Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Everyday Main Dishes

This vegetarian curry brings together fresh and leftover vegetables, simmered with a blend of aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. The dish is adaptable, allowing an assortment of root and leafy greens, enhanced by garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat. It cooks quickly, making it ideal for a nourishing, eco-conscious main. Serve with rice or flatbread topped with fresh cilantro and yogurt for extra creaminess.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:22:00 GMT
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A fragrant, colorful Indian-inspired curry featuring tender chunks of varied vegetables. Save
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A fragrant, colorful Indian-inspired curry featuring tender chunks of varied vegetables. | turboplates.com

A vibrant, adaptable curry crafted to use up leftover vegetables, delivering hearty flavor in a sustainable, eco-friendly way.

I love using this curry to turn leftover vegetables into a delicious meal that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Fresh & Leftover Vegetables: 2 cups assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, green beans), chopped, 1 cup leafy greens (spinach, kale, or chard), chopped, 1 medium onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • Pantry Staples: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 can (400 ml) diced tomatoes (or 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped), 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, 1 cup cooked chickpeas or lentils (optional for extra protein)
  • Spices: 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • To Serve: Cooked rice or flatbread, Fresh cilantro, chopped, ½ cup plain yogurt or plant-based yogurt (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
Step 2:
Stir in the garlic and ginger cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
Step 4:
Add all chopped vegetables (except leafy greens) Stir to coat in the spices.
Step 5:
Pour in the diced tomatoes and coconut milk Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 6:
Add chickpeas or lentils, if using Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 7:
Cover and simmer for 15 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
Step 8:
Stir in the leafy greens and cook for 2 3 minutes until wilted.
Step 9:
Taste and adjust seasoning Serve hot over rice or with flatbread, topped with cilantro and a dollop of yogurt if desired.
This Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry shows a steaming bowl of curry, served with fluffy white rice and fresh cilantro. Save
This Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry shows a steaming bowl of curry, served with fluffy white rice and fresh cilantro. | turboplates.com

This recipe always brings the family together for a warm, nourishing meal.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, Cutting board and knife, Wooden spoon, Can opener (if using canned ingredients)

Allergen Information

Contains coconut (check for tree nut allergies) Check yogurt brand and bread for dairy or gluten if needed Always verify packaged ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 340, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 37 g, Protein: 8 g

Enjoy a steaming bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, perfect for a cozy, flavorful, and plant-based dinner. Save
Enjoy a steaming bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, perfect for a cozy, flavorful, and plant-based dinner. | turboplates.com

This curry is flexible and forgiving, perfect for reducing food waste while enjoying a wholesome meal.

Recipe FAQs

What vegetables work best in this curry?

Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, cruciferous veggies such as cauliflower, and leafy greens like spinach or kale are perfect for this flavorful curry.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, chickpeas or lentils can be included for extra protein, or plant-based alternatives such as tofu or paneer cubes.

How spicy is this curry?

The curry includes mild spices like turmeric and cumin, with optional cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Is coconut milk necessary for the sauce?

Coconut milk adds creaminess and balances the spices, but you can substitute with plant-based cream or omit if desired.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve hot over cooked rice or with flatbread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt or plant-based yogurt for richness.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based yogurt and omit any dairy toppings to keep it fully vegan.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Hearty vegetarian curry featuring assorted vegetables, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk in a quick, flavorful dish.

Time to Prep
20 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Time Required
50 minutes
Created by Natalie Hall

Recipe Type Everyday Main Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Indian-inspired

Output 4 Portions

Diet Info Plant-Based, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Fresh & Leftover Vegetables

01 2 cups assorted vegetables (carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, green beans), chopped
02 1 cup leafy greens (spinach, kale, or chard), chopped
03 1 medium onion, diced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

Pantry Staples

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 can (13.5 oz) diced tomatoes or 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
03 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
04 1 cup cooked chickpeas or lentils (optional)

Spices

01 1 tablespoon curry powder
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1 teaspoon ground coriander
04 ½ teaspoon turmeric
05 ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
06 Salt and black pepper, to taste

To Serve

01 Cooked rice or flatbread
02 Fresh cilantro, chopped
03 ½ cup plain yogurt or plant-based yogurt (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 4 minutes.

Step 02

Infuse Flavors: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Add curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir continuously for 30 seconds to release aromas.

Step 04

Incorporate Vegetables: Add all chopped vegetables except leafy greens. Stir well to coat evenly with the spice mixture.

Step 05

Add Liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Add Protein and Season: Stir in chickpeas or lentils if desired. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 07

Simmer Vegetables: Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.

Step 08

Finish with Greens: Add leafy greens and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 09

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over rice or with flatbread, garnished with cilantro and a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Necessary Tools

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Can opener

Allergy Details

Review ingredient labels for possible allergens and talk to a healthcare provider for advice.
  • Contains coconut; verify for tree nut allergies.
  • Check yogurt and flatbread for dairy or gluten content.
  • Confirm all packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Info (per portion)

Nutritional figures are estimates for awareness; not intended as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 8 g