Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Everyday Suppers

This vibrant curry transforms fresh and leftover vegetables into a hearty, flavorful dish. Aromatic spices like curry powder, cumin, and coriander blend with creamy coconut milk and diced tomatoes to create a rich sauce. Leafy greens add color and nutrition, while optional chickpeas boost protein content. Simmered gently to tender perfection, it’s a sustainable, adaptable meal that highlights freshness and waste reduction. Serve over rice or flatbread, garnished with cilantro and a yogurt dollop for added creaminess.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:41:00 GMT
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A fragrant, colorful bowl with tender vegetables, served with fluffy rice. Save
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A fragrant, colorful bowl with tender vegetables, served with fluffy rice. | chromepantry.com

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

This curry quickly became my go-to meal when I want something nutritious and easy that helps clear out the fridge.

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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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
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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
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Steaming Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a hearty vegetarian dish loaded with fresh, mixed vegetables and spices. Save
Steaming Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a hearty vegetarian dish loaded with fresh, mixed vegetables and spices. | chromepantry.com

Preparing this dish often brings my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and enjoying wholesome food.

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 (per serving)

Calories: 340 Total Fat: 18 g Carbohydrates: 37 g Protein: 8 g

Enjoy a flavorful plate of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a delicious and sustainable Indian-inspired recipe. Save
Enjoy a flavorful plate of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a delicious and sustainable Indian-inspired recipe. | chromepantry.com
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Keeps paper towels accessible for wiping spills, drying hands, and cleaning surfaces while cooking.
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This waste-free vegetarian curry is a perfect weeknight meal to enjoy nourishing leftovers in a delicious and mindful way

Common Questions

Can I use different vegetables for this curry?

Absolutely. This dish is designed to accommodate a variety of vegetables, including root vegetables, squashes, and cruciferous types, making it highly adaptable to what you have on hand.

How can I add protein to this dish?

Adding cooked chickpeas, lentils, paneer, or tofu can enhance the protein content while complementing the savory flavors.

What is the best way to enhance the spice level?

Incorporate diced chili with the onions or adjust the cayenne pepper amount to suit your preferred heat level.

Is this dish suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, by using plant-based yogurt or omitting the yogurt topping, this curry remains fully vegan and gluten-free.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Flavors tend to deepen overnight, improving the taste when reheated.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

A flavorful, adaptable curry using leftover vegetables for an eco-friendly, hearty meal.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Total Duration
50 min
Written by Mia Foster


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Portions 4 Number Served

Dietary notes Vegan-friendly, 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)

Directions

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; sauté 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

Combine Vegetables: Add all chopped vegetables except leafy greens. Stir thoroughly to coat with spices.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Incorporate Protein and Season: Add cooked chickpeas or lentils if desired. 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 an additional 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 09

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review each item for potential allergies and consult a healthcare expert with concerns.
  • Contains coconut; verify for tree nut allergies. Check yogurt and flatbread for dairy and gluten content if applicable. Inspect packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

For informational purposes only—always seek professional health advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fat content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Protein: 8 g