Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This vibrant curry highlights the use of assorted fresh and leftover vegetables simmered with warm spices like curry powder, cumin, and coriander. Coconut milk adds creamy richness while chickpeas offer optional protein, making it a wholesome, adaptable dish. Leafy greens stirred in at the end bring freshness, perfect served over rice or flatbread with cilantro and yogurt. Ideal for an easy, sustainable, and nourishing meal, it embraces flexibility and vibrant flavors.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:21:00 GMT
Steaming bowls of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry served with fresh cilantro and fluffy rice. Save
Steaming bowls of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry served with fresh cilantro and fluffy rice. | quantumgrill.com

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

I enjoy making this curry because it reduces food waste and still brings bold flavors to the table.

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

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.
Aromatic Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry featuring tender leftover vegetables simmered in coconut milk. Save
Aromatic Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry featuring tender leftover vegetables simmered in coconut milk. | quantumgrill.com

My family loves gathering around this curry especially on cozy weeknights for a comforting meal.

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

Hearty and flavorful Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a colorful mix of vegetables and warming spices. Save
Hearty and flavorful Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a colorful mix of vegetables and warming spices. | quantumgrill.com

This curry is perfect for using up leftovers in a delicious way and keeps well for next day meals.

Common Questions

What vegetables work best for this curry?

Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, cruciferous veggies such as cauliflower, and leafy greens like spinach or kale all blend well, adding texture and flavor.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, cooked chickpeas or lentils can be included during simmering for extra protein, or paneer and tofu cubes can be added as a boost.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Adjust cayenne pepper amounts or add a diced chili with the onions to increase heat according to taste preferences.

What are good accompaniments for serving?

Serve this curry hot over steamed rice or with flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of plain or plant-based yogurt.

How should leftovers be handled?

Leftovers keep well and the flavors often deepen overnight, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead meals.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

A flavorful curry combining fresh and leftover vegetables for a hearty, plant-based main dish.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
50 min
Recipe by Evan Clark


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Indian-inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details 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 (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 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
05 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
06 Salt and black pepper, to taste

To Serve

01 Cooked rice or flatbread
02 Fresh cilantro, chopped
03 1/2 cup plain yogurt or plant-based yogurt (optional)

How to Make

Instruction 01

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

Instruction 02

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

Instruction 03

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

Instruction 04

Cook Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables excluding leafy greens and mix to coat with spices evenly.

Instruction 05

Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk; bring to a gentle simmer.

Instruction 06

Incorporate Protein and Season: Add chickpeas or lentils if desired; season generously with salt and black pepper.

Instruction 07

Simmer Until Tender: Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.

Instruction 08

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

Instruction 09

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot atop cooked rice or with flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and yogurt if using.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Always check every component for allergens. If unsure, ask a specialist.
  • Contains coconut; verify tree nut allergies. Confirm dairy and gluten presence in yogurt and bread if applicable.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition data is informative only. Don't use as medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Total Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 8 g