Chayote Curry Veg Recipes of India You Must Try Today

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Chayote, also known as chow chow or vegetable pear, is a versatile and nutritious vegetable widely used in Indian kitchens, especially in curries. Its mild flavor and tender texture allow it to absorb the spices and aromas beautifully, making it a perfect base for a comforting vegetable curry.

In Indian cuisine, chayote curry is cherished for its simplicity and wholesome taste, often enjoyed with steamed rice or flatbreads.

This blog post will guide you through authentic Indian-style chayote curry vegetable recipes, highlighting the rich flavors and traditional spices that make this dish a staple in many households. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and delightful to taste.

Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving ideas to customize your curry experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chayote curry recipe stands out because it combines the gentle sweetness of chayote with robust Indian spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s a nutritious, low-calorie dish packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The curry is also very adaptable—you can make it vegan, add different vegetables, or adjust the spice level to suit your palate.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity and quick preparation time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of Indian breads or rice, yet light enough to serve as a healthy lunch option.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium chayotes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
  • 2-3 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup water (adjust as needed)
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for a creamier version)

Equipment

  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Medium-sized heavy-bottomed pan or kadai
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons
  • Blender or hand blender (optional, for tomato puree)
  • Bowl for mixing ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chayote: Peel the chayotes carefully to remove the tough outer skin. Dice into medium-sized cubes and set aside.
  2. Heat the oil: In a pan or kadai, heat the oil over medium flame. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add the chopped onions.
  3. Sauté onions: Cook the onions until golden brown, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  4. Add aromatics: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Spice it up: Stir in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook the spices for about a minute to release their aroma.
  6. Add tomatoes: Mix in the pureed or chopped tomatoes. Cook until the oil separates from the masala, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add chayote: Add the diced chayote to the pan. Mix well so the pieces get coated with the masala.
  8. Cook the curry: Pour in the water, add salt to taste, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chayote is tender but not mushy.
  9. Finish with garam masala: Sprinkle garam masala and stir gently. If using coconut milk, add it now and simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat.
  10. Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Always taste and adjust salt and spice levels according to your preference. Chayote absorbs flavors well, so seasoning is key.

  • For a richer curry, add a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end.
  • Try adding other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or peas for a mixed vegetable curry.
  • Use mustard oil for authentic flavor, but any cooking oil you prefer will work.
  • To make it vegan, ensure no dairy ingredients are added.
  • Serve with a dollop of yogurt or raita to balance the spices.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (1 cup)
Calories 110 kcal
Carbohydrates 20 g
Protein 2 g
Fat 4 g
Fiber 5 g
Vitamin C 15% DV
Iron 6% DV

Serving Suggestions

This chayote curry pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or Indian flatbreads such as roti, chapati, or paratha. For a wholesome meal, serve it alongside dal (lentils) and a fresh salad or pickle.

For a lighter meal, enjoy it with plain yogurt or raita, which complements the spices and cools the palate. You can also stuff this curry into stuffed parathas or serve it as a side with your favorite protein dishes like Lamb Tenderloin Recipes or Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe.

Conclusion

Chayote curry is a delightful way to enjoy this underrated vegetable with a burst of Indian spices and flavors. Its ease of preparation combined with its rich nutritional profile makes it a great addition to any meal plan.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option, this curry fits the bill perfectly.

Experiment with different spice blends and add your preferred vegetables to personalize the curry. Don’t forget to explore more recipes on our site to enhance your culinary repertoire, including the tangy Halibut Dip Recipe or the sweet and tangy Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe.

Happy cooking and savor every bite of this delicious Indian chayote curry!

📖 Recipe Card: Chayote Curry

Description: A flavorful Indian vegetable curry featuring tender chayote cooked in aromatic spices. This healthy and easy-to-make dish pairs well with rice or roti.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 medium chayotes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they splutter.
  2. Add chopped onions and green chilies; sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add turmeric, coriander powder, and mix well.
  4. Pour in tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
  5. Add diced chayote and salt; stir to coat with spices.
  6. Add water, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until chayote is tender.
  7. Sprinkle garam masala and cook for another 2 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Marta K

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