Easy Vegan Curry Recipe
This Easy Vegan Curry is a vibrant, creamy, and flavorful dish packing nutrient-rich vegetables and protein-packed lentils or chickpeas simmered in a fragrant coconut curry sauce. It’s an ideal one-pot meal that’s wholesome, comforting, and perfect for anyone looking for a delicious plant-based dinner.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Vegetables and Legumes
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped small
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed small
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 15-ounce can lentils or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or more to taste
- 2 teaspoons sugar or pure maple syrup
- 1 lime, juice squeezed
Liquids and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 (13.5-ounce) cans coconut milk
Thickening Agent
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute to release their fragrance. Then stir in the curry powder and cook for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and simmer: Add the cubed sweet potato, cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, carrot chunks, sliced red bell pepper, and drained lentils or chickpeas to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, and salt. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables, especially the sweet potatoes, become tender.
- Thicken the curry: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering curry to thicken the sauce. Continue to simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish with seasoning and greens: Stir in the sugar or maple syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, and fresh baby spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt into the curry. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt if desired.
- Serve: Serve the hot vegan curry over rice and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and optional hot sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with Easy Vegan Naan bread for a full meal.
Notes
- The choice between lentils or chickpeas can change the texture slightly; both work well as a protein source.
- Adjust the level of Thai red curry paste to your preferred spice tolerance.
- For a thicker curry, you can simmer a bit longer after adding the cornstarch mixture.
- If you want to keep this gluten-free, confirm that your curry paste brand does not contain gluten.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and the flavors intensify overnight.
Keywords: Vegan curry, easy vegan dinner, coconut curry, vegetable curry, plant-based, gluten-free option, healthy dinner