Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This vibrant curry brings together an array of fresh and leftover vegetables cooked gently in a blend of curry powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. With coconut milk and diced tomatoes, it delivers rich, comforting flavors perfect for a wholesome meal. Leafy greens and optional chickpeas or lentils enhance its texture and nutrition, while cilantro and yogurt add fresh finishing touches. Ready in under an hour, it is a flexible and sustainable choice for an easy, satisfying dish.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:02:00 GMT
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A colorful assortment of cooked vegetables simmering in a creamy sauce, ready to serve. Save
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A colorful assortment of cooked vegetables simmering in a creamy sauce, ready to serve. | flashoven.com

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

This recipe is a staple in my kitchen because it helps reduce waste and always brings comforting warmth 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

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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 to 20 minutes stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender.
Step 8:
Stir in the leafy greens and cook for 2 to 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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Dispense soap hands-free for quick handwashing and easier cleanup while cooking and handling ingredients.
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Product image
Dispense soap hands-free for quick handwashing and easier cleanup while cooking and handling ingredients.
Check price on Amazon
Hot Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, with fresh cilantro and a swirl of yogurt alongside fluffy rice. Save
Hot Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, with fresh cilantro and a swirl of yogurt alongside fluffy rice. | flashoven.com

This curry has become a family favorite on busy weeknights bringing us all together around the dinner table.

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

A steaming bowl of comforting Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, fragrant with Indian spices and garden-fresh vegetables. Save
A steaming bowl of comforting Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, fragrant with Indian spices and garden-fresh vegetables. | flashoven.com
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Enjoy this adaptable curry that makes use of your leftover veggies while delivering comforting and nourishing meals.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, this curry is very adaptable; root vegetables, squashes, or any leftover veggies work well.

How can I add more protein?

Include chickpeas, lentils, paneer, or tofu to boost protein content.

What spices are essential in this dish?

Curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and optionally cayenne provide the core flavor profile.

Is this suitable for vegan diets?

Using plant-based yogurt or omitting yogurt altogether keeps the dish vegan-friendly.

What can I serve this with?

Serve hot over rice or with flatbread to complement the rich vegetable blend.

How long does the cooking take?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes; simmering vegetables requires 30 minutes for tenderness.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

A flavorful curry bursting with assorted vegetables and warming spices made from pantry staples.

Prep Time
20 min
Baking/Cooking Time
30 min
Time Required
50 min
Recipe by Harper Ward

Recipe Type Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegan-Friendly, Wheat-Free

What You’ll 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 diced onion
04 2 cloves minced garlic
05 1-inch piece grated fresh ginger

Pantry Staples

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 can (13.5 fl oz) diced tomatoes or 3 fresh chopped tomatoes
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 Chopped fresh cilantro
03 ½ cup plain 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, 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: Incorporate curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper; stir continuously for 30 seconds to toast spices.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Incorporate Protein and Season: Stir in chickpeas or lentils if using. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 07

Cook Vegetables: Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Always verify every ingredient for allergens. Talk to a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains coconut; verify if there is a tree nut allergy.
  • Check yogurt and bread for dairy or gluten if applicable.
  • Confirm labels on packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.

Nutrition per Serving

Details shown are for general reference. Don’t use as a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 8 g