Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Meals

This vibrant vegetarian curry transforms fresh and leftover vegetables into a hearty, flavorful dish. Sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh ginger blend with warming spices like cumin and turmeric, gently simmered with diced tomatoes and creamy coconut milk. Leafy greens and optional protein additions enrich the curry, which pairs perfectly with rice or flatbread for a nourishing, adaptable meal that reduces waste while delighting the palate.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 09:36:00 GMT
Waste-free vegetarian curry simmering in a pot—a colorful, aromatic Indian-inspired dish bursting with flavor. Save to Pinterest
Waste-free vegetarian curry simmering in a pot—a colorful, aromatic Indian-inspired dish bursting with flavor. | primespatula.com

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

This curry is my go-to recipe when I want to minimize waste while enjoying a delicious meal that everyone loves.

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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Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.
Check price on Amazon
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Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.
Check price on Amazon
Golden-hued waste-free vegetarian curry served with fluffy rice, sprinkled with fresh cilantro, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Golden-hued waste-free vegetarian curry served with fluffy rice, sprinkled with fresh cilantro, ready to enjoy. | primespatula.com

My family always gathers eagerly around the table to enjoy this flavorful curry together.

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

A close-up view of the hearty, flavorful waste-free vegetarian curry—a sustainable and delicious plant-based meal. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of the hearty, flavorful waste-free vegetarian curry—a sustainable and delicious plant-based meal. | primespatula.com
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Season soups, salads, meats, and vegetables evenly while cooking with quick, one-handed grinding.
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This vegetarian curry is a perfect blend of sustainability and taste, ideal for any meal.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use any vegetables for this curry?

Yes, this curry is versatile and works well with a variety of vegetables including root veggies, cruciferous vegetables, and leafy greens.

How can I adjust the spice level?

For extra heat, add diced chili with the onions during sautéing; otherwise, keep the cayenne optional for mild flavor.

What proteins can be added to the curry?

Cooked chickpeas or lentils blend naturally, and paneer or tofu cubes can be added for extra protein and texture.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally to preserve flavors and ensure even warming.

Are there common allergens in this dish?

This curry contains coconut; check for allergies and verify yogurt or bread ingredients if used as accompaniments.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Hearty curry featuring assorted fresh and leftover vegetables with warming spices and coconut milk.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
30 mins
Overall Time
50 mins
By Prime Spatula Oliver Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences 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 Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.

Step 02

Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Incorporate curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper; stir for 30 seconds to release aromas.

Step 04

Add Vegetables: Combine all chopped vegetables except leafy greens. Stir thoroughly to coat in the spice mixture.

Step 05

Incorporate Liquids: Pour diced tomatoes and coconut milk into the pot. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Add Legumes and Season: If desired, add cooked chickpeas or lentils. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 07

Simmer Vegetables: Cover and let 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 and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over cooked rice or with flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and a spoonful of yogurt if preferred.

What You’ll Need

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

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and consult your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains coconut; verify for tree nut allergies.
  • Check yogurt and bread for dairy and gluten if sensitive.
  • Always read packaged ingredient labels to identify hidden allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutrition info is for general reference only and isn’t a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 8 g