Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This vibrant, adaptable curry utilizes a mix of fresh and leftover vegetables, simmered with aromatic spices, coconut milk, and optional legumes for a nutritious, eco-conscious meal. It features a blend of curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and optional cayenne, gently cooked to tender perfection. Added leafy greens bring a fresh finish, served best with rice or flatbread and a touch of yogurt for creaminess. This dish works well with a variety of vegetables and proteins, making it perfect for flexible, wholesome dining.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:46:00 GMT
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A fragrant, colorful bowl of curry with a creamy coconut milk base. Save to Pinterest
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A fragrant, colorful bowl of curry with a creamy coconut milk base. | chromespoon.com

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

I've found this recipe perfect for clearing out the fridge while still making a delicious meal my 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

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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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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Enjoy this hearty Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, served with vibrant, fresh cilantro and fluffy rice. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy this hearty Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, served with vibrant, fresh cilantro and fluffy rice. | chromespoon.com

This curry often brings my family together around the table enjoying a warm vegetarian meal that feels both nourishing and satisfying.

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

Steaming hot Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a perfectly balanced blend of vegetables and Indian spices. Save to Pinterest
Steaming hot Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a perfectly balanced blend of vegetables and Indian spices. | chromespoon.com
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This curry is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a waste-free meal that doesnt compromise on flavor or nutrition.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use any vegetables in this curry?

Yes, this dish is designed to be flexible. Root vegetables, squashes, and cruciferous veggies work especially well, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To increase heat, add a diced chili alongside the onion while sautéing. You can also adjust cayenne pepper to your preference.

Is it suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, using plant-based yogurt instead of dairy yogurt keeps this curry vegan-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.

How long should I simmer the curry?

Simmer the vegetables for 15–20 minutes until tender. Leafy greens are added at the end and cooked briefly for 2–3 minutes.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Optional cooked chickpeas or lentils can be stirred in for extra protein. Paneer or tofu cubes also make excellent additions.

What to serve with this curry?

This dish pairs well with cooked rice or flatbread. Fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt complement the flavors beautifully.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Hearty vegetarian curry combining assorted vegetables and spices for a flavorful, sustainable main dish.

Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
30 minutes
Overall time
50 minutes
Recipe by Marissa Cook


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Portion size 4 Portions

Dietary info 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 (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 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)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add Legumes and Seasonings: Stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 07

Simmer Vegetables: Cover pot and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.

Step 08

Wilt Leafy Greens: Stir in leafy greens and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.

Step 09

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

Needed equipment

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

Allergy Notes

Double-check your ingredients for allergens and always talk to your doctor if you're not sure.
  • Contains coconut; verify for tree nut allergies.
  • Check yogurt and bread for dairy or gluten as required.
  • Confirm all packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.

Nutrition details (per portion)

Use these nutrition facts for reference—they don't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Energy (kcal): 340
  • Fat content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 37 grams
  • Proteins: 8 grams