Dairy-Free Coconut Curry

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to whip up a delicious and comforting Dairy-Free Coconut Curry that’s perfect for any night of the week. This dish is packed with vibrant veggies and aromatic spices, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will surely win you over.

Ingredients for Dairy-Free Coconut Curry

Coconut oil is the base for sautéing, adding a subtle richness and enhancing the tropical flavor. Onion provides a savory foundation, while garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. The red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and color, and broccoli and carrots offer a nice crunch and nutritional boost.

Coconut milk is the star here, giving the curry its creamy texture without dairy. Vegetable broth adds a savory liquid base. Red curry paste, turmeric, and cumin provide the aromatic and spicy notes, balanced with salt and pepper. Choose between firm tofu for a plant-based protein or chicken for a non-vegetarian option. Top it off with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness, and serve over cooked rice to complete the meal.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a spicier curry, add a chopped red chili or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Tofu benefits from being pressed before cooking to remove excess moisture. This helps it absorb more flavor.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer texture, or light coconut milk for a lower-calorie option.
  • For even more flavor, marinate the chicken or tofu in a bit of curry paste beforehand.

Serving Suggestions

This curry pairs wonderfully with jasmine or basmati rice. For a low-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice. A side of naan or roti makes it more hearty, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. To add freshness, serve with a side salad of cucumber and mint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this curry ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop more. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
You can use almond or cashew milk, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly. Coconut milk is recommended for the best taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat for best results.

Dairy-Free Coconut Curry Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, add the diced onions and sauté until they turn translucent. This should take about five minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when you can smell the sweet aroma of the onions.

Next, stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook them just until they’re fragrant—about a minute. This step is crucial as it releases the full flavors of these ingredients, setting the stage for your curry.

Add your sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots to the pot. Sauté these veggies for around five minutes. They should start to soften but still hold their vibrant colors.

Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine everything. The coconut milk will give the curry its creamy base, while the broth adds depth.

Mix in the red curry paste, turmeric, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where your curry gets its signature flavor, so make sure to stir thoroughly to incorporate the spices evenly.

Now, add your tofu or chicken cubes. If you’re using tofu, gently fold it in to avoid breaking the cubes. Let the curry simmer for about 20 minutes, or until your protein is cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully.

Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro before serving it hot over a bed of cooked rice. Enjoy this aromatic and satisfying meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for those seeking a dairy-free option without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Can be easily adapted to be vegan or meat-inclusive.
  • Rich in flavors thanks to a mix of fresh vegetables and spices.
  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!

Ingredients

2 tbsp coconut oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 cup vegetable broth
2 tbsp red curry paste
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, cubed or 2 chicken breasts, cubed
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cooked rice, to serve

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
4. Add red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots; sauté for 5 minutes.
5. Pour in coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
6. Mix in red curry paste, turmeric, and cumin; season with salt and pepper.
7. Add tofu or chicken and simmer for 20 minutes, or until protein is cooked through.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice.

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