Pumpkin Curry

Featured in Tasty Vegetarian Meals Made Simple.

Turn pumpkin puree into a cozy and creamy meal that's bursting with veggies and spices. Made in one pot, it's vegan, fast, and great for weeknights.

Emily Watson
Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:06:37 GMT
A hearty, creamy pumpkin curry bowl topped with cilantro and served with rice. Pin it
A hearty, creamy pumpkin curry bowl topped with cilantro and served with rice. | thefamilycooks.com

Velvety Pumpkin Curry Indian Style

I've got to tell you about this knockout Indian-style pumpkin curry. It's total comfort in a bowl with its smooth pumpkin texture and mind-blowing spice combo. The best part? Everything cooks in just one pot on your stove or in your Instant Pot. It's exactly what you need when the weather turns cold and you're craving something hot and filling.

What Makes This Dish Special

This isn't your regular curry, trust me. It's loaded with nutritious stuff like fresh vegetables and fiber-packed chickpeas, and it's completely vegan and gluten-free without even trying. It works for everything from planning meals ahead to whipping up something fast on busy weeknights.

Ingredients List

  • Main Ingredient: Two cups of pumpkin puree, canned works fine or make your own.
  • Tomato Foundation: One cup of passata or plain tomato sauce.
  • Needed Fluid: Two cups of low-sodium vegetable broth.
  • Smooth Element: One cup of full-fat coconut milk for richness.
  • Flavor Builders: Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
  • Aromatic Base: Onion, garlic, and some fresh ginger root.
  • Colorful Additions: Carrot, bell pepper, and kale for nutrition.
  • For Sautéing: Just a tablespoon of any cooking oil.
  • Add If You Want: Chickpeas, a dash of cinnamon, or coconut flakes.
A bowl of vibrant, thick pumpkin curry garnished with fresh cilantro and served with a spoon. Pin it
A bowl of vibrant, thick pumpkin curry garnished with fresh cilantro and served with a spoon. | thefamilycooks.com

Cooking Instructions

Get Ready
Dice your vegetables, crush your garlic, shred some ginger, and prepare your pumpkin if you're using fresh.
Begin Cooking
Warm up your oil and cook the onions, carrots, and peppers until they're tender, then toss in garlic and ginger.
Mix In Ingredients
Put in all those wonderful spices, followed by your liquids, pumpkin, and coconut milk.
Cook Together
Allow everything about 10 minutes to soften, putting in chickpeas if that's your plan.
Finishing Up
Mix in the kale and let it soften, then check if your seasonings need adjusting.

Pairing Suggestions

This curry tastes amazing on top of hot basmati rice with some naan bread nearby. Want something lighter? Go for cauliflower rice instead. And don't skip the toppings—some fresh cilantro, a bit of lime juice, and a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds really make it pop.

Tricks To Improve Flavor

Give your spices a quick toast first—it really boosts their flavor. Adjust the broth to get the thickness just how you like it. If you want more chunks, don't mash all the pumpkin completely. Adding some chickpeas or lentils will make it much more filling.

Storage Options

The flavors in this curry actually get better after a day. You can keep it in your fridge for about 4 days or stick it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you heat it back up, add a little broth or coconut milk to bring back its creamy goodness.

A bowl of creamy vegetable curry with chunks of pumpkin and peas is served alongside a portion of fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and spices. Pin it
A bowl of creamy vegetable curry with chunks of pumpkin and peas is served alongside a portion of fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and spices. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is canned pumpkin okay to use?

Absolutely! Fresh or canned puree works great. Just tweak the broth depending on how thick it is.

→ What if I can't use coconut milk?

No problem! Swap it with oat or soy cream if you'd prefer something less coconut-y.

→ How do I add protein?

Try throwing in some cooked chickpeas or serving it alongside tofu for more protein.

→ What leafy greens can I swap in?

Spinach or kale are both great options. Stir them in at the end so they stay bright and healthy.

→ How can this be spicier?

Spice it up with red pepper flakes, fresh chilies, or extra curry powder.

Pumpkin Curry

Silky smooth pumpkin combined with veggies and spices for a wholesome, vegan-friendly dish everyone can enjoy.

Prep Time
13 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Inspired by Indian

Yield: 4 Servings (One pot)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 medium onion (110g), diced.
02 1 cup carrots (150g), cut into pieces.
03 3/4 cup chopped bell pepper (80g).
04 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
05 1/2 tablespoon curry powder, any type.
06 1 teaspoon ground cumin to taste.
07 3/4 teaspoon turmeric powder.
08 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil or water.
09 A 2-inch chunk of fresh ginger, minced.
10 1/2 teaspoon paprika, smoked.
11 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
12 3/4 teaspoon salt, adjust if needed.
13 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or passata).
14 2 cups of mashed pumpkin puree.
15 3/4 cup canned coconut milk.
16 6-8 leaves of kale, roughly chopped.
17 Pour in 1/2 to 1 cup of veggie broth.
18 Fresh cilantro or parsley (your choice).
19 A splash of lime juice.
20 Cooked rice for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm the oil in your pan. Toss in onion, pepper, and carrot. Let them cook for 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger for about a minute.

Step 02

Stir in the spices, tomato sauce, pumpkin, broth, and coconut milk.

Step 03

Let it cook gently. Stir now and then. Cook for 5-8 minutes until veggies are soft. Add kale a couple of minutes before turning off the heat.

Step 04

Taste and adjust flavors. Toss in chickpeas if you'd like. Serve with rice. Sprinkle herbs and squeeze some lime on top.

Notes

  1. Use broth to adjust the thickness if your pumpkin is thick. Opt for either canned or homemade puree. Switch coconut milk with your favorite plant cream. You're done in 25 minutes!

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pan.
  • Chopping board.
  • Sharp knife.
  • Spoons and cups for measuring.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Vegan and free from gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 4 g