Pumpkin Curry with Coconut Milk and Veggies
This Pumpkin Curry with Coconut Milk and Veggies is a cozy, vibrant, and wholesome plant-based dish that combines tender pumpkin chunks, a medley of fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices simmered in creamy full-fat coconut milk. It delivers a perfectly balanced meal that is nourishing, mildly spiced, and suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and cubed fresh pumpkin
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup trimmed green beans
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes & Variations
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted pumpkin seeds (for garnish)
- Yogurt or coconut cream drizzle (for serving)
- Chickpeas, tofu cubes, or cooked chicken (for added protein)
- Spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes (vegetable variations)
- Fresh basil or mint (herb alternative to cilantro)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and cube the pumpkin. Chop bell peppers, carrots, and green beans into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Set all aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive or coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is soft and translucent, forming the flavor base of the curry.
- Toast the Spices: Add ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder to the pan. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma and deepen the flavor.
- Add Pumpkin and Vegetables: Add the cubed pumpkin and chopped vegetables into the pan. Toss everything to coat well with the spices, beginning to infuse the pumpkin with savory flavor.
- Pour in Coconut Milk and Broth: Stir in the full-fat coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender yet still holds its shape.
- Final Touches: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for fresh herbal brightness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ground spices for a more vibrant and punchy flavor.
- Keep an eye on the pumpkin while cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy; it should be tender but maintain its shape.
- Taste and adjust salt or spice levels toward the end to complement the creamy coconut milk base.
- Simmer gently to avoid burning the coconut milk and to deepen the curry’s flavors.
- If desired, add a splash of lime juice or a dash of vinegar near the end of cooking to brighten the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: pumpkin curry, coconut milk curry, vegan curry, gluten-free curry, plant-based dinner, seasonal recipes, healthy curry, creamy curry