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.

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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 have? ›

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).

Why is curry considered unhealthy? ›

A single portion of takeaway curry can contain over 1,000 calories and a huge amount of saturated fat, salt and sugar. You'd need to cycle for about three hours to burn it off. The best way to enjoy your favourite dishes is to ditch the takeaway and make your own.

How healthy is homemade curry? ›

Curry may also help with weight loss. Many of the spices used in curry have been shown to boost metabolism, which can help the body burn more calories. Additionally, curry is often made with lean proteins such as chicken or fish, which can be beneficial for weight loss.

What are the secret ingredients to a good curry? ›

Indian chef Maunika Gowardhan suggests using tomato purée, coconut milk or yoghurt as natural thickening agents to achieve the perfect consistency. Adding ground nuts such as almonds or peanuts can also be a great way to ensure your curry is a knockout.

What is the healthiest curry for weight loss? ›

Chana masala

It is rich in protein and fibre, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal. The dish can be served with rice or naan bread and is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family. It is also perfect for losing weight, as it is low in calories and flavour.

Is it healthy to eat curry everyday? ›

One study found that people who eat more curry powder are less likely to have high blood pressure. Another study found that having curry powder in a meal improves circulation immediately after the meal. The turmeric commonly found in curry powder also helps lower cholesterol, which makes heart disease less likely.

Who should not eat curry? ›

Curry powder is an anti-coagulant so if you're already taking blood thinners, check with your doctor before indulging, in case there's a danger of excessive bleeding. It can also irritate the gallbladder too, so may not be good for people with gallbladder conditions.

What is the most unhealthy curry? ›

1. Chicken tikka masala. 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. It typically uses double cream or full-fat yoghurt to thicken the sauce, meaning it contains as much fat as two McDonald's cheeseburgers.

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.

What is the main spice in curry? ›

Curry powders usually consist of turmeric, cumin, ginger, and black pepper. Some blends also incorporate garlic and cinnamon. What all curry powders share is a sweet warmth and pleasant pungency that adds a toasty depth to everything it touches.

Is curry anti-inflammatory? ›

1. 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 ).

Is turmeric and curry the same thing? ›

Traditionally turmeric is used in various cuisines for fla- vor as well as a coloring agent for foods such as rice, yogurt, and chicken. Turmeric may also be used by itself or in combi- nation with other mixed spices. Curry powder is a mixed spice with turmeric as one of the principal ingredients.

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 are the 5 spices in a curry? ›

The Essential Five Spices are:
  • Cumin seeds.
  • Coriander seeds.
  • Black mustard seeds.
  • Cayenne pepper.
  • Turmeric.

How to make curry taste like restaurant? ›

Simple suggestions for restaurant good quality curries:
  1. Fry your onions till they are golden brown.
  2. Fry your spices but don't burn them. ...
  3. Use good quality spices. ...
  4. Seasoning. ...
  5. Use fatty yoghurt (greek style works) in curries to make them richer. ...
  6. Patience. ...
  7. Use a neutral vegetable oil. ...
  8. Experiment.
Jun 24, 2018

Which curry has the least carbs? ›

Ideal for low carb/keto diets to enjoy with a salad or your favourite sides.
  • Grandma's Lamb Curry (1.5g Carbs/100g) Medium. ...
  • Lamb & Spinach Curry (2.2g Carbs/100g) Medium. ...
  • Village Chicken Curry (1.7g Carbs/100g) Medium. ...
  • Delhi Butter Chicken (1.4g Carbs/100g) Medium. ...
  • Goan Chicken Curry (1.9g Carbs/100g) Mild.

Is Thai or Indian food healthier? ›

Thai also tends to have fewer carbohydrates than other ethnic cuisines like Indian or Chinese. This makes Thai a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight! Thai is most often cooked with coconut oil, which is high in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides).

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