Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Everyday Mains

This vibrant curry combines a variety of fresh and leftover vegetables, simmered with warming spices and creamy coconut milk. Leafy greens add a fresh finish, while chickpeas or lentils provide optional protein. Ready in under an hour, it’s an adaptable, eco-conscious dish that transforms pantry staples and diverse produce into a comforting, nourishing meal. Perfect served with rice or flatbread and garnished with cilantro and yogurt for extra creaminess.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:23:00 GMT
Steaming waste-free vegetarian curry with vibrant colors, served with fluffy rice and fresh cilantro. Pin It
Steaming waste-free vegetarian curry with vibrant colors, served with fluffy rice and fresh cilantro. | novatongs.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 when I want a warm meal that reduces food waste and highlights fresh ingredients.

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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Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
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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
Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Pin It
| novatongs.com

Cooking this curry has become a family favorite especially on busy weeknights when we want something nourishing and quick.

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

Aromatic waste-free vegetarian curry, full of tender vegetables, ready for a hearty, flavorful dinner. Pin It
Aromatic waste-free vegetarian curry, full of tender vegetables, ready for a hearty, flavorful dinner. | novatongs.com
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Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.
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This curry is a delicious way to enjoy seasonal vegetables and reduce food waste in your kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

What vegetables work best in this curry?

Root vegetables, squashes, cruciferous veggies, and leafy greens like spinach or kale blend well in this curry, allowing a mix of textures and flavors.

Can I make this curry vegan-friendly?

Yes, using plant-based yogurt or skipping yogurt altogether keeps the dish vegan while maintaining creamy notes.

How long should the curry simmer?

Simmer the vegetables for 15–20 minutes until tender, then add leafy greens and cook another 2–3 minutes until wilted.

Is it possible to add protein to this dish?

Adding cooked chickpeas or lentils gives a protein boost. Paneer or tofu cubes can also be added for extra substance.

What are suitable serving options?

Serve the curry hot over cooked rice or alongside flatbread, topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Can spices be adjusted for heat?

Yes, increase cayenne pepper or add diced fresh chili with onions to enhance the spice level according to taste.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

A flavorful curry blending fresh and leftover vegetables for a hearty, eco-friendly main dish.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Jacob Young

Meal Type Everyday Mains

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Indian-inspired

Serves 4 Number of 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)

How To Make It

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 Aromatic Flavors: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking 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 chopped assorted vegetables except leafy greens; stir well to evenly coat with spices.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Include Protein and Season: Add cooked chickpeas or lentils if desired. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 07

Cook Until Tender: 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 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 09

Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot over rice or flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and a spoonful of yogurt if desired.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergens

Always check individual items for allergens and consult with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains coconut; caution for tree nut allergies.
  • Check yogurt and bread brands for dairy or gluten content.
  • Verify labels of all packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Info (each serving)

This info is for reference and doesn’t replace professional advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Value: 340
  • Fat Content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 37 grams
  • Proteins: 8 grams