Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This vibrant curry combines fresh and leftover vegetables simmered with a blend of comforting spices and creamy coconut milk. Quick to prepare and adaptable, it embraces sustainability by minimizing waste while offering a hearty, nutritious dish. A touch of leafy greens adds a fresh finish, making it ideal for a wholesome, eco-friendly meal served with rice or flatbread.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:05:00 GMT
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A colorful bowl of curry with rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and yogurt. Save to Pinterest
Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry: A colorful bowl of curry with rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and yogurt. | matrixbowl.com

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

This recipe helps me reduce food waste while enjoying a comforting Indian-inspired meal that the whole family 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.
Product image
Vacuum seal ingredients and leftovers to keep food fresh longer and simplify meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Vacuum seal ingredients and leftovers to keep food fresh longer and simplify meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest
| matrixbowl.com

This dish brings my family together as we enjoy a wholesome meal that also makes me proud to cook sustainably.

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

Flavorful Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry simmering in a pot, ready to be served hot with fluffy rice. Save to Pinterest
Flavorful Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry simmering in a pot, ready to be served hot with fluffy rice. | matrixbowl.com
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This curry is a perfect blend of sustainability and flavor—easy to make and great for leftovers.

Recipe FAQs

Which vegetables work best for this curry?

Root vegetables, squashes, and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli are excellent choices, alongside leafy greens like spinach or kale added towards the end.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, adding a diced chili with the onions increases heat, and cayenne pepper can be adjusted or omitted to suit your preference.

Is there a way to add more protein?

Incorporate cooked chickpeas, lentils, paneer, or tofu to boost protein content in the dish without altering its flavor balance.

How long does the curry need to simmer?

Simmer the mixed vegetables for 15–20 minutes until tender, then stir in leafy greens and cook for a few additional minutes until wilted.

What serving suggestions complement this curry?

Serve hot over rice or alongside flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of plain or plant-based yogurt if desired.

Waste-Free Vegetarian Curry

A hearty curry using assorted vegetables and spices, perfect for a flavorful, sustainable meal.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Zoey Rogers


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Origin Indian-inspired

Makes 4 Serving Size

Dietary Info Plant-Based, No Gluten

What You 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 or plant-based yogurt (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Sauté Onions: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.

Step 02

Add Aromatics: Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Combine Vegetables: Add chopped assorted vegetables (excluding leafy greens) to the pot, stirring to coat evenly with spices.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Incorporate Protein and Seasoning: If desired, add cooked chickpeas or lentils. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 07

Simmer Vegetables: Cover the pot 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

Final Seasoning and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice or flatbread, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Tools Required

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

Allergy Details

Check ingredients for allergens; reach out to a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains coconut; verify tree nut allergies.
  • Check yogurt and bread labels for dairy or gluten if applicable.
  • Always read packaged ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition (per serving)

This info serves as a general guide and isn't medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 340
  • Fat content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 37 grams
  • Proteins: 8 grams