Vegetarian Curry for Cozy Nights: Potato, Pea, and Broccoli

Brighten up your dinner table with this colorful, nutrient-packed curry.

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I like to refer to this dish as my "sunny curry" because its vibrant colors always brighten up the kitchen—especially on those gray autumn days when we could all use a little more sunshine! This Potato, Green Pea, and Broccoli Curry is not only visually uplifting but also packed with ingredients that are both healthy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Curry

This vegetarian curry is packed with nutrition, making it a healthy and satisfying choice. The combination of plant protein  (peas) and fiber helps keep you full and energized, making this a truly satisfying meal. Add the nutrient-packed broccoli and spinach and you’ve got a bowl full of goodness.

With warming spices like cardamom and cumin paired with the coconut milk, this dish balances flavor perfectly. It’s a great option for a quick, nutritious weeknight dinner that also makes a fantastic leftover lunch. The flavors actually improve after being reheated, giving you an even more delicious experience the next day.

Nutritional Benefits

Green peas are not only high in fiber but also offer plant-based protein, which is essential for keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Paired with spinach and broccoli, which adds even more fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, this curry helps boost your immune system and promotes overall well-being.

Potatoes don’t always get the best reputation, but they are actually a great source of vitamin C and potassium, both of which are important for supporting immune function and heart health. Plus, here’s an added bonus: when potatoes are cooked, cooled, and reheated, they develop resistant starch, a type of fiber that acts like a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut and supporting digestion.

The Power of Resistant Starch

Resistant starch is a valuable nutrient that helps improve gut health by providing food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. It can also aid in digestion and boost metabolism. Reheating this curry not only brings out even better flavor but also delivers an extra dose of gut-health benefits, making it a win-win for both taste and nutrition.

The Role of Spices

The spices in this curry aren’t just there for flavor—they’re packed with health benefits too. Ginger and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the body and support the immune system. Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor and is also known to aid digestion by stimulating enzymes that break down food. Together, these spices create a flavorful dish that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.

Sunny Vegetarian Curry Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 2-3):

 2 cm-piece fresh ginger

 2 cloves of garlic

 1 medium-sized onion

 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or other vegetable oil)

 ½ teaspoon cardamom

 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

 250 ml coconut milk

 1 tablespoon of turmeric

 1 chili pepper

 500g potatoes

 500ml vegetable stock

 1 teaspoon brown sugar

 200 g green peas (fresh or frozen)

 200 g broccoli

 A handful baby spinach (optional)

To Garnish:

Lime

Fresh coriander

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Paste: Peel and coarsely chop the ginger, garlic, and onion. Blend them with 50 ml of cold water until smooth.

   
   

2. Cook the Spices: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pot, then add the prepared paste, cumin seeds, and cardamom. Stir-fry for about 10 minutes until the paste releases its aroma and thickens.

   
   

3. Simmer the Curry: Pour in the vegetable stock and coconut milk. Add turmeric, chili pepper, peeled and quartered potatoes, and sugar. Mix well and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes until the potatoes are quite soft.

   
   

4. Add Veggies: Remove the lid, increase the heat, and add broccoli florets. Cook for about 10 more minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in thawed green peas and cook for another 3 minutes.

   
   

5. Final Touch: Add the spinach, cover, and cook over low heat for 1 minute until the spinach wilts.

   
   

6. Serve: Ladle the curry into deep plates, garnish generously with fresh coriander, and squeeze some lime juice over the top for a bright finish.

   
   

Why This Curry Is a Must-Try

This "sunny curry" not only brings brightness to your day but also delivers a healthy, balanced meal that’s full of flavor. Packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and gut-friendly ingredients, it’s a dish that checks all the boxes.