Vegan Potato Curry Recipe (2024)

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  • by Michelle Blackwood, RN

Vegan Potato Curry Recipe (1)

This Vegan Potato Curry recipe is healthy, hearty, and delicious, and this recipe is suitable for large crowds; it’s easy to make, quick, and is loved by even the strictest meat eater. This potato curry is made from scratch from a simple curry spice blend found in your kitchen pantry.

This Jamaican Spicy Potato Curry (Vegan) is full of flavors! Chunky potatoes are cooked in spices along with chickpeas, carrots, and green peas.

Vegan Potato Curry Recipe (2)

I love curries, and growing up in Jamaica, we ate curries a whole lot (curry chicken and curry goat were popular then and now). Even in Most formal gatherings, we love to serve Jamaican curry goat. Fast forward years later, preparing Jamaican-style curry is second nature for me.

Making curried potatoes is one of the easiest ways to make a vegan curry recipe. It has been a staple in my home since becoming vegan 21 years ago. My potato curry finished in no time when I made it recently at a large event. The host requested that I make it again for the next event.

You can serve this curry with several side dishes. It is a perfect dish you can make in advance and store for later use.

Also, see, Jamaican Pigeon Rice And Peas, Jamaican Callaloo, and Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Delicious Flavor: This curry offers a burst of mouthwatering flavors, combining the rich creaminess of coconut milk with a blend of aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
  • Vegan and Gluten-Free: It’s a vegan delight and suitable for those following a gluten-free diet, making it an inclusive and healthy option for various dietary preferences.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it can be prepared in just about 45 minutes. It’s a convenient go-to meal when you need something tasty in a hurry.
  • Wholesome Ingredients: With potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, and green peas, this curry is packed with vegetables and plant-based protein, offering a balanced and nutritious meal.
  • Make-Ahead and Freezable: This curry is perfect for meal prep; you can make it in advance and store it for later use. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can have a tasty curry at your fingertips whenever you need it.
Vegan Potato Curry Recipe (3)

Ingredients Needed

Down below is the list of all the ingredients you will need to make this delicious vegan Jamaican potato curry:

  • Coconut oil: Coconut oil is an amazing choice when you are cooking. It is a vegetable oil that is light and is loaded with nutrients as well. It is my choice when I don’t have olive oil. You can, however, use any other vegetable oil for this recipe as well.
  • Onion: Use either chopped red onion or white onion for this recipe. Onion sets the base for this curry and has a slightly sweet yet savory flavor.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are a vital ingredient in curries. That’s because it has a deep savory flavor which adds taste to the curry.
  • Ginger: Freshly grated ginger has a slightly sweet yet peppery flavor.
  • Scallion stalks: These are small bulbs of white onion with green stalks. Scallions have an onion-like plus grassy flavor. If you can’t find scallions, you can use green onions as well. They offer a nice savory flavor to the curry.
  • Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its beautiful fresh yellow color and medicinal properties. It is a widely used ingredient in curries and gives the curry its signature yellow tone.
  • Ground cumin: Cumin powder has a warmth, a nutty flavor, and a beautiful aroma.
  • Ground coriander: It’s almost floral, and its citrusy flavor adds complexity to the curry.
  • Thyme: Fresh thyme has a minty and earthy flavor with aroma. You can use either fresh or dried thyme for this recipe.
  • Tomato: Freshly chopped tomatoes not just add a tangy and tomato-y flavor to the curry but also aid in the texture of the gravy. It also adds color to this curry.
  • Potatoes: Potatoes are the main hero of this Jamaican spicy curry. Because there are so many different varieties of potatoes available in the market, you can choose your favorite ones. I prefer using russet or Yukon gold potatoes for this recipe. That’s because they have a firm texture and thus don’t get mushy very easily.
  • Carrot: We are not just leaving this curry to potatoes. We are going to add a few additional vegetables for flavor, nutrients, and color. My top choice of vegetables to accompany potatoes is carrots. It is rich in nutrients and has a slightly sweet flavor, plus you simply can’t ignore the beautiful orange color.
  • Green peas: Another vegetable that pairs really well with potatoes is peas. You can use either fresh or frozen peas for this recipe. Peas add a nice green color to this curry.
  • Chickpeas: Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are rich in protein and are widely used in vegan recipes. That adds a nice texture to the dishes and is versatile. Adding these to the curries makes it more wholesome and tasteful.
  • Coconut milk: Coconut milk is an essential ingredient in every vegan curry. It is creamy, rich, and plant-based. Thus perfect for this curry’s texture and flavor.
  • Water: Add water to adjust the consistency of this curry. For more flavor, I recommend you use vegetable stock instead of water.
  • Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat to this curry. It is a perfect ingredient to make this curry spicy. You can also use red chili powder instead of cayenne for spiciness.
  • Ground allspice: Use ground allspice or ground pimento for a more depth of flavor in this curry.
  • Salt: Balance out the flavors by using salt. Add it as per your liking, and enjoy!

What is Jamaican Curry Powder?

I get my readers asking me a lot, ‘why is curry powder missing from my recipe?’

Curry powder is a blend of finely ground spices, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, used for making curry. If you check all my curry recipes, I include all these spices. This blend of spices differs from country to country and from brand to brand; it is most likely based on spices available in that country.

In Jamaica, we add pimento (allspice berries) to our blend. In India, they add cardamom, star anise, and mace.

Most people go for premade curry spice available in the market. It is undoubtedly convenient, but the problem is you can’t customize it according to your liking. Plus, sometimes different recipes ask for different spices, and thus, using premade curry powders seems a bit inconvenient. Honestly, such curry blends can spoil the recipe.

Naturally, the final dish will taste different depending on the curry blend used. To ensure that the outcome of my recipe is the same and tastes phenomenal, I like to make my own! So, instead of using curry powder, I prefer using individual ingredients which you’ll find in the recipe card below.

My potato curry recipe has the simplest blend that provides maximum flavor. However, if you are still set on adding curry powder to this recipe, you can easily substitute with about 2 tablespoons of your favorite store-bought curry powder blend.

You can also find Jamaican curry powders for this recipe. Here are some Jamaican curry powder brands you can try out, BETA PAC, Grace Curry Powder, and Blue Mountain Curry Powder. They offer good results.

This curry potato recipe is very easy to make. The process is pretty straightforward, and you can enjoy a nice curry in no time. Here is what you have to do to get a perfectly cooked, tasteful Jamaican spicy potato curry:

  1. First of all, start by heating coconut oil in a large saucepan or pot. Once the oil heats up, add chopped onion and sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes or until they are tender.
  2. Now add garlic, grated ginger, and green onions. Sautee for a minute or two.
  3. Add the spices, i.e., turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fresh or dried thyme. Mix well and cook for 30 seconds or until the spices are fragrant. You can add a splash of water to prevent the spices from getting burnt.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes, followed by potatoes, carrots, and chickpeas. Mix well so that the spices coat the ingredients.
  5. Pour in coconut milk and water (preferably vegetable stock).
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Now reduce the heat and let the curry simmer for about 30 minutes or until the curry starts to thicken up.
  7. Add peas, cayenne pepper, and allspice, and season with salt. Mix well and serve immediately!
Vegan Potato Curry Recipe (4)

Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips that will help you adjust this delicious vegan curry according to your liking:

  • If you want a mild curry on heat and spice, you can skip cayenne pepper and use paprika instead.
  • You can replace cayenne pepper with a scotch bonnet or habanero pepper. Both these are spicy and just right for this curry.
  • Add vegetable stock instead of coconut milk if you don’t want a creamy curry. Or you can use both vegetable stock (instead of water) and coconut curry.
  • You can add more vegetables to this curry to make it more wholesome. Try adding broccoli, butternut squash, or bell peppers for more flavor and goodness.
  • Mash some of the potatoes before serving the curry. This will make it thicker.
  • You can make this potato curry in an instant pot as well. It will reduce the cooking time exponentially!
  • Add white beans instead of chickpeas for more flavor and texture.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Mushroom and Potato Curry: Add sliced mushrooms to the curry for an earthy flavor and extra texture. They pair wonderfully with the creamy coconut sauce.
  • Spinach and Potato Curry: Boost the green goodness by adding fresh spinach leaves. Toss them into the curry during the final minutes of cooking for a vibrant and nutritious twist.
  • Sweet Potato Curry: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. They add a hint of natural sweetness and a different texture, enhancing the overall taste.
  • Peanut Potato Curry: Add a scoop of natural peanut butter to the curry sauce. This creates a rich and nutty undertone that complements the spices.

What to serve with Vegan Curry Potatoes

As much as I love to enjoy this yellow potato curry on its own, it goes well with a number of sides. Here are a few sides you should pair with this delicious curry:

  • Salads: Enjoy this curry with a simple salad. It adds freshness to the table and also balances out the spiciness of the curry.
  • Rice: Rice is an essential side dish with almost every curry. Serve this Jamaican curry with either plain white rice, brown rice, garlic rice, or my special Jamaican rice. The flavors pair really well.
  • Quinoa: Quinoa is a very healthy side dish. It is loaded with nutrients and is gluten-free. Thus, a perfect choice to pair with this dish.
  • Tortilla: Serve this Jamaican curry with gluten-free tortilla, flatbread, or naan. You can also enjoy it with bread.

Storage Tips

Worrying about what to do with leftover potato curry? No problem! You can always store it for later use. Once it is cool enough, store it in an air-tight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat the stovetop. You can add a splash of coconut milk to adjust its consistency.

Moreover, you can also freeze this curry. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop and enjoy! This curry is a perfect choice for meal prep, and you can make it in advance and store it for later use. Plus, it goes well when you have to feed a large crowd.

Recipe FAQs

Is Jamaican curry the same as Indian curry or Thai curry?

Not at all! All these types of curries have only one thing in common, i.e., the word “curry. Indian Potato curry recipes taste different from Jamaican Curry recipes because of certain ingredients. We use it in our curries. For instance, we use thyme and Scotch bonnet pepper. Similarly, Thai curries have a special blend, i.e., green or red Thai curry paste. This paste is a special blend of different and unique ingredients indigenous to the lands.

Why isn’t there any curry powder in this recipe?

Rather than buying store-bought curry blend, I include all the spices that are in Jamaican curry, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

Is this curry spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your liking. The recipe includes cayenne pepper for heat, but you can control the amount or omit it entirely for a milder curry.

Is there a difference between ground turmeric and fresh turmeric?

Ground turmeric is the powdered form of dried turmeric root. While fresh turmeric has a slightly different flavor, it can be substituted for ground turmeric in most recipes.

More vegan curry recipes

Vegan curries are super delicious and healthy. Plus, they are vegan, so no argument there! Here is a list of my other vegan curry recipes that are just as good as this one: Served with Jamaican Rice And Peasor my Instant Pot version and it will be a hit and you can also serve one of my many curry recipes:

  • Curry Cabbage
  • Chickpea Curry
  • Black Eyed Peas Curry
  • Jackfruit Curry
  • Zucchini and Peas Coconut Curry
  • Instant Pot Jackfruit and Potato Curry
  • Butternut Squash Coconut Curry
Vegan Potato Curry Recipe (5)

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Categories

  • Categories: Gluten-Free, Vegan
  • Course: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

(Per portion)

  • Energy: 204 kcal / 853 kJ
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Carbs: 30 g

Cook Time

  • Preparation: 15 min
  • Cooking: 30 min
  • Ready in: 45 min
  • For: 6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 stalks Escallion or green onions, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or 2 sprigs
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas, or 1-15 ounce can
  • 1-15 ounce can coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup frozen green peas
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, or 1 whole Scotch pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice/pimento, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large saucepan, add onion and saute until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, green onions and ginger stirring for 1 minute.
  2. Add turmeric, cumin, coriander, thyme and cook until fragrant, stirring constantly. Add tomato, potato, carrots, chickpeas, coconut milk, water.
  3. Cover saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes until thickened (I also mash some of the potatoes).
  4. Stir in peas, salt, pepper, and allspice. Remove from heat. Delicious served with salad, brown rice, quinoa or gluten-free tortilla.

Vegan Potato Curry Recipe (6)

Michelle Blackwood, RN

Hi, I’m Michelle, I’m the voice, content creator and photographer behind Healthier Steps. I share vegan and gluten-free recipes because of past health issues. My goal is to help you make healthier choices and show you how healthy eating is easy and delicious.

View all recipes by Michelle Blackwood, RN →

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Please Leave a Comment and a Rating

126 Comments

  1. Clarice

    October 9, 2023

    Reply ↓

    OMG! This looks really delicious. It’s been a while since we had curry and I can just imagine enjoying this with rice. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I know what to prepare this weekend.

  2. Fransic verso

    October 8, 2023

    Reply ↓

    This looks so yummy, never tried the Jamaican cury but would love to try it. Thank you for sharing!

  3. Marysa

    October 6, 2023

    Reply ↓

    This looks so healthy and flavorful. I think my favorite curries are ones with potatoes. We just had a yellow thai curry with potatoes. I would love to try your recipe.

    • Michelle Blackwood

      October 9, 2023

      Reply ↓

      let me know how you like this one.

  4. Monidipa

    October 6, 2023

    Reply ↓

    Your potato curry recipe sounded delish! Loved how you kept it vegan. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m sure it’s a flavor explosion. Can’t wait to give it a shot! 🥔🍛🌱

  5. Mayuri

    October 4, 2023

    Reply ↓

    Yummm…this spicy potato curry looks divine! I would love to have it with rice or paratha. I am going to try out this recipe this weekend :)

  6. Zab Zaria

    October 4, 2023

    Reply ↓

    What a delicious-sounding recipe! I will definitely be trying it out!

  7. Ntensibe Edgar

    October 4, 2023

    Reply ↓

    Nnniiiccceeee….this is a truly healthy recipe! I’ve tasted this before but with a little variation in the kind of peas used. Let me try out your Jamaican variation.

    • Michelle Blackwood

      October 5, 2023

      Reply ↓

      I think this one came out really good. but let me know how you liked it.

  8. Stephanie

    October 4, 2023

    Reply ↓

    Yum! This spicy potato curry is everything one would want in a vegan dish. Full of flavor and simply delish.

  9. Nikki Wayne

    October 4, 2023

    Reply ↓

    Wow! This looks absolutely delicious and tasty! What a really nice recipe to try!

Vegan Potato Curry Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the best potatoes for curry? ›

Waxy potatoes like Yukon gold, white potatoes and russet potatoes are best for curry. However any other kind of potatoes are okay if you cook them just until fork tender so they retain their shape. Avoid using new potatoes.

Should you boil potatoes before putting in curry? ›

You don't need to precook the potatoes just put them in and let them cook through (30-40 mins high heat).

What is the secret to a good curry? ›

Tips for the Perfect Curry
  • Use fresh spices. For the best results, always try to use fresh spices. ...
  • Give the spices a toast. ...
  • Wrap up your whole spices. ...
  • Blitz your tomatoes. ...
  • Onions are the key. ...
  • Don't overcook your chicken. ...
  • Keep your garlic and ginger fresh. ...
  • Add exciting toppings.

How do you thicken a vegan curry? ›

All types of flour work well for thickening, including wheat flour, coconut flour, and chickpea flour. However, you should keep the flavor of your dish in mind when choosing a thickening agent. Coconut flour works well in dishes like Thai curries while chickpea flour melds well with bean stews.

What kind of onion is best for curry? ›

Onions are an essential part of everyday cooking in India and are found in many local dishes and are the base for curries. Some curries use a lot of onion, others just a small amount but onions are always in there somewhere. The best onions for use in curries are firm white onions.

What are the 3 types of potatoes? ›

Potatoes are split into 3 different classifications: starchy, waxy, and all-purpose. These classifications are given based on their texture, starch content, and moisture. Every potato type falls somewhere along this spectrum.

How do you keep potatoes from getting mushy in curry? ›

How can I prevent mushy potatoes?
  1. Avoid overcooking them – once they're done, they're DONE and they don't need extra time. Overcooked potatoes are bound to break.
  2. Handle the entire curry quite gentle once they begin to get tender. ...
  3. Avoid slicing the potatoes – I prefer to cut mine into medium sized cubes.
Feb 2, 2022

Why are my potatoes not softening in curry? ›

Next time you find your spuds refusing to soften, whether simmered with tomatoes, cooked with a lemon marinade, or stewed in a vinegary sauce—it's probably not the potatoes at fault. Give them a par-boil in good old salted water first, before you dress them in that tart, mouth-puckering acid.

Should potatoes be peeled for curry? ›

Whether you peel the potatoes or not is a matter of personal preference. Traditionally, Japanese curry is made with peeled potatoes, but leaving the skins on can add extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly if you decide to keep the skins on.

What is the most important spice in curry? ›

Fenugreek (Methi)

This Indian spice is what people say "smells like curry." Of all Indian spices, this spice may be the most essential. You may use up to a few tablespoons in a family size dish near the end of the cooking process, but start with a teaspoon. Fenugreek seeds also have many health benefits.

How do restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

The actual sweetness and creaminess of such curries meanwhile, usually comes from fried onions and either cashews and/or dairy products. Instead of (or in addition to) onion, ground coconut may be used. White poppy seeds and/or watermelon seeds are also used in some creamy sauces.

What veggies are good in curry? ›

The curry base is made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, red chilli powder and garam masala. I prefer to go with potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, cauliflower, corn and bell peppers. Though you can use other veggies like baby corn, sweet potato and broccoli, the curry will have different flavors.

Does coconut milk thicken curry? ›

For a rich and creamy curry, coconut milk or cream can be a fantastic thickening agent. They not only add creaminess but also a delightful tropical flavour. Simply pour in some coconut milk or cream and let it simmer until your sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Does yogurt thicken curry? ›

It will not actually thicken the curry. It only adds a creamy texture to the curry. If you want to make your curry thicker, you will need to add some other ingredients like flour or coconut powder.

Why is my homemade curry watery? ›

Curry becomes runny if it has more water content, so cook it for few more minutes to let the water evaporate and curry turns thick(this also turns flavors stronger). Also make sure not to overcook the curry. If it is more runny usually I add 1 tablespoon of besan flour.

Should you use red or white potatoes for curry? ›

It is best to use red-skinned potatoes (Red Bliss) in this recipe because due to their waxy texture, they hold shape really well. These potatoes are easy to find, since they are very common, and sold in almost all grocery stores and supermarkets.

What kind of potatoes are used in Indian food? ›

Potatoes – Yukon Gold or red new potatoes work best in curry dishes because they hold their shape when you cook them. Onion – Go for medium red onions. Vegetable Oil – You'll need this to cook your spice seeds. Black Mustard Seeds – A staple in Indian cooking!

What kind of potatoes are Indian potatoes? ›

Indian potato is a common name for several plants and may refer to: Apios americana, a terrestrial plant native to eastern North America. Orogenia, a formerly recognized plant genus native to western North America, now included in Lomatium.

Which potatoes are best for which? ›

Here's a quick reference on which types of potatoes are ideal for which type of cooking technique:
  • Baking: Russet, long white, Peruvian.
  • Boiled: New potatoes, round red, white.
  • Fried: Russets and white.
  • Roasted: New potatoes, russets, Peruvian, long whites.
  • Mashed: Russets, long white, yellow.
Feb 2, 2023

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