Hearty & Healthy: Your Ultimate Vegan Broccoli Carrot Potato Coconut Curry Recipe
Saturdaaaay. While my dear Hugo is still recovering on strict bedrest – now entering its fourth week due to a challenging hernia pushing on his sciatic nerve (ouch!) – I’ve been busy in the kitchen. For those who follow our newsletter, you know we’re committed to bringing you exciting new recipes. So, while Hugo rests, I’m cooking, photographing, and writing, all with two sweet pups happily lounging at my feet. It’s truly a weekend heaven, and we have so much fun content lined up for you!
A Weekend of Comfort and Culinary Exploration
This delightful broccoli carrot potato coconut curry is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey. It’s a light yet satisfying curry, perfectly suited for those transitional days – warmer afternoons giving way to cooler evenings. Inspired by our deep love for authentic Indian food, this simple and delicious recipe brings the vibrant flavors of India right into your home kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy a wholesome, flavorful dish.
This incredible curry is packed with a harmonious blend of delicious and wholesome ingredients: vibrant broccoli (a personal favorite!), sweet carrots, comforting potatoes, rich and soothing coconut milk, and a powerful aromatic base of healing turmeric, garlic, ginger, and onion. Finished with a scattering of fresh cilantro, every spoonful offers a burst of flavor. We adore all the tasty spices that bring this yummy meal to life, transforming simple vegetables into a complex and satisfying dish.
The Allure of Indian Cuisine: A Parisian Inspiration
Our appreciation for Indian food runs deep, so much so that one of our most cherished areas to explore in Paris is its vibrant Indian neighborhood. It’s a place where the air itself is perfumed with exotic spices, drawing you into a world of rich culinary traditions. If you’re a local or planning a trip to the City of Lights, we highly recommend a visit to the Indian quarter in the 10th arrondissement. Here, you’ll discover an incredible array of fragrant spices, authentic Indian restaurants serving up traditional delicacies, tempting Indian sweets, and charming shops offering Indian clothing, jewelry, and groceries. It’s a truly immersive experience that ignites the senses and provides endless inspiration for home cooking – just like this curry!
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Why This Vegan Curry Will Become Your Go-To Meal
If you’re searching for compelling reasons to add this broccoli carrot potato coconut curry to your weekend menu or even your weeknight rotation, look no further. This recipe checks all the boxes for a truly satisfying and wholesome meal:
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Simple & Quick Preparation
One of its greatest appeals is how incredibly simple it is to “throw together.” Despite its rich and complex flavors, the cooking process is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor!
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Nutrient-Rich & Wholesome
This isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a healthy and hearty one too. Packed with nutritious vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and potatoes, combined with the goodness of coconut milk and healing spices like turmeric, it’s comfort food that truly nourishes your body.
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Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a cozy stay-at-home date night, feeding the family, or preparing a wholesome meal prep for the week, this curry fits the bill. Its comforting nature makes it ideal for cooler nights, while its light coconut base also makes it refreshing enough for warmer days.
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Fully Vegan & Gluten-Free
This recipe is 100% vegan and gluten-free, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs without compromising on taste or texture. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for delicious plant-based meals.
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The Cilantro Love Affair
And then there’s cilantro! We absolutely adore it. The fresh, zesty flavor of cilantro provides the perfect aromatic finish, elevating the entire dish and adding a burst of freshness that complements the rich curry flavors beautifully. If you’re a cilantro lover, prepare to be delighted!
Diving Deep into the Flavors: Key Ingredients Explored
Each ingredient in this broccoli carrot potato coconut curry plays a crucial role in creating its balanced and delightful flavor profile. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this curry so special:
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The Power of Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and various antioxidants. In this curry, it adds a wonderful texture and a slightly earthy, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the coconut milk. Its vibrant green florets also add a beautiful pop of color to the dish, making it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
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Sweet Carrots & Hearty Potatoes
Carrots bring a natural sweetness and a beautiful orange hue, along with a good dose of Vitamin A. They soften perfectly in the curry, adding a tender bite. Potatoes, on the other hand, provide the comforting, hearty base of the curry. Their starchiness helps to slightly thicken the sauce, making it incredibly satisfying. We recommend keeping them unpeeled for extra nutrients and rustic charm.
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Creamy Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is the soul of this curry. It provides a luxurious, creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices. Beyond its delicious taste, coconut milk offers healthy fats and a soothing quality, making the curry feel incredibly comforting and indulgent without being heavy.
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Aromatic Spices: Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Onion, Chili
The magic truly happens with the blend of spices and aromatics. Onion, garlic, and ginger form the foundational flavor base, imparting warmth and depth. Turmeric, with its distinct earthy flavor and vibrant golden color, is a superstar ingredient known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Curry powder brings a complex blend of various spices, delivering that quintessential Indian flavor. Finally, a touch of chili pepper powder adds a gentle warmth that can be adjusted to your preference, giving the curry a subtle kick.
Customizing Your Coconut Curry: Tips & Variations
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While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and add your own unique twist to this delicious broccoli carrot potato coconut curry:
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Adding Protein
Although we’ve crafted this recipe to be entirely vegan, it serves as an excellent base for adding your favorite protein. You could easily incorporate chicken, lamb, or paneer for a more traditional Indian experience. For a seafood twist, add firm white fish or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking for a tasty curry stew.
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Expanding Your Vegetable Palette
This curry is a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of vegetables. Consider adding other seasonal produce such as cauliflower, bell peppers, green beans, or even spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted). Turnips and/or chopped tomatoes would also be a delicious addition, offering different textures and flavors to the stew.
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Adjusting Spice Levels
The beauty of homemade curry is controlling the heat. If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it entirely. For those who love a fiery kick, feel free to increase the chili powder or add fresh green chilies, sliced thin, along with the ginger and garlic.
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Serving Suggestions
While brown rice is our recommended accompaniment, this curry is also fantastic with fluffy white basmati rice, quinoa, or even a side of warm naan bread or roti to soak up every last drop of the flavorful sauce. A dollop of vegan yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also add a refreshing contrast.
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Broccoli Carrot Potato Coconut Curry
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Author: Alix and Hugo
Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
Yield: For 2
Description
This vibrant and flavorful broccoli carrot potato coconut curry is a wonderfully light yet satisfying vegan meal, perfect for balancing rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. Inspired by traditional Indian cuisine, it’s an ideal dish for any season, offering warmth on cooler nights and a refreshing lightness for warmer days. This simple-to-prepare, gluten-free recipe is bursting with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup of brown rice
- 6 small potatoes washed and unpeeled, cut in half
- 2 carrots washed, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 head of broccoli, washed and cut into florets
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 inch of fresh ginger, grated (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 clove of garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 3 tsp of organic curry powder
- 1 tsp of organic turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp of organic chili pepper powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can of full-fat coconut milk (about 13.5 oz / 400ml)
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Prepare the steamed brown rice:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan or pot over high heat.
- Add the brown rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2 minutes until lightly toasted. This helps to develop a nutty flavor.
- Pour in 3 cups of water (or according to package directions for 1 cup of brown rice) and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to very low, cover the pan tightly with a lid.
- Cook for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. It’s crucial not to uncover the pan during this time to allow the steam to cook the rice evenly.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Meanwhile, while the rice is cooking, begin preparing your delicious vegetable curry.
Prepare the potatoes:
- In a separate casserole dish or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the halved potatoes along with a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the potatoes in oil and salt.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the casserole, and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork (this should take about 25-30 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Prepare the carrots:
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the 1-inch carrot pieces and 1 pinch of coarse salt.
- Cook until the carrots are tender-crisp (about 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the broccoli:
- Cut the head of broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
- Place the broccoli florets in a bowl of cold water with 3 pinches of salt for 5 minutes. This helps to clean them and keep them crisp.
- Drain the water from the broccoli.
- In a fresh pan, bring about 3 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the drained broccoli florets and blanch for just 2 minutes. This keeps them vibrant and slightly crisp. Immediately remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the curry sauce:
- Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large wok or deep pan over high heat.
- Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
- Stir in the grated ginger and sliced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low to prevent burning the spices.
- Add the curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili pepper powder (if using). Stir well to combine with the aromatics, cooking for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. This step is crucial for developing the depth of flavor.
- Pour in the can of coconut milk. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all the spices and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finally, add the pre-cooked potatoes, carrots, and blanched broccoli to the curry sauce. Gently stir to ensure all the vegetables are coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, just long enough to heat the vegetables through and allow them to absorb the curry flavors.
- Serve the vibrant vegetable curry immediately, spooned generously over the steamed brown rice and garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
– We love using high-quality cookware for the best results. For this recipe, we prepared our curry in our beautiful Le Creuset wok in cerise red. Its even heating and large surface make it perfect for curries.
– The quality of your spices can significantly impact the final taste and health benefits of your curry. For maximum healing properties and vibrant flavor, always use a high-quality organic turmeric. We highly recommend this organic turmeric powder from Jiva for its purity and potency.
– Similarly, a good quality curry powder is a key ingredient that provides the signature flavor profile of this recipe. Invest in a fresh, aromatic blend to truly make your curry shine. This Aadi organic curry powder is known for its high quality, organic certification, and delicious flavor.
– For meal prep, this curry stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Vegan curry
- Cuisine: Indian
Expert Tips for the Best Broccoli Carrot Potato Coconut Curry
Achieving a restaurant-quality curry at home is easier than you think with a few expert tips:
- **Don’t Rush the Aromatics:** Take your time caramelizing the onions and blooming the ginger and garlic. This step builds the foundational flavor of your curry.
- **Bloom Your Spices:** Briefly toasting the curry powder, turmeric, and chili powder in oil before adding the coconut milk intensifies their flavors and aromas. Keep the heat low to avoid burning them.
- **Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference:** While dried spices are essential, using fresh ginger, garlic, and cilantro truly elevates the taste.
- **Taste and Adjust:** Always taste your curry before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness if needed. A little sweetness (like a pinch of sugar or maple syrup) can also balance the flavors.
- **Patience with Rice:** Brown rice takes longer to cook, but following the “don’t uncover” rule for steaming ensures perfectly fluffy grains every time.
Embrace the Flavors of India in Your Kitchen
This broccoli carrot potato coconut curry is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s a dish that embodies comfort, health, and global flavors, all within the confines of your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this easy vegan curry recipe promises a delightful and satisfying culinary experience. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this Indian-inspired masterpiece as much as we do!