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Quick Vegetable Curry Bowl: 40 Min Flavor

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Mary Smith

November 30, 2025

Close-up of a Vegetable Curry Bowl served over white rice, featuring broccoli, potatoes, and spinach.

Feeling that weeknight dinner dread creep in? You know, the one where you stare into the fridge hoping a magical meal will materialize? Yeah, I’ve been there! That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for this Vegetable Curry Bowl. It’s my absolute go-to when I need something seriously delicious, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly quick to whip up. Seriously, this bowl is a flavor explosion that comes together fast, making it perfect for busy evenings. It’s packed with goodness and I honestly feel so good after eating it – a total win-win!

Close-up of a Vegetable Curry Bowl with rice, featuring colorful vegetables and fresh herbs.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Curry Bowl

This bowl is an absolute winner for so many reasons!

  • It’s SO Quick: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at under 40 minutes. Perfect for those nights you just can’t face a long cooking session.
  • Flavor Town, Population: You!: The mix of spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender veggies is just heavenly. It’s comfort food that feels fancy.
  • Super Adaptable: Don’t have broccoli? Toss in some zucchini! Not a fan of peas? Use green beans! It’s your kitchen, your rules.
  • Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with veggies and served over rice, this bowl is a complete meal that leaves you feeling full and happy without being heavy.

A vibrant Vegetable Curry Bowl with rice, featuring carrots, potatoes, peas, and celery in a rich curry sauce.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Vegetable Curry Bowl

Alright, let’s get our goodies together! This Vegetable Curry Bowl is super forgiving, but having the right stuff on hand makes it a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil – just enough to get things sizzling!
  • 1 medium onion, chopped up nice and fine.
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Trust me, don’t skip the garlic!
  • 1 tablespoon of curry powder – this is our flavor star!
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin for that earthy goodness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric – hello, gorgeous color!
  • About 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but only if you like a little kick! You can totally leave this out if spice isn’t your jam.
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, and don’t drain ’em – we want all that juice!
  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can of creamy coconut milk. This makes it so luscious.
  • About 1 cup of mixed veggies. I love using broccoli florets, chopped carrots, and some peas, but honestly, use whatever you’ve got!
  • Salt and pepper, to taste. We’ll add these at the end.
  • And of course, some fluffy cooked rice to serve it all over.

Close-up of a Vegetable Curry Bowl with carrots, green beans, and rice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Vegetable Curry Bowl

Okay, let’s get this amazing Vegetable Curry Bowl cooking! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’re enjoying this flavorful dish. Just follow along with these easy steps.

Building the Flavor Base for Your Vegetable Curry Bowl

First things first, get a nice big skillet or pot heated up over medium heat. Add that olive oil – just enough to coat the bottom. Pop in your chopped onion and let it soften up for about 5 minutes. You want it nice and tender, not brown. Then, toss in your minced garlic and give it a stir. Cook it for just a minute until you can really smell it – be careful not to burn it! Now for the magic: add your curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and that optional cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for about a minute. This toasting step really wakes up the spices and makes a huge difference in flavor, trust me.

Simmering and Cooking the Vegetables

Next, pour in those diced tomatoes (juice and all!) and the creamy coconut milk. Give it a good stir and bring it all up to a nice simmer. Once it’s bubbling gently, add in all your lovely mixed vegetables. I love a mix of broccoli, carrots, and peas, but use whatever you have on hand! Pop a lid on the pot, turn the heat down a little if needed, and let it all simmer away for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the vegetables to be tender but not mushy. Once they’re just right, season it all with salt and pepper to your liking. And there you have it, a perfect Vegetable Curry Bowl ready to be served over fluffy rice!

A vibrant Vegetable Curry Bowl with rice, featuring zucchini, potatoes, carrots, and a rich curry sauce.

Tips for the Best Vegetable Curry Bowl

Alright, you’ve got the recipe, but let me share a few little tricks I’ve picked up that make my Vegetable Curry Bowl extra special. First off, don’t be afraid to play with your veggies! Use what’s in season or what you’ve got hanging out in the crisper drawer. Freshness is key, and a mix of textures is always a winner. Also, about those spices? Taste as you go! Add that cayenne slowly if you’re unsure if you like it hot, and remember you can always add more salt and pepper at the end. This recipe is super forgiving, so make it your own!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations for Your Curry Bowl

The best part about this Vegetable Curry Bowl is how totally customizable it is! Seriously, make it your own. Can’t find broccoli? No worries! Toss in some chopped zucchini, cauliflower florets, sweet potato chunks, or even some bell peppers. If you’re adding heartier veggies like sweet potato or cauliflower, you might want to give them a head start in the pot for 5-10 minutes before adding the softer ones. Want to make it a bit more substantial? Throw in some cooked chickpeas, lentils, or even some firm tofu cubes. A little pre-cooked chicken breast wouldn’t hurt either if you’re not strictly vegetarian! Just remember, adding more ingredients might affect the cooking time a bit, so keep an eye on everything.

Serving Suggestions for Your Vegetable Curry Bowl

Now that you’ve got this delicious Vegetable Curry Bowl ready to go, let’s talk about what makes it even better! While it’s fantastic on its own over plain rice, I love jazzing it up a bit. A dollop of plain yogurt or a swirl of coconut cream adds a lovely cool contrast to the spices. Fresh cilantro, chopped up really fine, is amazing sprinkled on top – it just brightens everything up! And if you want to get a little extra fancy, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before you dig in adds a perfect zing. Enjoy every bite!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Vegetable Curry Bowl usually makes for even better eating the next day. Just pop any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, giving it a stir now and then, or zap it in the microwave for a minute or two until it’s nice and hot. Just make sure it’s heated all the way through!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetable Curry Bowl

Got questions about whipping up this amazing Vegetable Curry Bowl? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this curry bowl spicier?

Absolutely! If you love a kick, just add more cayenne pepper when you’re toasting the spices. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a diced fresh chili pepper along with the garlic. Taste as you go, and remember you can always add more heat!

What vegetables work best in this recipe?

Honestly, almost anything goes! I love using broccoli, carrots, and peas for a classic mix. But don’t be afraid to try cauliflower, green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, or even some chopped sweet potato or butternut squash. Just make sure to chop chunkier veggies a bit smaller and give them a few extra minutes to cook if needed.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this Vegetable Curry Bowl is naturally vegan! We’re using coconut milk for creaminess, which is totally plant-based. Just make sure your rice is cooked with water or vegetable broth, and you’re all set.

Nutritional Estimate for Your Vegetable Curry Bowl

Just a little note here, because everyone’s ingredients can vary slightly: this Vegetable Curry Bowl comes in at roughly 450 calories per serving. You’re looking at about 25g of fat, 10g of protein, and around 40g of carbohydrates, with about 8g of fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. These numbers are a good ballpark, but they can change depending on the brands you use and the exact veggies you pop in!

Print

Vegetable Curry Bowl

A simple and flavorful vegetable curry served over rice.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli florets, chopped carrots, peas)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Add mixed vegetables. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Notes

  • You can use any combination of your favorite vegetables.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper for your desired level of spice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegetable curry, curry bowl, vegetarian curry, easy curry, coconut milk curry, rice bowl

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