Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Everyday Suppers

This vibrant vegetarian curry brings together fresh and leftover vegetables simmered in coconut milk, enriched with warming spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The dish combines hearty veggies and leafy greens for a balanced, satisfying meal with an Indian-inspired flair. Simple steps include sautéing aromatics, toasting spices, and gently simmering until tender. Served over rice or flatbread, it embraces sustainability and flavor in every bite.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:01:00 GMT
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: Aromatic and colorful, this curry simmers with tender vegetables, ready for rice. Save Pin
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: Aromatic and colorful, this curry simmers with tender vegetables, ready for rice. | vectoroven.com

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

This curry helped me reduce food waste while creating a delicious meal that my whole family enjoyed.

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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Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Save Pin
| vectoroven.com

This recipe brought our family together around the table while reducing food waste in our home.

Nutritional Information

Calories 340, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 37 g, Protein 8 g per serving

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

Spoonful of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: Chunks of vibrant vegetables in creamy coconut milk, perfect with fresh cilantro. Save Pin
Spoonful of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: Chunks of vibrant vegetables in creamy coconut milk, perfect with fresh cilantro. | vectoroven.com
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This waste-free curry is perfect for a delicious and eco-friendly meal any night of the week.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use any vegetables for this curry?

Yes, the curry is flexible and works well with a variety of vegetables, especially root vegetables, squashes, and cruciferous types.

How do I add more protein to this dish?

Adding cooked chickpeas, lentils, paneer, or tofu cubes boosts the protein content while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely. You can include a diced chili with the onions or modify the cayenne pepper amount to control heat.

What is the best way to serve this curry?

Serve hot over cooked rice or flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt or plant-based yogurt for creaminess.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

A vibrant, adaptable curry using assorted vegetables and spices for a hearty, sustainable meal.

Time to prepare
20 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Lucas Jenkins


Level Easy

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Special Diets Plant-Based, No Gluten

What You 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 Steps

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: Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Stir in curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper; cook for 30 seconds to release aromas.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Incorporate Liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk, bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Add Protein and Season: If desired, add cooked chickpeas or lentils. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 07

Simmer: Cover and cook on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Finalize and Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with cooked rice or flatbread, garnished with chopped cilantro and optional yogurt.

What You’ll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review every component for allergens. See a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains coconut; verify tree nut allergies.
  • Yogurt and bread may contain dairy or gluten; check labels accordingly.

Nutrition details (each serving)

Only for informational use—this isn't a substitute for a doctor's advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fat Content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 37 grams
  • Proteins: 8 grams