There’s something truly magical about a warm, fragrant curry that fills your kitchen with the aroma of spices and comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this best vegan curry recipe is a must-try.
It combines wholesome vegetables, creamy coconut milk, and a blend of spices to create a rich and satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this curry is not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing and easy to make.
Plus, it’s flexible enough to adapt to your favorite veggies and spice preferences!
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of making this vibrant vegan curry, share tips to make it even better, and suggest ways to enjoy it. If you love exploring plant-based dishes, be sure to also check out my Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
Now, let’s dive in and bring this cozy curry to life!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan curry recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. The combination of aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander with creamy coconut milk creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
It’s packed with nutrient-rich vegetables, making it a wholesome and balanced meal.
One of the best parts? It’s incredibly versatile!
You can easily swap vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
Plus, it’s a great recipe for meal prepping — the flavors only deepen after a day or two in the fridge.
Finally, this recipe is allergy-friendly, gluten-free, and completely plant-based, making it accessible for many dietary needs. It’s an easy way to impress friends and family with a comforting, vibrant meal that feels both exotic and familiar.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing spices and vegetables |
Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced | |
Garlic cloves | 3, minced | |
Fresh ginger | 1 tbsp, grated | |
Turmeric powder | 1 tsp | |
Cumin powder | 1 tsp | |
Coriander powder | 1 tsp | |
Garam masala | 1 tsp | Adds warmth and depth |
Red chili powder | ½ tsp (optional) | Adjust for spiciness |
Chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh) | 1 cup | |
Coconut milk (full fat) | 1 can (400 ml) | Provides creaminess |
Chickpeas (cooked or canned) | 1 cup | Protein-packed |
Cauliflower florets | 2 cups | Can substitute with broccoli |
Carrot | 1 large, sliced | |
Green peas (frozen or fresh) | ½ cup | |
Salt | To taste | |
Fresh cilantro | ¼ cup, chopped | For garnish |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Brightens the flavors |
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Grater for ginger
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes and chickpeas)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir frequently and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Mix in the spices: turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and red chili powder (if using). Stir well to coat the onions and release the spices’ aromas, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will soften and meld with the spices to form a flavorful base.
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cauliflower, carrot, and chickpeas. Stir well, cover, and let cook for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Stir in the green peas and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Tips & Variations
“Use whatever vegetables you have on hand – bell peppers, spinach, sweet potatoes, or zucchini work beautifully in this curry.”
If you want to deepen the flavor, try roasting the cauliflower and carrots before adding them to the curry. This adds a subtle smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
For extra protein, add cubed tofu or tempeh, sautéed separately and folded in at the end. If you prefer your curry spicier, increase the red chili powder or add fresh chopped green chilies during the sautéing stage.
This curry also freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce thickens too much.
For more inspiration on vegan dishes, you might enjoy my Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or my Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Fat | 18 g (mostly from coconut milk and olive oil) |
Carbohydrates | 32 g |
Fiber | 9 g |
Sugar | 8 g (natural sugars from vegetables and tomatoes) |
Sodium | 350 mg (adjustable by salt added) |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steaming basmati rice or fragrant jasmine rice for a classic combo.
If you want to keep it low-carb, cauliflower rice is a fantastic alternative.
Warm, fluffy naan (vegan-friendly varieties are easy to find or make at home) or a side of soft vegan bread is perfect for soaking up the juicy sauce.
For a light, refreshing contrast, add a side cucumber raita made with vegan yogurt and fresh herbs, or enjoy with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
Conclusion
This vegan curry is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and highly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
The rich coconut milk combined with a fragrant spice blend creates a sauce that’s both creamy and satisfying, while the varied vegetables provide texture and nutrition.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Don’t forget to explore more vegan delights like my Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore or the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners to keep your plant-based journey exciting and flavorful.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Curry Recipe
Description: A flavorful and hearty vegan curry packed with vegetables and aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups chickpeas, cooked or canned
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, peas)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in curry powder, cumin, and turmeric; cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
- Add chickpeas and mixed vegetables; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 38 g
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