5 Irresistible Vegan Curry Recipes That Even Meat Lovers Crave (MAHA-Friendly)

By Savannah Ryan, Cookbook Author & Food Explorer

Curries are the ultimate comfort food — rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. But many traditional versions rely on heavy dairy or seed oils that don’t align with clean eating goals.

These 5 vegan curry recipes change that completely. They deliver bold, restaurant-quality flavor using only whole-food ingredients, coconut milk for creaminess, and stable fats like coconut oil. No seed oils, no additives — just pure, MAHA-friendly nourishment that supports hormone balance, reduces inflammation, and keeps you energized.

As a global recipe explorer, I’ve drawn inspiration from India, Thailand, and beyond to create curries that are naturally vegan yet so hearty even dedicated meat eaters ask for seconds. They’re packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin.

Whether you’re fully plant-based, trying Meatless Mondays, or simply wanting more vegetable-forward meals, these curries will expand your repertoire. Each comes together in under 45 minutes and serves 4–6.

Ready to warm up your kitchen with fragrance and flavor? Let’s get started.

5 Irresistible Vegan Curry Recipes That Even Meat Lovers Crave (MAHA-Friendly)

Why These Vegan Curries Are a Game-Changer

Vegan curries often get dismissed as bland or lacking depth. Mine prove otherwise by:

• Layering spices — Toasting whole seeds releases essential oils for authentic taste.

• Using coconut milk wisely — Full-fat for richness without dairy.

• Balancing textures — Creamy sauces with crunchy veggies and hearty legumes.

• Boosting umami — Naturally with mushrooms, tamari, or nutritional yeast.

These recipes fit seamlessly into clean eating lifestyles while celebrating global traditions. Love Indian flavors? Dive deeper into my easy Indian recipes collection.

1. Creamy Chickpea & Spinach Curry (Chana Saag Inspired)

Total Time: 35 minutes

A North Indian classic made vegan and weeknight-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-inch ginger, grated

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp garam masala

• ½ tsp cayenne (optional)

• 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk

• 5 oz baby spinach

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot. Sauté onion 5 minutes until soft.

2. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute.

3. Stir in spices and toast 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add chickpeas and coconut milk. Simmer 15 minutes.

5. Stir in spinach until wilted. Finish with lemon juice and salt.

Serve over basmati rice or with naan. Protein-packed and iron-rich.

2. Thai-Inspired Red Vegetable Curry

Total Time: 30 minutes

Vibrant, spicy, and loaded with colorful veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 3 tbsp red curry paste (check for no seed oils)

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 cup snap peas

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup cauliflower florets

• Juice of 1 lime

• Fresh Thai basil

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil; fry curry paste 1 minute.

2. Add coconut milk and broth; bring to simmer.

3. Add harder veggies (cauliflower, broccoli) first; cook 10 minutes.

4. Add softer veggies (pepper, zucchini, peas); cook 5 minutes more.

5. Finish with lime juice and basil.

Pair with jasmine rice for a complete meal. The curry paste does the heavy lifting for flavor.

Want more Thai inspiration? Explore my quick Asian recipes.

3. Jamaican-Inspired Coconut Chickpea Curry

Total Time: 40 minutes

Caribbean warmth with allspice and thyme.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (seeded for less heat)

• 2 tsp allspice

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 2 cans chickpeas

• 1 can coconut milk

• 2 sweet potatoes, cubed

• 2 carrots, sliced

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in coconut oil 5 minutes.

2. Add garlic, scotch bonnet, allspice, and thyme; cook 2 minutes.

3. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

4. Simmer 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Serve with rice and peas for authentic island vibes.

4. Golden Turmeric Lentil Curry (Dal Inspired)

Total Time: 35 minutes

Healing, anti-inflammatory, and deeply comforting.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil or ghee

• 1 onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-inch ginger, grated

• 2 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed

• 1 can coconut milk

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 2 tomatoes, diced

• Fresh cilantro and lemon

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; toast cumin seeds 30 seconds.

2. Add onion, garlic, ginger; sauté 5 minutes.

3. Stir in turmeric and tomatoes; cook 3 minutes.

4. Add lentils, coconut milk, and broth. Simmer 20–25 minutes until creamy.

5. Finish with cilantro and lemon.

This golden dal is my go-to for immune support. Turmeric’s curcumin shines here.

5. Mushroom & Eggplant Massaman Curry

Total Time: 45 minutes

Rich Thai Massaman with umami depth.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 3 tbsp Massaman curry paste

• 1 can coconut milk

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 lb mushrooms, quartered

• 1 large eggplant, cubed

• 2 potatoes, cubed

• ½ cup roasted peanuts

• Cinnamon stick and bay leaf

• Tamarind paste and coconut sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Fry curry paste in coconut oil 1 minute.

2. Add coconut milk, broth, cinnamon, and bay leaf.

3. Add potatoes and eggplant; simmer 15 minutes.

4. Add mushrooms and peanuts; cook 10 more minutes.

5. Balance with tamarind and coconut sugar.

Decadent yet light — peanuts add satisfying crunch.

Growing your own eggplant or herbs? My guide to growing superfoods like ginger and turmeric pairs perfectly with curries.

Explore More from Savannah Ryan

Craving more plant-based global meals? Discover my vegan-focused cookbooks on Amazon:

• All My Amazon Cookbooks & Gardening Books

• Savor Plants – Irresistible Vegan Recipes

More on the Site • Get 5 Free Chef-Approved Recipes • Shop Foodie Kitchen Merch

Enjoy these curries — your taste buds (and body) will thank you! 🍲 — Savannah Ryan