Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Everyday Mains

This vibrant curry combines fresh and leftover vegetables with fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk to create a hearty, eco-conscious meal. Featuring a blend of carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, and leafy greens, it simmers gently to meld flavors. Optional chickpeas add protein, while cilantro and yogurt provide fresh finishing touches. Easy to prepare and adaptable to available ingredients, this dish is a nutritious, warming choice suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:11:00 GMT
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: a steaming bowl of flavorful curry with colorful vegetables and fresh cilantro. Save
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: a steaming bowl of flavorful curry with colorful vegetables and fresh cilantro. | pulsebaker.com

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

This recipe quickly became my go-to for using up odds and ends from the fridge while satisfying the whole family with warm, comforting flavors.

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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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
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Enjoy a hearty Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, with tender vegetables in a creamy coconut milk based sauce. Save
Enjoy a hearty Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, with tender vegetables in a creamy coconut milk based sauce. | pulsebaker.com

My family enjoys gathering around this curry dish, sharing stories while savoring each spoonful of comfort and nutrition.

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

A visually appealing, fragrant Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry served over fluffy rice, garnished with vibrant herbs. Save
A visually appealing, fragrant Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry served over fluffy rice, garnished with vibrant herbs. | pulsebaker.com
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This curry is easy to personalize and perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal or batch cooking for busy days ahead.

Questions & Answers

What vegetables work best for this curry?

A mix of root veggies like carrots and potatoes, cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, and leafy greens like spinach or kale all meld beautifully in this dish.

Can I make this curry spicier?

Yes, adding diced chili peppers with the onions intensifies the heat and adds a vibrant kick to the dish.

Is it possible to add protein to this curry?

Adding cooked chickpeas or lentils during simmering incorporates extra protein, making the dish more filling and balanced.

How do I store leftovers properly?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container. Flavors often deepen overnight, and the dish reheats well on stovetop or microwave.

What can I serve alongside this curry?

Steamed rice or flatbread complements the flavors and texture perfectly, helping to soak up the rich sauce.

Can I substitute coconut milk if unavailable?

While coconut milk adds creaminess and mild sweetness, alternatives like cashew cream or almond milk can work, though flavor and texture may vary.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

A flexible, flavorful dish highlighting fresh and leftover vegetables with warming spices and creamy coconut milk.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Time Required
50 min
Created by Olivia Carter


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Details Plant-based, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Fresh & Leftover Vegetables

01 2 cups assorted vegetables (e.g., 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 fl oz) diced tomatoes or 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
03 1 can (13.5 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 sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.

Step 02

Add Garlic and Ginger: Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Mix in curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper; stir continuously for 30 seconds to release aromas.

Step 04

Cook Vegetables: Add chopped assorted vegetables excluding leafy greens; stir to coat evenly with spices.

Step 05

Simmer with Liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk; 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 Until Tender: Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.

Step 08

Add Leafy Greens: Fold in chopped leafy greens and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 09

Finalize and Serve: Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with cooked rice or flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Look over the ingredients for possible allergens, and speak to a professional about concerns.
  • Contains coconut; check for tree nut allergies. Verify yogurt and bread brands for dairy or gluten presence.

Nutrition per Serving

Pulse Baker gives this for general use. It isn't medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Fat content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Protein: 8 g