Kurma Veg Recipe Easy and Delicious Indian Curry Guide

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Kurma is a rich and aromatic vegetable curry hailing from South Indian and Mughlai cuisine, loved for its creamy texture and delicate blend of spices. This Kurma Veg Recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a luscious coconut and cashew-based gravy.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a festive dish to impress your guests, this kurma recipe is both versatile and satisfying. It pairs beautifully with rice, roti, or even parathas, making it a staple in many Indian households.

The beauty of this kurma lies in its balance of flavors — mildly spiced yet fragrant, creamy yet light. The use of fresh coconut, poppy seeds, and a special blend of whole and ground spices creates a sauce that is decadently smooth without being overpowering.

Plus, it’s packed with nutritious vegetables, making it a wholesome option for vegetarians and vegans alike. Read on to discover how to make this classic kurma veg recipe with easy-to-follow steps and tips for a perfect curry every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Kurma Veg Recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful without relying on heavy cream or butter, making it a healthier yet indulgent alternative.

The creamy texture comes from natural ingredients like coconut and cashews, which also add a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.

Secondly, the recipe is highly customizable. You can use any mix of seasonal vegetables you have on hand, making it a practical dish for using up leftovers or shopping seasonally.

It also cooks relatively quickly, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

Finally, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy authentic Indian flavors but prefer milder spice levels. The warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom give it a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen and your heart.

Don’t forget to check out some other delightful recipes like Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for more culinary inspiration!

Ingredients

  • Mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, cauliflower) – 2 cups, chopped
  • Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Green chili – 1, slit (optional)
  • Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
  • Grated coconut – ½ cup fresh or frozen
  • Cashew nuts – 10-12, soaked
  • Poppy seeds (khus khus) – 1 teaspoon
  • Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
  • Cinnamon stick – 1 small piece
  • Cloves – 3
  • Green cardamoms – 2
  • Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Garam masala – ½ teaspoon
  • Salt – to taste
  • Oil – 2 tablespoons (vegetable or coconut oil preferred)
  • Water – as needed
  • Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pan or skillet
  • Blender or food processor
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Serving bowl

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice paste: In a small pan, dry roast the grated coconut, cashew nuts, poppy seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamoms over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  2. Grind the roasted mixture: Once cooled, transfer the roasted spices and nuts to a blender. Add about ¼ cup of water and blend into a smooth paste. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the base: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the chopped onions and green chili. Sauté on medium heat until onions turn translucent and slightly golden.
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  5. Add vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables and stir well. Sprinkle turmeric and coriander powder. Mix to coat the vegetables with the spices.
  6. Add the ground paste and water: Pour the prepared coconut-cashew paste into the pan. Mix thoroughly. Add water as needed to get a curry-like consistency, usually about 1 to 1½ cups. Stir well and bring it to a boil.
  7. Simmer: Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the vegetables cook for 10-15 minutes until tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
  8. Finish with garam masala: Once the vegetables are cooked, sprinkle garam masala and salt to taste. Stir well and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
  9. Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish the kurma with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, chapati, or parathas.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan twist, ensure your oil is plant-based and skip any dairy additions.

Tip: To enhance flavor, soak cashew nuts for 30 minutes before roasting and grinding.

Variation: Add paneer or tofu cubes towards the end of cooking for added protein.

You can also substitute vegetables based on availability — pumpkin, bottle gourd, or even sweet potatoes work wonderfully.

For a nuttier flavor, add a tablespoon of poppy seed paste freshly ground with water.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 180-220 kcal
Protein 5-6 g
Fat 12-15 g (mostly from cashews and coconut)
Carbohydrates 15-18 g
Fiber 4-5 g
Sodium 400-500 mg (depending on salt added)

Serving Suggestions

Kurma veg pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or soft Indian breads like chapati, paratha, or naan. For a festive meal, serve it alongside Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious as a dessert for a sweet finish.

It also works well with simple lemon rice or coconut rice, where the mild flavors balance the rich kurma gravy perfectly. For a complete meal, add a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad to add some crunch and freshness.

If you want to keep things healthy and light, pair your kurma with Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating to start, and you’ve got a wholesome, nutritious meal.

Conclusion

This Kurma Veg Recipe is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a luxurious, comforting dish. Its creamy, aromatic gravy loaded with fresh vegetables makes it both a healthy and indulgent option for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this kurma is sure to delight and satisfy.

The recipe’s adaptability allows you to experiment with vegetables, spice levels, and even protein additions like tofu or paneer. Plus, with easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, it’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

For more inspiration, don’t forget to explore other delicious plant-based dishes like Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Enjoy this flavorful kurma veg recipe and happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Kurma Veg Recipe

Description: A flavorful South Indian mixed vegetable curry cooked in a rich coconut-based gravy. Perfect as a side dish with rice or Indian breads.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, chopped)
  • 1 large onion, finely sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated coconut
  • 2 green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 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 sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
  5. Add turmeric, red chili powder, and salt; mix well.
  6. Add mixed vegetables and stir for 5 minutes.
  7. Grind grated coconut with a little water to a smooth paste and add to the pan.
  8. Pour in water, cover, and cook until vegetables are tender.
  9. Sprinkle garam masala and cook for another 2 minutes.
  10. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 22 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Kurma Veg Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful South Indian mixed vegetable curry cooked in a rich coconut-based gravy. Perfect as a side dish with rice or Indian breads.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, chopped)”, “1 large onion, finely sliced”, “2 tomatoes, chopped”, “1/2 cup grated coconut”, “2 green chilies”, “1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste”, “1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder”, “1 teaspoon red chili powder”, “1 teaspoon garam masala”, “1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds”, “1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “2 tablespoons oil”, “1 cup water”, “Salt to taste”, “Fresh coriander leaves for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they splutter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sliced onions and saut\u00e9 until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add turmeric, red chili powder, and salt; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mixed vegetables and stir for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grind grated coconut with a little water to a smooth paste and add to the pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in water, cover, and cook until vegetables are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle garam masala and cook for another 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “22 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X