Lightly Spiced Coconut Curry
A creamy, aromatic curry with tender coconut milk, light spices, and fresh vegetables for a comforting yet healthy dish. This indian-inspired indian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs coconut milk, large yellow onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 cup peas
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp curry powder and 1/2 tsp turmeric, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup vegetable broth, 2 cups coconut milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add 1 head cauliflower (cut into florets), 2 grated carrots, and 1 cup peas. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning and serve over brown rice or quinoa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lightly Spiced Coconut Curry take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lightly Spiced Coconut Curry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lightly Spiced Coconut Curry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lightly Spiced Coconut Curry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Lightly Spiced Coconut Curry vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.