Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This vibrant, adaptable curry highlights fresh and leftover vegetables simmered in a blend of fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk. Sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger build a flavorful base enhanced with curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a touch of cayenne. Chickpeas or lentils add protein, while leafy greens wilt into the dish near the end to maintain freshness. Served over rice or flatbread and garnished with cilantro and yogurt, this dish embraces sustainability and bold taste.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:53:00 GMT
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables simmering in creamy coconut milk and spices. Save
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables simmering in creamy coconut milk and spices. | brilliantcrust.com

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

For extra heat add a diced chili with the onions

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

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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
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Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
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Product image
Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Enjoy a steaming bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, served hot with fluffy rice and fresh cilantro. Save
Enjoy a steaming bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, served hot with fluffy rice and fresh cilantro. | brilliantcrust.com

Leftovers are perfect for family dinners as flavors deepen overnight creating a comforting 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 (per serving)

This delicious Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry displays a rich, flavorful Indian-inspired main dish ready to eat. Save
This delicious Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry displays a rich, flavorful Indian-inspired main dish ready to eat. | brilliantcrust.com
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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
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This waste-free vegetarian curry is both delicious and eco-friendly perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep

Recipe Q&A

Which vegetables work best in this curry?

Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, green beans, and leafy greens such as spinach or kale work exceptionally well to provide varied texture and flavor.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, by using plant-based yogurt or skipping the yogurt topping, this curry remains fully vegan while retaining creamy richness.

What spices give this dish its flavor?

A combination of curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper creates the warm, earthy, and slightly spicy profile.

How can I increase the protein content?

Adding cooked chickpeas, lentils, or tofu cubes boosts protein without altering the dish's vibrant vegetable focus.

Is it suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, when served without bread or with gluten-free flatbread, the curry is naturally gluten-free.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

A vibrant, hearty curry featuring assorted vegetables, fragrant spices, and coconut milk, perfect for a sustainable meal.

Time to prep
20 min
Time to cook
30 min
Overall time
50 min
Created by Isabella Davis


Skill level Easy

Culinary roots Indian-inspired

Makes 4 Number of servings

Diet considerations Vegan-friendly, Contains 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 (14 fl oz) diced tomatoes or 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
03 1 can (14 fl 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)

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add Garlic and Ginger: Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger into the pot, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Mix in curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to release flavors.

Step 04

Combine Vegetables: Add all chopped vegetables except leafy greens. Stir to coat evenly with the spices.

Step 05

Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk, stir, then bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Incorporate Protein and Season: Add cooked chickpeas or lentils if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Add Leafy Greens: Stir in the leafy greens and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 09

Finalize and Serve: Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot over rice or with flatbread, garnished with chopped cilantro and a scoop of yogurt if desired.

What you'll need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Can opener (if canned ingredients are used)

Allergy notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and get medical advice if you're unsure.
  • Contains coconut; verify tree nut allergies.
  • Check plant-based yogurt and bread for dairy or gluten if applicable.
  • Always review packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.

Nutritional info (per serving)

Nutrition info is meant to guide only—it's not a replacement for professional medical input.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 8 g