Devastatingly Delicious Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry in 40

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Author: Rachel Evans
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Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry

Okay, listen up! If you’re craving something seriously comforting, like a warm hug in a bowl, you HAVE to try this. I’m talking about a Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry that’s so rich and flavorful, you won’t believe it’s actually good for you (well, mostly!).

What makes this curry so special? It’s the creamy texture combined with those intoxicating Indian spices – cumin, coriander, turmeric… mmm, just thinking about it makes my kitchen smell amazing!

I’ll never forget the first time I had vegan Indian food. I was totally skeptical, but one bite of this creamy, spiced lentil dish, and I was a convert. Seriously! It opened my eyes to a whole new world of flavor, and I’ve been obsessed with recreating those amazing dishes ever since.

This Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry is my take on that experience. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s totally vegan. So even if you’re a meat-lover, trust me, you won’t miss it in this dish. It’s that good! I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it here and there, and *this* version? This is the one. Get ready to fall in love!

Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry

Seriously, there are SO many reasons to adore this curry. But if I had to pick just a few…

Quick and Easy

Don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? No problem! This Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry comes together in under 40 minutes. Boom! Dinner is served.

Incredibly Flavorful

The blend of Indian spices is just… wow. Cumin, coriander, turmeric – they create this warm, complex flavor party in your mouth. You’ll be hooked, I promise!

Creamy and Comforting

That coconut milk makes this curry SO creamy and rich. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Seriously, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Healthy and Vegan

Packed with nutrients from pumpkin and spices, this curry is actually good for you! Plus, it’s completely vegan, so everyone can enjoy it. Win-win!

Key Ingredients for Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry is all about those fresh, flavorful building blocks. Get these right, and you’re halfway to curry heaven!

Coconut Oil

You’ll want a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil for this. It adds a subtle sweetness that’s just perfect.

Onion

Grab one medium yellow onion, and give it a good chop. Don’t stress about perfect dicing, just get it roughly chopped.

Garlic

Two cloves of garlic, minced. I like to use a garlic press, but mincing with a knife works just fine too!

Ginger

About 1 inch of fresh ginger, grated. Fresh ginger is key here, trust me! The jarred stuff just doesn’t compare.

Spices

Gotta have the spices! You’ll need 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (if you like a little kick!).

Pumpkin Puree

One (15 ounce) can of pumpkin puree. Make sure it’s *puree*, not pumpkin pie filling! Big difference!

Coconut Milk

One (13.5 ounce) can of full-fat coconut milk. Don’t skimp on the fat here – it’s what makes it creamy!

Vegetable Broth

One cup of low-sodium vegetable broth. This helps thin out the curry and adds some extra flavor.

Cilantro

A half cup of chopped fresh cilantro. This adds a bright, fresh finish. If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley works too!

How to Make Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry: Step-by-Step

Alright, here’s the fun part! Let’s get cooking! This Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry is seriously easy to make, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl of curry in no time!

Sauté Aromatics

First, heat that tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (careful, it heats up fast!), add your chopped onion. Cook it until it starts to soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, toss in your minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute or so, until it smells amazing! Seriously, that garlic-ginger aroma is the best!

Add Spices

Now for the spice magic! Stir in your cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Cook for just about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This is called “blooming” the spices, and it really brings out their flavor. Don’t burn them, though! Keep it moving!

Incorporate Pumpkin and Liquids

Time to add the pumpkin and liquids! Pour in your can of pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together really well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer – you’ll see small bubbles gently rising to the surface.

Simmer and Thicken

Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld together and the curry to thicken up slightly. Patience, my friend, patience!

Finish and Serve

Finally, stir in your chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, then taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve this Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry hot with rice or naan bread for dipping. My favorite part is a big dollop of plain vegan yogurt on top. Yum!

Tips for the Best Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry

Want to take this Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry from “good” to “OMG AMAZING?” Here are a few of my top tips!

Adjusting Spice Level

Not a fan of heat? No problem! Just skip the cayenne pepper altogether. Love a fiery kick? Add a pinch more! Taste as you go, and find your perfect spice level.

Achieving a Smoother Texture

If you’re after a super-smooth curry, grab an immersion blender and give it a whirl! Just blend it right in the pot until it’s silky smooth. Careful, hot stuff!

Serving Suggestions

Beyond rice or naan, this curry is amazing with quinoa or even roasted sweet potatoes. Seriously, try it! The sweetness of the potatoes is *chef’s kiss*.

Garnish Ideas

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A sprinkle of extra cilantro always looks pretty, but a dollop of coconut cream takes it to the next level. You could also add some toasted pumpkin seeds for a little crunch!

Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry - detail 2

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry

Okay, so sometimes you’re missing an ingredient, or maybe you just want to switch things up! No worries, this Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry is pretty flexible. Here are a few easy swaps you can make!

Pumpkin Puree Substitutions

Out of pumpkin puree? Butternut squash puree works AMAZINGLY well! It has a similar sweetness and texture. You could even roast your own squash and puree it! Fancy!

Coconut Milk Alternatives

If you don’t have coconut milk, you *can* use other plant-based milks, like almond or soy. BUT, heads up – it won’t be as creamy, and the flavor will be different (less coconutty, obviously!).

Spice Variations

Want to play around with the spices? Go for it! A pinch of garam masala adds extra warmth. Or, if you like things smoky, try a tiny bit of smoked paprika. Just don’t go overboard, okay? You want to complement, not overpower, those core curry flavors!

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry… but what do you serve with it?! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

Rice Options

Fluffy basmati rice is always a winner! But brown rice is great too, for a bit more fiber. Honestly, any rice you like will work!

Bread Pairing

Warm naan bread is AMAZING for scooping up all that delicious curry! Roti is another great option. Seriously, don’t skip the bread!

Side Dishes

A simple side salad is nice and refreshing. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, try some raita (yogurt dip) to cool things down!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry.

Can I make this Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I think it’s even BETTER the next day! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and the flavors will meld together even more. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Is this Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry spicy?

That depends on your spice tolerance! As written, it has a *tiny* kick from the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. But if you’re sensitive to spice, just leave it out! And if you’re a spice lover? Add a pinch more! It’s totally customizable.

Can I freeze this Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry?

Yep! This curry freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it seems a little thick after thawing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry, and you *somehow* have leftovers (I’m impressed!). Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro!

Storing Leftovers

Let the curry cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy!

Reheating Instructions

You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or zap it in the microwave. Just make sure it’s heated through! I sometimes add a splash of water if it seems too thick.

Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry - detail 3

Nutritional Information

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutritional info! Here’s the deal: I’m just a home cook, not a nutritionist! The numbers below are estimates based on common ingredients and brands. But remember, things can vary! So, don’t take these as gospel, okay? Just a general idea!

Enjoyed This Recipe?

Woohoo! So glad you made it to the end! If you loved this Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry as much as I do, I’d be super grateful if you could do a few things!

First, leave a comment below and tell me what you thought! Did you make any fun swaps? Did you add extra spice? I wanna know!

Also, pretty please rate the recipe! It helps other people find it. And last but not least, share it on social media! Tag me so I can see your creations! Happy cooking!

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Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry

Devastatingly Delicious Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry in 40

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  • Author: Rachel Evans
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Enjoy a rich and flavorful Creamy Vegan Indian Pumpkin Curry. This dish is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  5. Add pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference.
  • For a smoother curry, use an immersion blender to blend the soup before adding cilantro.
  • Garnish with extra cilantro or a dollop of coconut cream.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Hi, I’m Rachel!

Recipe creator, food enthusiast, and busy mom on a mission to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor. I share tried-and-true recipes that are easy to follow, budget-friendly, and always satisfying. Let’s make dinnertime the best part of your day!

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