🥘 Vegetable Curry Recipe | Easy, Healthy & Delicious Indian Curry

Vegetable Curry is one of the most loved dishes in Indian vegetarian cuisine. Packed with colorful vegetables, aromatic spices, and a creamy coconut-tomato base, this dish is not only healthy and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a festive Indian feast, this homemade vegetable curry will be the star of the table.

The recipe works perfectly for both Instant Pot vegetable curry and stovetop vegetable curry, so you can choose the method that suits your cooking style.

🛒 Ingredients for Vegetable Curry Recipe

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

🌱 Fresh Vegetables (choose your favorites):

• Carrots – 1 cup, diced

• Cauliflower – 1 cup, small florets

• Green beans – 1 cup, chopped

• Green peas – ½ cup

• Potatoes – 1 cup, cubed

• Bell pepper (capsicum) – 1 cup, chopped

🍛 For the Curry Base:

• Oil or coconut oil – 3 tbsp

• Onion – 2 medium, finely chopped

• Tomato – 2 large, pureed (or 1½ cups canned tomato puree)

• Ginger – 1 inch, minced

• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced

• Green chili – 1, slit (optional for heat)

• Coconut milk – 1 cup (full-fat for creaminess)

• Water or vegetable broth – 1 cup

🌿 Spices:

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)

• Coriander powder – 2 tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – 1 tsp, crushed

• Salt – to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

• If using frozen peas, keep them aside to add towards the end.

Step 2 – Make the Curry Base

Stovetop Method

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for 30 seconds.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

4. Stir in ginger, garlic, and green chili. Cook for 1 minute.

5. Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until oil separates from the masala.

Instant Pot Method

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat oil.

2. Follow the same steps above until the masala is cooked.

Step 3 – Cook the Vegetables

1. Add potatoes, carrots, beans, cauliflower, and bell pepper to the masala.

2. Pour in water or vegetable broth, mix well, and cover.

3. Stovetop: Simmer for 10–12 minutes until vegetables are tender.

4. Instant Pot: Pressure cook for 2 minutes, then quick release.

Step 4 – Add Coconut Milk & Final Touches

1. Stir in coconut milk, garam masala, and kasuri methi.

2. Add peas and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

3. Adjust salt and spice levels.

4. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Vegetable Curry

• Family Dinners – Quick yet wholesome weeknight meals

• Festive Indian Thalis – Perfect with naan, paratha, or basmati rice

• Vegan & Gluten-Free Parties – A dish everyone can enjoy

• Meal Prep – Stays fresh for 3 days in the refrigerator

• Special Occasions – Add a few dry fruits for a shahi-style vegetable curry

🍛 Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or brown rice.

• Pair with butter naan, tandoori roti, or lachha paratha.

• Add a side of cucumber raita or mango pickle for contrast.

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving – 1 cup)

💡 Tip: For a lighter version, use light coconut milk and reduce oil.

🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Vegetable Curry

• Balance the veggies – Combine root vegetables (potato, carrot) with quick-cooking ones (peas, capsicum).

• Use fresh coconut milk for a richer taste.

• Make it spicy – Add more green chili or extra red chili powder.

• Add protein – Include chickpeas, tofu, or paneer for a heartier curry.

• Meal prep tip – Chop veggies ahead of time to cut down cooking time.

❓ FAQs – Vegetable Curry Recipe

Q. Can I freeze vegetable curry?
Yes, cool it completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q. How to make vegetable curry thicker?
Simmer uncovered until water reduces, or add a cashew paste for thickness.

Q. Can I make it oil-free?
Yes, sauté onions in vegetable broth instead of oil.

📝 Interesting Facts

This easy vegetable curry recipe is the perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and comfort. Packed with colorful vegetables, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk, it’s a dish that works for every occasion — from weekday dinners to festive spreads.

Whether you choose the stovetop method for traditional depth or the Instant Pot for convenience, you’ll get a delicious Indian curry that pairs beautifully with rice, roti, or naan.

Once you try this homemade vegetable curry, it might just become your go-to healthy vegetarian curry recipe for years to come.