Creamy Sri Lankan Lentil Curry In A Slow Cooker

A slow cooker Sri Lankan lentil curry recipe needs minimal prep to yield a incredibly creamy, flavorful lentil curry.

Sri Lankan lentil curry, locally called Parippu, carries a beautiful history. Sri Lanka sat right in the middle of the ancient spice trade routes. Sailors and merchants brought dried red lentils to the island centuries ago. The locals took those lentils and brilliantly combined them with their most abundant natural resource: fresh coconuts.

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This combination created something completely magical. Unlike traditional lentil curry that rely heavily on dairy or water, this version gets its luxurious texture entirely from thick coconut milk. Back in the day, cooks simmered these pots for hours over open wood fires to extract maximum flavor. We skip the smoky wood fire today, but we keep that ancient magic alive by using modern slow cooking. TBH, the flavor difference gives me a mind-blown 🤯 moment every single time.

The Inspiration Behind the Slow Cooker Sri Lankan Lentil Curry

This lentil recipe is inspired by Sri Lankan red lentil curry. It is very easy to make and the ingredients are simple just red lentils, onion, ginger, garlic, a few spices and coconut milk. Coconut milk may not be a common ingredient in every kitchen but it gives this Sri Lankan style dal a delicious flavour especially when cooked in a slow cooker.

When I started cooking in a slow cooker I realized that slow cooking is not only convenient but also makes food taste amazingly delicious. Every meal comes out rich in flavour. Trust me! I have tried the same recipe in a pressure cooker and normal cooking style on stove, while it was good but the slow-cooked version tasted much better.

In Indian subcontinent, pressure cookers are very popular because they save time, cook food quickly and use less electricity or gas which is important for many families. Not everyone can afford to use a slow cooker regularly, especially when faster cooking methods are available.

The first time I made this dal in a slow cooker, I noticed big differencevin flovor that was missing in pressure-cooked or regular stovetop versions. That is what makes this recipe special to me.

I grew up eating many kinds of dal prepared with different spices, lots of ghee or butter and various cooking methods. However dal made with coconut milk and curry leaves has a unique South Indian and Sri Lankan flavour that I really enjoy.

My family and I love this recipe and I hope you will love it too. If you try it please let me know in the comments. I would be very happy to hear your feedback!

Lets make it..

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Recipe

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Sri Lankan Red Lentil Curry In a Slow Cooker

Recipe by – Arti Rout

Slow Cooked Sri Lankan Dal turns everyday red lentils into a rich, creamy masterpiece. Discover how authentic coconut milk and patient cooking create true, unforgettable comfort in a bowl.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Servings 6

Calories 318 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

US CustomaryMetric

number of servingsServings :6

Ingredients

• 2 Cup Soaked Red Lentil
• 2 tbsp Crushed Ginger Garlic
• 10-15 Curry Leaves
• 2 Red Chilli
• 1 Sliced Onion
• 1 Sliced Tomato
• 1 tspn Turmeric Powder
• 1-2 tspn Red Chilli Powder
• 1 tspn Coriander Powder
• 1 tspn Cumin Powder
• 1 Cup Coconut Milk
• Salt
• Warm Water
• Chopped Coriander Leaves
• Oil

For Tempering:

• 1 tspn Cumin Seeds
• 1 tspn Mustard Seeds
• 1 tspn Chilli Flakes
• 8-10 Curry Leaves
• 2 Dry Red Chilli
• Oil

Instructions

 

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Soaking your lentils makes a huge difference! For the best texture, it's recommended to soak them overnight.
• Set the cooker on saute mode for 5 minutes, Once ready add oil along with ginger and garlic.
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• Now add curry leaves, onion, fresh chilli and lentils, let them sauté for a minute.
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• Add all the dry spices along with tomato and salt, let them cook for another minute.
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• Now add the warm water, coconut milk and coriander leaves, cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours.
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Please remembe for Lentil Curries tempering is a flavour-enhancing technique that completely transforms the dish—the difference in taste is like night and day.
• For the tempering,heat the oil in a pan and add all the dry spices, Once start to splutter pour it into the dal.
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• For a visual reference you can watch our video linked Above recipe.
• Serve hot with rice and your favoiurate sides and enjoy 🍚😋
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Video

NUTRITION INFO

Nutrition Facts

Sri Lankan Red Lentil Curry In a Slow Cooker

Amount per Serving

Calories

318

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

9

g

14

%

Saturated Fat

 

7

g

44

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Sodium

 

21

mg

1

%

Potassium

 

848

mg

24

%

Carbohydrates

 

43

g

14

%

Fiber

 

20

g

83

%

Sugar

 

4

g

4

%

Protein

 

17

g

34

%

Vitamin A

 

697

IU

14

%

Vitamin C

 

110

mg

133

%

Calcium

 

69

mg

7

%

Iron

 

7

mg

39

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition Information Disclaimer Hide

Nutrition Information Disclaimer – Maple.Kitchen

The content on Maple.Kitchen is for informational purposes only and is not provided by a certified nutritionist, dietitian, or medical professional. Any nutritional information shared (such as calories, fat, or carbs) is an estimate, calculated using online tools, and may not be fully accurate. This site does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor should the content be seen as a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or dietary changes. Maple.Kitchen is not responsible for any outcomes from the use of recipes or information shared on this website.

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Ready to Eat?

Serve your amazing creation hot alongside some rice and your favorite sides. Do you prefer your dal thick and creamy or a little more soupy? Just adjust the warm water to match your personal vibe 😉. Go ahead, start your slow cooker, and enjoy a truly comforting meal tonight!