Asparagus is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that shines in a variety of dishes, but have you ever tried it in a fragrant, spicy curry? This asparagus curry vegetarian recipe combines the crisp, tender stalks of asparagus with a rich, aromatic blend of spices and coconut milk, creating a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this curry offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Not only is asparagus curry delicious, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. Plus, asparagus is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, so this dish is as nourishing as it is tasty.
Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful, wholesome meal that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This asparagus curry is a celebration of fresh, seasonal vegetables paired with bold Indian-inspired spices. The creamy coconut milk tempers the heat, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and soothing.
It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity—minimal ingredients and straightforward steps yield a restaurant-quality curry that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Additionally, asparagus adds a unique crunch and subtle earthiness that complements the spices beautifully.
Whether served over rice or with warm naan, this curry is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy asparagus beyond the usual steaming or roasting!
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Cutting board
- Grater for ginger
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener for coconut milk
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus thoroughly. Trim off the woody ends and cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
- Heat the oil: Place your skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable or coconut oil and let it warm up.
- Toast the seeds: Add the cumin and mustard seeds to the hot oil. Wait for them to start popping, which releases their flavors. Be careful not to burn them.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onions, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
- Add asparagus: Toss in the asparagus pieces, stirring to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook for about 3 minutes to start softening the asparagus.
- Pour in coconut milk: Add the coconut milk to the pan. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Finish with garam masala and lemon juice: Sprinkle the garam masala over the curry and mix well. Remove from heat and squeeze the lemon juice in. Stir gently.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Tips & Variations
To enhance the flavor, try roasting the asparagus in the oven before adding it to the curry for a smoky depth.
You can easily customize this curry by adding other vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or baby potatoes. For a protein boost, toss in some chickpeas or tofu cubes.
If you prefer a thicker curry, simmer it a bit longer to reduce excess liquid.
Adjust the spice levels by varying the chili powder and garam masala quantities. For a milder dish, omit the chili powder entirely.
Using fresh tomatoes is ideal, but canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
For a richer taste, add a tablespoon of cashew paste or almond butter when adding the coconut milk. This adds creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Protein | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Vitamin A | 25% DV |
Vitamin C | 35% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This asparagus curry pairs beautifully with fragrant basmati rice or an assortment of Indian breads such as naan or roti. For a light meal, serve with a simple cucumber raita or a fresh green salad with lemon dressing.
To complement the curry’s flavors, consider serving a side of lentil dal or a cooling yogurt-based dish. If you enjoy a little crunch, scatter some toasted cashews or pumpkin seeds on top before serving.
For dessert, try a classic like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to round out your meal with a sweet finish.
More Vegetarian Curry Recipes to Try
If you loved this asparagus curry, here are two more delicious vegetarian curry recipes to explore:
- Half Runner Beans Recipe: A vibrant curry featuring tender runner beans cooked in a spiced tomato sauce. Perfect as a side or main dish for curry lovers. Check it out here.
- Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe: Though not exclusively a curry, this savory stir fry sauce recipe is fantastic when combined with vegetables like asparagus and tofu for a quick and tasty meal. Discover the recipe here.
Conclusion
This asparagus curry vegetarian recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy fresh asparagus with the rich, complex flavors of Indian spices and creamy coconut milk. It’s an easy, nutritious dish that fits into busy lifestyles while pleasing the palate with every bite.
The recipe’s flexibility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand in your kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this curry makes a memorable meal that showcases the best of vegetarian cooking. Don’t forget to explore other vegetarian recipes like the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or the Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe to complement your culinary adventures.
Enjoy this vibrant, wholesome asparagus curry and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Asparagus Curry
Description: A flavorful vegetarian asparagus curry with aromatic spices and coconut milk. Perfect as a hearty main dish or a side.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds until they sizzle.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Add turmeric, coriander, and garam masala; cook spices for 1 minute.
- Add chopped tomato and cook until soft.
- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Add asparagus pieces and salt, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until asparagus is tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 18 g
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