Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Fresh Bowls & Salads

This waste-free vegetarian curry brings together an array of fresh and leftover vegetables simmered in a spiced coconut milk sauce. Aromatic garlic, ginger, and a blend of curry powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric build a rich depth of flavor. Leafy greens are stirred in at the end for a fresh touch. Serve this hearty dish over rice or with flatbread, garnished with cilantro and a dollop of yogurt if you like. It's an easy, adaptable, and eco-friendly way to create a nourishing plant-based meal.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:10:00 GMT
Savory Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a hearty Indian-inspired dish with tender vegetables, ready to serve with rice. Save
Savory Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, a hearty Indian-inspired dish with tender vegetables, ready to serve with rice. | aeroflavor.com

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

I love making this curry because it turns whatever vegetables I have on hand into a delicious meal that 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

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's 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.
Fragrant Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry simmering in a pot, featuring mixed vegetables and a creamy coconut milk base. Save
Fragrant Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry simmering in a pot, featuring mixed vegetables and a creamy coconut milk base. | aeroflavor.com

This curry has become a family favorite, bringing us together over a warm, hearty meal every time.

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 colorful bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, garnished with cilantro, perfect for a delicious and sustainable meal. Save
A colorful bowl of Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry, garnished with cilantro, perfect for a delicious and sustainable meal. | aeroflavor.com

A versatile, flavorful dish perfect for any season that helps you reduce food waste effortlessly.

Recipe FAQs

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 complement this dish well.

Can I add protein to this curry?

Yes, adding cooked chickpeas or lentils boosts protein content, and paneer or tofu cubes can be added for extra substance.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced chili to the onions at the start for more heat; reduce these for a milder flavor.

What can I serve alongside this curry?

Steamed rice or warm flatbread pairs perfectly, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro with yogurt adds freshness.

How long does this dish keep?

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and develop deeper flavors overnight, making it ideal for meal prep.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

A vibrant curry using assorted fresh and leftover vegetables, infused with warming spices and coconut milk.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Full Time
50 min
Created by Mason Hughes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info 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 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)

How To

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

Step 04

Incorporate Vegetables: Add all chopped vegetables except leafy greens, stirring to coat them evenly with the spices.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add Protein and Season: Stir in chickpeas or lentils if using. 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 leafy greens and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 09

Final 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.

Tools Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Can opener (if using canned ingredients)

Allergy Details

Always check every ingredient for allergens. Ask your healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains coconut; verify for tree nut allergies.
  • Check yogurt and bread for dairy or gluten as applicable.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

For informational use only, this doesn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 8 g