Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Veggie & Grain Bowls

This dish combines a mix of fresh and leftover vegetables simmered gently with fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cooked with coconut milk and protein-rich chickpeas or lentils, it offers a balanced, hearty meal that's simple to prepare in under an hour. Leafy greens add a fresh finish, served best alongside rice or flatbread with a touch of cilantro and optional yogurt for creaminess.

Ideal for minimizing waste and maximizing flavor, this adaptable curry celebrates vibrant colors and nutrition while promoting sustainable cooking practices in an Indian-inspired style.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:50:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, fragrant with spices and tender vegetables. Save
A steaming bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, fragrant with spices and tender vegetables. | stellarskillet.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 For a protein boost add paneer or tofu cubes

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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Bake charming cakes, quick breads, and molded desserts that release cleanly for effortless decorating.
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Product image
Bake charming cakes, quick breads, and molded desserts that release cleanly for effortless decorating.
Check price on Amazon
This Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry displays a rich, colorful blend of veggies simmered in creamy coconut milk. Save
This Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry displays a rich, colorful blend of veggies simmered in creamy coconut milk. | stellarskillet.com

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

Savor the flavors of this hearty Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, served with fluffy rice and fresh cilantro. Save
Savor the flavors of this hearty Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, served with fluffy rice and fresh cilantro. | stellarskillet.com
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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 blend well in this dish.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, adding cayenne pepper or a diced chili with the onions provides extra heat, while reducing these spices softens the kick.

Is it suitable for vegan diets?

When plant-based yogurt is used, the curry remains completely vegan and retains delicious creaminess.

How long does it take to prepare?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with 30 minutes cooking time, totaling roughly 50 minutes to a satisfying meal.

How can I add more protein?

Including cooked chickpeas, lentils, or adding paneer or tofu cubes boosts protein content effortlessly.

What are good serving options with this dish?

Serve the curry hot over cooked rice or flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and optional yogurt for added flavor and texture.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Hearty curry featuring fresh and leftover vegetables simmered with fragrant spices and coconut milk.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Recipe by Gabriel Sanders


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Special Diets Plant-Based, No Dairy, Gluten-Free

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 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: Stir in curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to release aromas.

Step 04

Incorporate Vegetables: Add all chopped vegetables except leafy greens, stirring to evenly coat with the spices.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Include Legumes and Season: Add chickpeas or lentils if using, then season liberally 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

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

Step 09

Final Seasoning and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice or with 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 Notes

Review each item for possible allergens and check with your doctor if needed.
  • Contains coconut; check for tree nut allergies.
  • Verify yogurt and bread for dairy or gluten if applicable.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutritional details are estimates only and shouldn’t replace guidance from medical professionals.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 8 g