22 healthy curry recipes (2024)

Looking for healthy curry recipes? Check out our ideas below, or try our vegetable curry ideas.

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Curries can provide many health benefits, and they don't have to be full of saturated fats. The spices used in curries, such as turmeric, ginger and chilli, are known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being of benefit to heart health and possible anticancer benefits. With some easy swaps, you can also make curries lighter but not scrimp on taste, and is a great way to add to your five-a-day!

For more healthy meal inspiration, take a look at our quick and healthy recipes, healthy takeaways, healthy pasta recipes and healthy Italian recipes. If you want to make your favourite meals healthier, take a look at our 15 healthy swaps. For summer inspiration, check out our healthy summer recipes.

Best healthy curry recipes

Easy vegan katsu curry

This plant-based version of katsu curry features crispy grilled Tesco Plant Chef Vegetable Fingers in a fragrant veggie sauce. Enjoy served with rice and pickled vegetables.

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Healthy chicken korma

Fragrant, creamy and gently spiced, korma is super-comforting with its rich, buttery sauce. This version is lighter than the traditional recipe, yet it’s every bit as warming.

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Healthy pork vindaloo

Try our simple pork vindaloo with peas and spinach. It's simple to make and packed with veg and protein.

Chicken madras

Our recipe for chicken madras is a really easy, flavoursome way to feed the family. Serve with rice or naan for scooping up the sauce.

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Paneer and chickpea curry

This healthy paneer and chickpea curry cuts corners by using a tikka paste to coat the paneer – adding lots of flavour while keeping preparation to a minimum.

Healthy chicken tikka masala

Chicken tikka masala is known for being sweet and creamy. Here, in The Curry Guy's lighter version, the buttery flavour is achieved by using ground almonds, and just enough sugar makes the masala mildly sweet. Yogurt makes for an incredibly creamy curry, too.

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Veggie butter curry

We’ve ditched the meat in favour of tender cauli, filling chickpeas and earthy spinach to create a meat-free curry that’s high in nutrients.

Spinach, chickpea and potato curry

Try this lightly-spiced vegan curry with chickpeas and spinach for a wholesome midweek meal for four.

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Chicken saag

Our chicken saag recipe proves that you can eat healthily without having to skip your favourite foods - plus its ready in less than an hour. Find more healthy chicken recipes here.

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Vegetable satay curry

This creamy curry is packed with plenty of nutritious veggies, warming ginger and chilli for a healthy meat-free meal.

Healthy slow cooker chicken curry

This healthier take on chicken curry is gluten-free and promises plenty of kick thanks to a mix of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander and mild chilli.

Sweet potato and lentil curry

This vibrant, vegan curry is made with sweet potatoes, red split lentils, coconut milk and plenty of warming spices. A light, yet comforting midweek meal.

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Healthy chicken curry

Want to enjoy a healthier version of your favourite? This chicken curry recipe is jam-packed with veg and lighter than typical curry sauces. Freeze in portions for quick, healthy midweek meals.

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Coconut and peanut aubergine curry

This creamy coconut and peanut aubergine curry is vegetarian and ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect comforting meal to make midweek.

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Lighter chicken curry

Check out our easy chicken curry recipe with light coconut milk, punchy madras paste and crunchy sugar snap peas. This flavoursome curry is gluten-free too.

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Red lentil curry

Try our vegetarian spiced crispy egg and lentil curry. This easy curry recipe is protein-packed and gluten-free, perfect winter comfort food. Check out our other vegetarian curry recipes.

22 healthy curry recipes (16)

Butternut squash and chickpea curry

The best vegetarian curry in a hurry. Full of good-for-you butternut squash, chickpeas, spinach and spices, this will tempt any veg-phobic family members to dig in. Serve with rice on the side.

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Kofta curry

Spice up your midweek meal with our homemade lamb koftas nestled in a fragrant curry. Served with rice for a hearty meal for four.

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Vegan aubergine curry

Cook aubergine pieces with fragrant spices and red lentils for a hearty yet healthy vegan curry.

22 healthy curry recipes (19)

Turkey keema curry

Packed with fresh and zingy flavours and plenty of punchy spices, this Indian turkey mince curry makes an easy midweek meal.

22 healthy curry recipes (20)

Roast cauliflower korma curry

Check out our veggie korma recipe with roast cauliflower. This curry recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for an easy midweek dinner.

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22 healthy curry recipes (21)

Japanese chicken and broccoli curry

Add white miso and soy sauce to your curry sauce for an umami-rich midweek meal packed with chicken and veggies.

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22 healthy curry recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest curry to eat? ›

Any Indian curries that are tomato-based, like tandoori, madras, jalfrezi, rogan and bhuna, are the lowest in calories. They average around 200-300 calories. If you want an even healthier option, consider a sauce-free dish like fish tikka (which is only 180 calories).

What are the secret ingredients to a good curry? ›

However, here are some general suggestions to make your curry taste better:
  • Aromatics: Start with a flavorful base of aromatics such as onions, garlic, and ginger. Sautéing these ingredients well can add depth to the overall flavor of your curry.
  • Spices: The right combination of spices is crucial for a delicious curry.
Dec 30, 2018

How healthy is homemade curry? ›

Curries can provide many health benefits, and they don't have to be full of saturated fats. The spices used in curries, such as turmeric, ginger and chilli, are known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being of benefit to heart health and possible anticancer benefits.

Which curry is best for diabetics? ›

Bonus: More Diabetes-Friendly Curry Ideas
  • Aloo Gobi Mild Recipe – A vegetarian curry featuring cauliflower and potatoes.
  • RED LENTIL DAHL – MILD Recipe – A protein-rich curry that's easy to prepare.
  • TIKKA MASALA Recipe – A lightened up take on tikka flavors in soup form.

What is the most unhealthy curry? ›

It's a staple in any Indian takeaway order in Britain, but chicken tikka masala is actually the most unhealthy curry out there, according to Daisy.

Is curry healthy for weight loss? ›

“If you crave fatty foods, curry powder may help quash your craving. Curry contains fenugreek, a seed that helps suppress fat cravings. It may also help control blood sugar too,” says Karen Ansel, M.S., RDN.

What are the 4 main spices in curry? ›

A curry mix has a warm, robust spicy taste as a result of combining roasted and grounded coriander seeds, turmeric, cumin and chili peppers. Other spices commonly found within the blend are fenugreek, clove, mustard, black pepper, nutmeg or ginger.

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 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.

What color curry is healthiest? ›

Green curry is a healthier version of Thailand's yellow curry. The green sauce is lower in calories and a great option for those looking to make diet-friendly substitutions to their favorite dishes. For additional benefits, order extra vegetables and a lean protein like chicken to complete the meal.

Is curry an inflammatory food? ›

Potent anti-inflammatory properties

Being that curry powder is packed with spices like turmeric, coriander, and chili pepper, it's no wonder that this seasoning has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits ( 1 ). Turmeric, one of the main spices in the blend, contains a pigment called curcumin.

Can you eat curry every day? ›

While it can offer diverse flavors and some health benefits, consuming it excessively could lead to issues like excessive spice intake or potential digestive discomfort. Variety in your diet is key for balanced nutrition, so enjoying curry occasionally alongside other foods is a healthier approach.

What is the healthiest option for curry? ›

When choosing curries, options for dishes with lean proteins like chicken, fish, or legumes (such as lentils or chickpeas). Avoid dishes with heavy cream or excessive amounts of ghee (clarified butter), as these can significantly increase the calorie and fat content of your meal.

Which Indian spice is good for diabetes? ›

02/7​​Turmeric

anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, a regular and moderate intake of this common spice may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. This simple spice can be added to detox water, tea, smoothies, soups and vegetable delicacies to name a few.

What is the best spice for diabetes? ›

Cinnamon is especially great for people who have high blood sugar. It lends a sweet taste to food without adding sugar, and studies indicate it can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon may also provide heart-healthy benefits, such as reducing high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

What color curry is the healthiest? ›

The long list of herbs also makes green curry one of the healthiest Thai cuisine dishes.

Is green curry or red curry healthier? ›

Most likely, you'll encounter red curry more frequently than the other types as it is the most used for its versatility. But if you can brave the spiciness right away, you'll probably enjoy authentic green curry. If you're opting for the healthiest option of the three, then the best Thai curry for you is green curry.

What is the healthiest Thai food to order? ›

10 of Our Favorite Healthy Thai Dishes, According to a Dietitian
  • Clear spicy Thai soup.
  • Hainanese chicken with rice.
  • Steamed fish.
  • Coconut lemongrass clams.
  • Garlic stir-fried vegetables.
  • Mango sticky rice.
  • Coconut water.
  • Tips.
Aug 19, 2022

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