Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This vibrant vegetarian curry combines assorted fresh and leftover vegetables cooked with warming spices for a flexible, eco-friendly dish. Simmered in coconut milk and tomatoes, it’s enriched with garlic, ginger, and leafy greens, delivering rich, balanced flavors. Ideal for a quick and wholesome main course, it pairs perfectly with rice or flatbread and can be adapted with chickpeas for added protein.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:41:00 GMT
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: Aromatic and colorful, this curry simmers with tender vegetables and creamy coconut milk. Save
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: Aromatic and colorful, this curry simmers with tender vegetables and creamy coconut milk. | milestonepan.com

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

This recipe helped me transform random veggies from the fridge into a delicious meal that the whole family 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

Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
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.
Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
A steaming bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh cilantro. Save
A steaming bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh cilantro. | milestonepan.com

This recipe has become a go-to family favorite during busy weeknights when we want something quick and wholesome.

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

Rich spices and tender vegetables combine in this gorgeous Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a flavorful and easy meal. Save
Rich spices and tender vegetables combine in this gorgeous Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a flavorful and easy meal. | milestonepan.com
Product image
Deep clean greasy stovetops, countertops, sinks, and tiles using powerful steam after everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon

This curry is as flexible as your fridge allows and always satisfying to the last bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use any vegetables in this curry?

Yes, this curry is designed to be adaptable. Use any combination of fresh or leftover vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, or leafy greens.

How can I add more protein to the dish?

Incorporate cooked chickpeas, lentils, paneer, or tofu to boost protein content and add extra texture to the curry.

What spices give this dish its flavor?

The curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper create a warm, balanced spice profile that enhances the vegetables.

Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, if you choose plant-based yogurt as a topping and avoid dairy yogurt, the curry is fully vegan and gluten-free.

How should I serve this curry for best results?

Serve hot over cooked rice or with flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt to balance the spices.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely, flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead and enjoy reheated.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Hearty curry using assorted vegetables and spices for a flavorful, nutritious meal that's quick to prepare.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Time Needed
50 min
Created by Caleb Barnes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Servings Yielded 4 Number of Servings

Special Diets 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 (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

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Add curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to toast spices.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Simmer with 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 using. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 07

Cook Until Tender: Cover pot 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 an additional 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 09

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Review each ingredient for allergens and speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Contains coconut, which may affect those with tree nut allergies. Check yogurt and bread for dairy and gluten if applicable. Verify all packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.

Nutrition (per serving)

For informational use only. Always consult with a health professional if needed.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 8 g