This vibrant and hearty red vegetable curry is an exciting blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Packed full of nutritious vegetables and aromatic spices, it's a wholesome and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The rich and creamy coconut milk softens the heat from the curry, making it a great choice even for those who don't usually enjoy spicy food.
Some of the key ingredients may not be readily available in your pantry, such as red curry paste and curry powder. Red curry paste is a flavorful blend of various spices, chilies, and other components, it's what gives the curry its distinct red color and a good deal of its flavor. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, try checking Asian grocery stores. Curry powder, on the other hand, is a mix of ground spices, including turmeric, coriander, and cumin, and can be found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
Ingredients for Red Vegetable Curry Recipe
Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, it adds a rich depth to the overall flavor of the curry.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor of the curry.
Garlic cloves, fresh ginger, and jalapenos: These are key ingredients for the curry's heat and flavor.
Red curry paste and curry powder: These two spices form the base of the curry's flavor.
Ground cumin: This brings a warm and earthy flavor to the curry.
Garbanzo beans: Also known as chickpeas, they add texture and protein to the curry.
Cauliflower and red bell pepper: These vegetables give the dish its body and crunch.
Vegetable broth: This is the liquid base of the curry.
Tomato sauce: It adds tanginess and enriches the color of the curry.
Unsweetened coconut milk: This gives the curry its creamy texture and balances the spice.
Green onions and fresh cilantro: These are used for garnish and add a fresh burst of flavor.
One reader, Angelina Cramer says:
This red vegetable curry recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The combination of cauliflower, bell pepper, and garbanzo beans in the creamy coconut sauce is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy meal.
Techniques Required for Making Red Vegetable Curry
How to sauté the onions: Sauté the onions in heated oil for 5 minutes until nearly softened.
How to prepare the curry mixture: After adding the garlic, ginger, and jalapeños, sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Then, add the curry paste, curry powder, and cumin. Season with salt to taste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in ¼ cup of water, then transfer the curry mixture to a food processor and puree for 2 minutes until smooth.
How to simmer the curry: After adding the vegetable broth, tomato sauce, and coconut milk, season with salt to taste and bring to a light boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Alternatively, simmer covered for 30 minutes and uncovered for 15 minutes for a lighter consistency, stirring occasionally.
How To Make Red Vegetable Curry
Our vegetable curry recipe is made with fresh vegetables and chickpeas simmered in a savory sauce. A truly appetizing meal to serve at dinner parties!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupolive oil,or vegetable oil, divided
- 1yellow onion,coarsely chopped
- 4garlic cloves,thinly sliced
- 1fresh ginger,2-inch piece, peeled, thinly sliced
- 2jalapeños,thinly sliced, with seeds, optional
- 2tbspred curry paste
- 2tbspcurry powder
- 1tbspground cumin
- salt
- 14ozgarbanzo beans,(1 can), drained, rinsed
- 1cauliflower head,cut into bite-sized pieces, around 3 lbs
- 1red bell pepper,seeded, thinly sliced
- 3cupsvegetable broth
- 1cuptomato sauce
- 14ozunsweetened coconut milk,(1 can)
- green onions,thinly sliced, to garnish
- fresh cilantro,chopped, to garnish
Instructions
-
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large enameled cast-iron pot over medium heat. Add the onions, then sauté for 5 minutes until nearly softened.
-
Add in the garlic, ginger, and jalapeños, then sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
-
Add in the curry paste, curry powder, and cumin. Season with salt to taste, then cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
-
Stir in ¼ cup of water, then transfer the curry mixture to a food processor. Puree for 2 minutes until smooth.
-
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the curry mixture, then cook for 1 minute.
-
Add the garbanzo beans, cauliflower, and bell pepper, then toss to coat with curry mixture.
-
Stir in the vegetable broth, tomato sauce, and coconut milk. Season with salt to taste, then bring to a light boil.
-
Reduce the heat to low, then simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Alternatively, simmer covered for 30 minutes and uncovered for 15 minutes for a lighter consistency, stirring occasionally.
-
Serve warm over basmati rice, topped with green onions and plenty of cilantro, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
- Calories: 645.63kcal
- Fat: 34.25g
- Saturated Fat: 17.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.38g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.87g
- Carbohydrates: 70.66g
- Fiber: 15.90g
- Sugar: 15.12g
- Protein: 22.50g
- Cholesterol: 0.59mg
- Sodium: 1271.21mg
- Calcium: 144.27mg
- Potassium: 1484.56mg
- Iron: 9.00mg
- Vitamin A: 82.62µg
- Vitamin C: 102.30mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Red Vegetable Curry
To ensure your curry has a deep, rich flavor, it's important to properly sauté your onions until they're nearly softened before adding the garlic, ginger, and jalapeños. This process, known as sweating, helps to release the natural sugars in the onions, enhancing the overall flavor of the curry. Also, when adding the spices, make sure to cook them for a couple of minutes. This step, known as blooming, helps to release the essential oils in the spices, making your curry more aromatic and flavorful.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Curry
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot to minimize cleanup time.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and immersion blenders to speed up prep work.
Time-saving ingredients: Choose pre-cut vegetables or canned beans to cut down on prep time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity and freeze the extra portions for quick and easy meals later.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to multitask and maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Quick cooking methods: Utilize pressure cookers or high-heat cooking methods to reduce overall cooking time.
Streamlined cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup process.
Substitute Ingredients For Red Vegetable Curry Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a rich, tropical flavor to the curry, complementing the other ingredients well.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to yellow onions, and they work well in curries.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, providing a similar warm and spicy flavor to the dish.
jalapenos - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers can add a mild heat and a pop of color to the dish, similar to jalapenos.
red curry paste - Substitute with yellow curry paste: Yellow curry paste can be used as a substitute, offering a different flavor profile while still providing the essential curry base.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala can be used as a substitute for curry powder, adding a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish.
ground cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can be used as a substitute for ground cumin, providing a similar earthy and citrusy flavor.
garbanzo beans - Substitute with lentils: Lentils can be used as a substitute for garbanzo beans, offering a similar texture and protein content.
cauliflower head - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli florets can be used as a substitute for cauliflower, providing a similar texture and absorbing the flavors of the curry.
red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers can be used as a substitute, adding a slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for vegetable broth, adding a savory depth of flavor to the curry.
tomato sauce - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, providing a chunkier texture and a fresh tomato flavor.
unsweetened coconut milk - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream can be used as a substitute for coconut milk, adding a creamy richness to the curry.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for green onions, providing a mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Best Way to Present This Vibrant Curry
Elevate the plating: When presenting the red vegetable curry, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use clean, white plates to allow the vibrant colors of the curry to pop. Arrange the curry and rice thoughtfully, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully.
Garnish with precision: Add a touch of finesse by garnishing the curry with finely chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Elevate the presentation by drizzling a swirl of coconut milk on top of the curry. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also introduces a creamy element to the dish.
Use elegant serving ware: Opt for sophisticated serving ware such as ceramic bowls or porcelain dishes to present the curry. The choice of serving ware can elevate the overall dining experience and showcase the dish's culinary artistry.
Emphasize balance and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, aiming for a balanced and symmetrical presentation. This attention to detail reflects precision and care in the culinary creation.
Essential Tools for Making Red Vegetable Curry
- Large enameled cast-iron pot: Ideal for even heat distribution and retention, perfect for simmering and cooking curries.
- Food processor: Used for pureeing the curry mixture to a smooth consistency.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for tossing and coating the garbanzo beans, cauliflower, and bell pepper with the curry mixture.
- Spatula: Essential for stirring and tossing the ingredients while cooking the curry.
- Chef's knife: Necessary for chopping the onion, garlic, ginger, jalapeños, cauliflower, and bell pepper.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and aromatics.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients for the curry.
- Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the curry mixture and ingredients while cooking.
- Pot: Required for simmering the curry and ensuring even heat distribution.
- Food serving spoon: Used for serving the curry over basmati rice.
How To Store and Freeze Red Vegetable Curry
- Allow the red vegetable curry to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled curry to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the curry for longer storage:
- Portion the cooled curry into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing.
- Frozen red vegetable curry can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the curry:
- For refrigerated curry, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- For frozen curry, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Once thawed, transfer the curry to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- If the curry appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- When reheating, ensure that the curry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- Avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the curry, as this can affect its texture and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Curry
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover red vegetable curry to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. If the curry seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover curry in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Heat the curry in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. This method is quick and convenient, but be careful not to overheat the curry, as it may cause the vegetables to become mushy.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover curry to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the curry is heated through. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftover curry and want to reheat it all at once.
Slow cooker method: if you have a slow cooker or Crock-Pot, you can use it to reheat your leftover curry. Simply transfer the curry to the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it warm up for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for keeping the curry warm for an extended period, making it ideal for potlucks or gatherings.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the curry well to ensure even heating and prevent any hot spots. If you find that the curry has thickened too much during storage, add a small amount of vegetable broth, water, or coconut milk to help loosen it up and restore its original consistency.
Random Fact About Red Vegetable Curry
The red vegetable curry recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that is packed with flavor and health benefits. It is a great source of plant-based protein from the garbanzo beans and provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and spices. This curry is a perfect option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as it offers a satisfying and flavorful meal without the need for meat. Additionally, the combination of spices like curry paste, curry powder, and cumin provides a unique and aromatic taste that will tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy this vegetarian curry as a hearty and wholesome meal!
Is Making Red Vegetable Curry at Home Economical?
This red vegetable curry recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The combination of affordable ingredients like garbanzo beans, cauliflower, and bell pepper makes it a budget-friendly option. The use of coconut milk and spices adds depth of flavor without breaking the bank. With an approximate cost of $15, this recipe can feed a family of four, making it a great choice for those looking to save money without compromising on taste. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is Red Vegetable Curry Healthy or Unhealthy?
This red vegetable curry recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish, packed with various healthy ingredients:
- The recipe includes a variety of vegetables such as onions, garlic, ginger, jalapeños, cauliflower, and bell peppers, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Garbanzo beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber
- Coconut milk adds healthy fats to the dish, which can help with nutrient absorption
- The use of olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- The spices used, such as curry paste, curry powder, and cumin, offer potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of coconut milk or use a light version to lower the saturated fat content
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrients
- Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to control the overall salt content of the dish
- Serve the curry with brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as cashews or almonds, for an extra crunch and a boost of healthy fats and protein
- Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the curry before serving to add a bright, citrusy flavor and a dose of vitamin C
- Experiment with different types of vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, or eggplant, to increase the variety of nutrients in the dish
- Use Greek yogurt as a garnish instead of cream-based toppings to add a protein-rich and lower-fat option
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Vegetable Curry
This red vegetable curry recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of red curry paste, curry powder, and cumin creates a rich and aromatic base, while the addition of garbanzo beans, cauliflower, and bell pepper adds heartiness and color. The use of coconut milk and vegetable broth brings a creamy and luscious element to the dish. The finishing touch of fresh cilantro and green onions adds a burst of freshness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Enhance Your Red Vegetable Curry Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Other Alternative Vegetarian Curry Recipes
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for a Red Vegetable Curry Meal
Why trust this Red Vegetable Curry Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, incorporating red curry paste and curry powder for a rich and aromatic base. The addition of coconut milk lends a creamy and indulgent touch, while the medley of garbanzo beans, cauliflower, and red bell pepper provides a hearty and nutritious foundation. With a harmonious blend of spices and vegetables, this vibrant curry promises a satisfying and wholesome dining experience. Trust in the quality and authenticity of this recipe to elevate your culinary journey.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
No-fry Thai Curry Recipe
Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry Recipe
Winter Vegetable Curry with Fruity Raita Recipe
Pumpkin Curry with Chickpeas Recipe
Curry in a hurry Recipe
Salmon Curry Recipe
Tomato & Chickpea Curry Recipe
Fruity Caribbean Curry Recipe
Vegan Thai Green Curry Recipe
Panang Curry with Chicken Recipe
Summer Vegetable Curry Recipe
