Creamy Coconut Beetroot Curry
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Total: 55 mins
A warming one pot inspired by Sri Lankan beetroot curry. This fragrant braise simmers our favourite ruby root with tender red lentils and dark leafy cavolo nero in a rich mix of tomatoes, coconut milk and aromatic spices.
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351 kcal
(per portion)
Ingredients you'll need
  • 3 onions
  • 750g beetroot
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • A thumb of ginger
  • A thumb of turmeric
  • 1 chilli
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 400g chopped tomatoes
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 150g dried red lentils
  • 200g cavolo nero
  • 1 lime
From your kitchen
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 750ml boiing water
You'll need
  • Large pan
  • Measuring jug
Step by step this way
  • 1.

    Peel and thinly slice the onions. Peel the beetroot and chop it into small pieces. Warm 2 tbsp olive oil into a large pan on a medium heat. Add the veg with a pinch of salt and pepper. Fry for 10 mins, stirring now and then. Fill and boil your kettle.

  • 2.

    Meanwhile, peel and grate or finely chop the garlic, ginger and turmeric. Finely chop the chilli (you can halve it scoop out the seeds for less heat). When the beetroot and onions have cooked for 10 mins, add the garlic, ginger, turmeric and chilli to the pan, along with 2 tsp each ground cumin and ground coriander. Stir well and fry for 2 mins.

  • 3.

    Pour the chopped tomatoes into the pan, along with the coconut milk. Top up with 750ml boiling water. Add the lentils and stir well. Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer gently for 30 mins.

  • 4.

    While the curry is cooking, trim and finely shred the cavolo nero. When the curry has cooked for 30 mins, add the cavolo nero to the pan. Cook for 5 mins, till the beetroot and greens are tender.

  • 5.

    Squeeze the lime juice into the curry. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the curry into warm bowls and serve.

  • Tip

    Keep & Eat
    The curry will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Transfer to containers, cool, then seal and chill. Reheat it in the microwave or on the hob, making sure it piping hot all the way through.

  • Tip

    On the side
    Turn your beetroot curry into a feast by serving it with plenty of steamed rice or warm roti on the side. To make your curry even creamier, dollop each bowl with a raita made with dairy-free coconut yogurt, grated cucumber and garlic.

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