Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Everyday Dinners

This vibrant curry uses assorted fresh and leftover vegetables simmered with spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk, creating a rich and hearty dish. Leafy greens add a fresh touch while optional chickpeas provide protein. Perfect served hot over rice or flatbread, topped with cilantro and yogurt for added creaminess.

Its adaptable nature lets you use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a sustainable choice that minimizes waste without sacrificing flavor. Aromatic spices combined with coconut milk give the dish a velvety, comforting texture that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:20:00 GMT
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry served hot over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro, a delicious vegan meal. Save
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry served hot over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro, a delicious vegan meal. | fusionspatula.com

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

I enjoy preparing this curry as it helps reduce food waste while creating a delicious and nourishing meal that the whole family appreciates.

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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This warm Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry showcases colorful vegetables simmered in coconut milk, ready and delicious. Save
This warm Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry showcases colorful vegetables simmered in coconut milk, ready and delicious. | fusionspatula.com

Our family loves sitting together and sharing this curry, especially knowing it’s both tasty and waste-conscious.

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

Imagine a flavorful bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry with vegetables, filling and vibrant, ready to eat. Save
Imagine a flavorful bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry with vegetables, filling and vibrant, ready to eat. | fusionspatula.com
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Cushioned mats provide comfort while cooking, absorbing spills near the sink and stove for cleaner meal prep.
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This vegetarian curry is both flexible and fulfilling making it a perfect addition to your weeknight meal rotation.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use any vegetables for this curry?

Yes, root vegetables, squashes, cruciferous veggies, and other assorted fresh or leftover vegetables work beautifully in this curry.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Simply replace plain yogurt with a plant-based alternative or omit it completely to keep the dish vegan.

What spices give this curry its flavor?

Curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper combine to create the aromatic and warm flavor profile.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, cooked chickpeas or lentils can be added for extra protein, or tofu and paneer cubes work well.

What are suitable serving suggestions?

Serve this curry hot over cooked rice or alongside flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt if desired.

How long does this dish take to prepare?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with 30 minutes of cooking resulting in a total time of approximately 50 minutes.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

A versatile curry blending fresh and leftover vegetables into a hearty, eco-conscious dish.

Prep duration
20 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Overall time
50 minutes
Created by Liam Johnson

Food Type Everyday Dinners

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Indian-inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet info Plant-based, Without gluten

What You Need

Fresh & Leftover Vegetables

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

Incorporate garlic and ginger: Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté 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

Add vegetables: Add all chopped vegetables except leafy greens; stir to coat evenly with the spices.

Step 05

Combine liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk; bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Add legumes and season: Stir in chickpeas or lentils if using. 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

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

Step 09

Serve and garnish: Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot atop 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 (if using canned ingredients)

Allergy warnings

Review ingredients for allergens and check with a medical expert if needed.
  • Contains coconut; check for tree nut allergies.
  • Verify yogurt and bread for dairy and gluten allergens.

Nutrition details (per serving)

Nutrition facts are estimates for informational reasons and aren't medical guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 340
  • Fat content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 37 grams
  • Protein amount: 8 grams