stir in the Greek yogurt. By moving the pot away from the heat, you ensure the yogurt melts perfectly into the sauce without splitting. You’ll be left with a glossy, velvety finish that is just as satisfying as a traditional lentil curry but much lighter.

Step 4. Garnish and Serve

Give it a final taste test—you might want an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon to make the flavors pop. Ladle the curry into deep bowls over a bed of basmati rice. Top with a handful of fresh cilantro or some sliced scallions for a hit of freshness. It’s simple, fast, and honestly, Louise and I think it’s even better the next day!

• Dal (creamy split lentils)
• Moong dal
• Chana dal
• Lentil soup
• Lentil stew
• Lentil chili
• Creamy red lentil soup
• Curry lentil soup

If you try this Greek yogurt lentil curry recipe please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments—we love hearing from you.