10 Best Plant-Based Curries

When it comes to plant-based cooking, one category that consistently steals the spotlight is curries. Bursting with flavours, spices, and nourishing ingredients, plant-based curries offer a diverse and delicious cooking experience. But we can't resist sneaking in a few cosy dhals and stews too, for those moments when you're craving something warm, comforting, and satisfying.

Why we love plant-based curries

Flavour Explosion: Curries are renowned for their bold and complex flavours. The combination of aromatic spices, herbs, and various ingredients creates an array of tastes that can be savoury, sweet, spicy, and tangy. Each curry is a unique sensory experience.

Versatility: Curries are incredibly versatile. They can be made with a wide range of ingredients, including vegetables, legumes, and grains. This versatility allows you to adapt curries to your dietary preferences and what you have on hand.

Health Benefits: Many curries feature a wide range of vegetables and plant-based ingredients, which is so important when taking on a healthier approach to eating. Ingredients like turmeric, garlic, ginger, and chilli peppers, commonly found in curries, are associated with various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Comfort Food: Curries often evoke a sense of comfort and warmth. Their hearty nature makes them ideal for chilly days, and their savoury, aromatic qualities provide a sense of contentment.

Creamy Curries 

Welcome to the world of creamy curries, where indulgence meets flavour in every velvety bite. These dishes are a celebration of rich, comforting sauces from our Zac Efron approved Netflix Sri Lankan Curry, to our One-pan wonders. Each one is just so delicious and takes creamy curries to new heights:

Our Netflix Sri Lankan Curry
Mains
45 mins

Our Netflix Sri Lankan Curry

We've had so many requests for the curry recipe that we cooked on the Netflix series, Down To Earth with Zac Efron, so here it is. This dish is a delicious mix of different flavours and textures — it’s always a hit and is a great way to introduce people to plant-based meals.

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One-Pan Cauliflower Curry With Coriander Cashew Pesto
Mains
70 mins

One-Pan Cauliflower Curry With Coriander Cashew Pesto

Nourishing, hearty and satisfying, plus a doddle to prepare — this one-pan wonder has a lot going for it. Although it takes an hour to cook, it takes minimal effort to prepare. The coriander cashew pesto is optional but highly recommended as it adds richness, creaminess and a hint of spice, elevating this curry to the next level.

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Spinach & Coconut Curry
Mains
65 mins

Spinach & Coconut Curry

I love to make this recipe for dinner when I'm craving something wholesome and warming. It's such a great way to pack green vegetables into your day, and the addition of coconut milk adds a delicious creamy texture. This is also a great curry to make in a large batch, to keep you going for several days.

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Creamy Coconut & Chickpea Curry
Mains
30 mins

Creamy Coconut & Chickpea Curry

Fancy a flavoursome hearty lunch? This creamy spiced curry with mangetout and peas delivers just that. It freezes well, so can easily be prepared in advance and defrosted for lunch or dinner. Serve with a naan for obligatory dunking.

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Stews and Dhals

When it's time to cosy up and savour the warmth of a hearty dish, these stews and dhals are your comforting companions. They offer a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients, satisfying textures, and flavorful profiles that soothe the soul. From celeriac-steak-infused stews to Italian-inspired bean creations, and the comforting embrace of roasted squash dhal, these dishes redefine comfort food:

Golden Bean Stew With Celeriac Steaks
Mains
30 mins

Golden Bean Stew With Celeriac Steaks

It’s wonderful how a simple combination of tamari and maple syrup can season rounds of celeriac so deliciously while also helping them caramelise in the oven. The key is to rub in the mixture to make sure this star of a vegetable is seasoned evenly. Served with our golden bean stew, it makes for a comforting and satisfying dinner– just what you’d want after a long day. If you don’t like celeriac or can’t find it, swap it for a head of cauliflower. Simply slice into 2 ½ cm thick “steaks”, season as this recipe indicates, and bake at 200°C fan / 220°C, until golden, for 15 -20 minutes.

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Italian-Style Bean Stew
Mains
30 mins

Italian-Style Bean Stew

This hearty Italian-style bean stew is inspired by ribollita, an Italian classic. This quick-to-cook version is made with fresh vegetables, tinned cannellini beans, and topped with pieces of garlic bread. It makes enough for 2-3 large servings, just enough for next day's lunch. If you omit the bread it freezes very well.

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Creamy Roasted Squash Dhal
Mains
35 mins

Creamy Roasted Squash Dhal

This is a brilliant recipe for batch cooking. Red lentils are simmered with sautéed red onion, lots of spices, fresh ginger, garlic and coconut milk. Add to that cinnamon and cumin-roasted butternut squash, finish with a sprinkling of roasted almonds, coconut chips, fresh herbs, chilli and yoghurt — and you have the ultimate winter warmer.

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Protein Packed 

For those seeking a protein punch in their plant-based meals, these dishes are the answer. Loaded with protein-rich ingredients like tofu and chickpeas, they prove that plant-based eating can be both wholesome and hearty. From the creamy indulgence of Tofu & Chickpea Korma Curry to the satisfying crunch of Tofu Katsu Curry and the spicy kick of Chickpea, Tofu & Harissa Stew, these recipes showcase the power of plant-based proteins and curries:

Tofu & Chickpea Korma Curry
Mains
40 mins

Tofu & Chickpea Korma Curry

This tofu and chickpea curry is perfect to make when you're looking for some familiar flavours. The coconut sauce is thick and creamy thanks to the ground almonds and coconut milk, while the curry paste adds a delicious flavour from the ginger, cumin and coriander.

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Tofu Katsu Curry
Mains
45 mins

Tofu Katsu Curry

This Japanese-inspired tofu Katsu curry features golden, crispy tofu and a rich curry sauce. Your new curry night favourite, serve this flavour-packed dish with rice and pickled cucumber.

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Chickpea, Tofu & Harissa Stew
Mains
30 mins

Chickpea, Tofu & Harissa Stew

This hearty chickpea, tofu & harissa stew, full of protein and fibre, is guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied. It goes well with a variety of side dishes – throughout week 3 of our healthy plant-based January meal plan we serve it with roasted sweet potatoes, rice noodles, and brown rice.

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Whether you're a plant-based enthusiast or just looking to explore the world of delicious and wholesome meals, these categories of curries, stews, and protein-packed dishes offer an amazing range of recipes that are both exciting and comforting. They demonstrate the endless possibilities of plant-based cooking, where every dish is a celebration of flavour, texture, and the joy of compassionate and mindful eating.

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