Parippu (Lentil Curry)

This traditional Sri Lankan Parippu is a comforting and creamy lentil curry that serves as the perfect companion to steamed rice. Made with split yellow lentils, coconut milk, and a fragrant blend of spices, this dish offers a rich, velvety texture with subtle notes of curry leaves and garlic. The lentils break down during simmering to create a natural thickening, resulting in a hearty yet light meal that is both satisfying and nourishing. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this vegan-friendly dish brings authentic South Asian flavors to your table with minimal effort. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or as part of a larger thali spread. Simple ingredients come together to create a depth of flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Frying, Stewing, Stir Frying

Cuisine: Indian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 4

Calories: 340

Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Description

This traditional Sri Lankan Parippu is a comforting and creamy lentil curry that serves as the perfect companion to steamed rice. Made with split yellow lentils, coconut milk, and a fragrant blend of spices, this dish offers a rich, velvety texture with subtle notes of curry leaves and garlic. The lentils break down during simmering to create a natural thickening, resulting in a hearty yet light meal that is both satisfying and nourishing. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this vegan-friendly dish brings authentic South Asian flavors to your table with minimal effort. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or as part of a larger thali spread. Simple ingredients come together to create a depth of flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

100 gram Lentils
25 gram Onion
1 Dried Chilli
1 Clove Garlic
25 milliliter Oil
1 sprig Curry leaves
0.5 teaspoon Chilli powder
0.25 teaspoon Coriander powder
300 ml Coconut milk
0.5 teaspoon Salt

Directions

1
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
2
Soak the rinsed lentils in plenty of water for 1 hour to reduce cooking time.
3
Finely slice the onion and chop the garlic clove.
4
If using dried chilli, remove seeds and slice thinly; if using fresh, slice similarly.
5
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
6
Add the sliced onion, chilli, garlic, and curry leaves to the hot oil.
7
Stir-fry the aromatics for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
8
Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pan with the aromatics.
9
Stir in the chilli powder and coriander powder, coating the lentils evenly.
10
Pour in the coconut milk and enough water to cover the lentils by about an inch.
11
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
12
Simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and creamy.
13
Add salt to taste and adjust consistency with water if needed.
14
Serve hot alongside steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 340kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12.5g20%
Saturated Fat 8.5g43%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 250mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 10g40%
Sugars 4g
Protein 12g24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The curry will thicken as it cools; add a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating.

Substitutions: If curry leaves are unavailable, you can use a pinch of curry powder or a small amount of cilantro stems for flavor. Coconut milk can be substituted with light coconut milk for a lower-fat version, though full-fat provides a richer texture.

Variations: For added protein, you can include diced potatoes or sweet potatoes in the simmering stage. Some regional variations include a tempering of mustard seeds and dried red chillies fried in ghee or oil, which is poured over the finished curry just before serving.

Tip: Split yellow lentils (masoor dal) are traditional for this dish as they break down easily to create a creamy texture without needing to be pureed.

Keywords: lentil curry, parippu, sri lankan, dal, vegan, coconut milk, vegetarian, lentils, curry leaves, spice, comfort food, rice accompaniment, healthy dinner, plant based, asian cuisine, slow cooker

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/parippu-lentil-curry/