Gluten-Free Red Lentil Pasta with Coconut Curry Sauce
This red lentil pasta in coconut curry sauce is a must-try. It's super easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner. It is packed with fresh veggies like broccoli and spinach.
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, ginger, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the onions are softened.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato ketchup, cumin, curry powder, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
Add bell peppers, frozen peas, and broccoli florets along with vegetable broth or water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add the red lentil pasta directly to the pot and stir well. If any pasta sticks out above the liquid, gently push it down to ensure even cooking. If needed, you can add a small amount of additional liquid to fully submerge the pasta.
Bring the mixture back to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, or according to the package instructions for the red lentil pasta.
Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour the coconut milk into the pot along with the spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Notes
Make sure the dry pasta is covered in the liquid. If any pasta sticks out above the liquid, gently push it down to ensure even cooking.
Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Add spinach towards the end to maintain its texture and color.
Add the coconut milk towards the end of the cooking process and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. High heat can cause coconut milk to curdle, so adding it later helps maintain its creamy texture and smooth consistency.
Top the finished dish with fresh cilantro or basil for a burst of fresh flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can also brighten the dish.