Vegetable Korma

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5 from 186 votes
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This vegetable korma recipe is a fast and delicious slow-cooked curry that comes together in no time! Hearty and healthy, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free! 

vegetable korma.

If you’re anything like me and there are always a lot of leftover veggies in the fridge, then throwing together a veggie korma is one of the best ways to use them up!

Like my chana masala or paneer tikka masala, this dish turns everyday vegetables into something truly delicious and nutritious.

Table of Contents
  1. What is a korma?
  2. What is vegetable korma made of?
  3. How to make a vegetable korma
  4. Recipe tips and variations
  5. Storage instructions
  6. More curry recipes to try
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. Best Vegetable Korma (Recipe Card)

What is a korma?

Vegetable korma is a flavorful Indian curry primarily featuring vegetables in a rich creamy coconut milk sauce. Different vegetables can be used to make it, including potatoes, carrots, peas, tomatoes, cauliflower, onions, etc. It has all the flavor of a lamb korma minus the animal protein.

I love making this for my family for a meat-free dinner, and I have no doubts that you will love it too because:

  • It’s healthy. This dish uses wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for a nutrient-rich lunch or dinner.
  • An easy freezer meal. Making a big batch of a korma is easy! I like to keep some in the fridge and freeze the remaining korma for rainy-day meals. Like most curries, kormas always taste a bit more flavorful when made in advance.
  • Easy to customize. Depending on what I have on hand, I sometimes change the vegetables or add some protein to the mix (chicken thighs or diced lamb is fantastic, but will no longer be vegetarian).

What is vegetable korma made of?

This recipe is very forgiving, and almost any vegetable works. Here is what you’ll need to get started:

  • Cauliflower. The main component of my vegetarian korma. Cut the cauliflower florets into same-size pieces.
  • Bell peppers. Chopped. I use red bell peppers but any color works.
  • Potatoes. Chopped into quarters. Any smaller and you risk the curry becoming grainy.
  • Green peas. I used frozen but fresh ones work too.
  • Red chili. De-seeded chili to add some heat. Adjust the amount of red chili to make the dish as spicy as you like. You can also use red chili powder for greater control of the heat.
  • Coconut milk. A must for any good curry. Always use coconut milk from a can, not a carton. 
  • Curry paste. My sneaky trick for a speedy korma. Sure, you could make your own but this is so much faster.
  • Garlic & ginger. Two non-negotiables. Please use fresh garlic and ginger because the taste is so much better
  • Coriander/cilantro. To garnish.
  • Salt. To taste.

How to make a vegetable korma

Step 1- Combine ingredients. Add the coconut milk, curry paste, cauliflower, red chili, peppers, and potatoes into the slow cooker, along with the minced garlic and ginger.

vegetables in slow cooker.

Step 2- Cook. Set your slow cooker to low heat and run for 6 hours or until the potatoes are tender. Add the chopped coriander and frozen peas and stir the ingredients well. Cook the korma for another 5 minutes.

frozen peas in vegetable korma.

Step 3- Serve. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

vegetarian korma.

Recipe tips and variations

Adjust the consistency– If your korma is too watery, you can mix in some full-fat yogurt or cream, or add a cornstarch slurry toward the end of the cooking time. If your dish is too thick, thin it out with more coconut milk.

Make it stovetop or in an instant pot– When I’m pressed for time I occasionally pressure cook this dish or cook it stovetop in a large pot. and it takes less than an hour. Just remember to make sure the vegetables are cut into even pieces.

Customize it– As mentioned earlier, the beauty of this curry is just how easy it is to customize. I find that roasted cashews will add a nice nutty flavor and crunch to the creamy texture of the dish, while adding tomatoes will brighten its flavor and balance the rich flavors. 

Blend your own spices- If you don’t have curry paste, use garam masala instead. This spice blend is another way to give this dish an authentic Indian twist. You can also experiment with cumin seeds, cardamom, or turmeric if you have them on hand. 

Compliment the dish- Paired with some naan, basmati rice, or coconut rice; this is a meal the whole family will adore. You can also serve it with roti, paratha, or some simple basmati rice.

Storage instructions

To store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container as soon as it cools. This dish will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

To freeze: If you have a big batch of leftovers, divide them into portions and freeze them in airtight containers. These will last for up to 6 months.

To reheat: Reheat the korma in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if needed.

veggie korma.

More curry recipes to try

Frequently asked questions

Is vegetable korma good for weight loss?

Yes, vegetable korma is good for weight loss as it is quite low in calories. You may want to leave out the potatoes if you are trying to consume fewer carbs. 

What type of curry is korma?

Korma is a mild curry originating in South Asia. Korma can be made with meat and vegetables. It also contains various spices. 

vegetable korma recipe.

Best Vegetable Korma

5 from 186 votes
This vegetable korma is a fast and delicious slow cooker curry that comes together in no time! Hearty and healthy, it's naturally vegan and gluten-free! 
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 13.5 ounces coconut milk full fat
  • 3 tablespoons curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon ginger chopped
  • 1 chili de-seeded
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 small cauliflower chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper sliced
  • 2 small potatoes chopped
  • 1 tablespoon coriander chopped
  • 2 cups peas frozen

Instructions 

  • Add the coconut milk, curry paste, ginger, chili, garlic, cauliflower, bell pepper, and potatoes in a slow cooker and stir well.
  • Cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir through the coriander and frozen peas and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Give everything a mix and serve immediately.

Notes

TO STORE: Refrigerate vegetable korma as soon as it cools. Stored in an airtight container, this dish will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
TO FREEZE: If you have made a big batch of leftovers, divide them into portions and freeze them in shallow airtight containers. This dish will keep well for up to 6 months. 
TO REHEAT: Reheat the korma in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 24gSodium: 88mgPotassium: 984mgFiber: 9gVitamin A: 9819IUVitamin C: 114mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 4mgNET CARBS: 26g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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5 from 186 votes (185 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. A korma is made with nuts and yogurt? This recipe seems to be a curry rather than a korma and also where’s the heat in this recipe? There could be some jalapenos added .. thanks

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve literally never commented on a recipe, but holy moly this was delicious!!!!! My husband, toddler and I all loved it, and it’s definitely being added to our regular meal rotation. It made the house smell like an Indian restaurant all day 🙂 And any recipe that I can make quickly so that my toddler doesn’t get bored is a winner. Thank you so much! I’m really glad your website is still going strong after all the intervening years since you posted this recipe – good on you! 🙂

  3. This is SO GOOD!!! And so easy, and versatile. Everyone loved it. We enjoyed it with the delicious Fluffy Coconut Basmati Rice. I made a big pot and used a few cans of coconut milk. The recipes are printed and ready for use as regulars at my house. Thank you, Arman!

  4. This is SO GOOD!!! And so easy, and versatile. Everyone loved it. We enjoyed it with the delicious Fluffy Coconut Basmati Rice. I printed the recipes and will use them as regulars at my house. Thank you, Arman!

  5. LOVED THIS! It was very easy and so nice to come home to after work. Vegan teen, veg husband, flexitarian younger teen approved. We served over brown rice cooked in veggie broth. The only changes I made– I added 3 small potatoes (didn’t peel, just diced big) and used the whole can of coconut milk instead of 3/4. I can’t wait to have the leftovers, as I’m sure they’ll be even better. Thank you!

      1. Hi ya,

        This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I want to add carrots, do I reduce some of the other veg? Also if I 2x it, will that serve 8? That won’t make it go ‘out’ will it?

        It’s for Christmas Eve!

        Thank you 👌🏻🕯️👍🏻

  6. Are the coconut milk cans in Australia extra large? I made this last night and there was very little liquid. I followed the recipe exactly so wondering where I went wrong.

  7. Hey there! Plan on making this today… Mmmmm yummy warmies.

    What size can of coconut milk does this call for? They vary from about 200ml to 400ml I think?

    Cheers! 😀

  8. I’m not sure if you check this any more, but I have made this recipe countless times. I use red potatoes instead of cauliflower and I add chicken thighs, but other than that I am true to your recipe. This is my 2 year old daughter’s favorite meal and my husband’s grandmother goes on about it forever when I bring her and his grandfather some. Thank you a million times over for this recipe. Thank you for taking the time to put this up. Thank you thank you thank you!

    1. Hi Bobbie!
      Thank you So much for your positive feedback- I’m so envious of your 2 year old daughter’s taste buds!!!!! I can only imagine where it will take her growing up 🙂

      Really appreciate this comment 🙂

  9. I’m a bit late to the game here, but I was curious if there are any other veggies I could throw in that would taste good and cook well? I’ve never used a slow cooker before so this will be my first recipe! 🙂 I also have to omit the green beans and peas since they aren’t Paleo.

      1. Thanks for the reply. Mine didn’t really turn out good for some reason. Really watery.

  10. I made this over the weekend and it was SO delicious! 20 minutes of chopping veg, and then forget about it for the rest of the day! We had it over basmati and quinoa, and there was enough for 2 people for 2 days. I really like how the flavour is complex from the 2 types of spices, yet not overwhelmingly strong. Next time I’m definitely making a double batch. Thanks for such a simple, wholesome recipe!

  11. Mine did not look like the pictures you have here. Looks more like potato in your pics. Mine was more watery. I used all top quality ingredients.

    1. I’m sorry to hear that- This is one of my most popular slow cooker recipes- Did you use full fat coconut milk? That often impacts the thickness of it. Potatoes are an option if you like, I used cauliflower and carrots for my original version.

  12. I made this tonight and it was soooo good! My husband isn’t a big fan or veggies or curry and he even loved it. I didn’t put as much of the spices or salt in so my baby girl would eat it and it was still really flavorful. My baby wouldn’t stop eating! Will definitely be making this again ☺

      1. My daughter is eating the leftovers right now and is on her 4th helping! This is pretty amazing because she is sick and hasn’t been eating much at all lately. I am a happy mom

      2. That is awesome Angela 🙂 I have a slow cooker butternut pumpkin soup coming soon….Hope that might sway her too 😉

  13. First of all, I’m obsessed with the blog facelift. Everything looks amazing! Second, I’m legit making this this weekend. 100%. Dying. Need.

  14. Weekend brunch is always a necessity.

    You know how much I love this recipe right. It’s definitely going in the rotation.

    Also, it was 1 degree in Cleveland this week, so -18 Fahrenheit and that doesn’t include the wind chill which makes it feel like -30. You better bring lots of layers my friend.

  15. I have no idea what korma is, but I want it all over my face. This looks way delicious, and would be great in my 30F to 40F temps. I think I’ve used a Crock Pot like…once or twice in my life. I need to get down on some crocked meals.

  16. Whyyy does every blogger need to taunt me with slow cooker recipes? I neither have one nor the space for it and am actually not even sure they’re sold in Germany. The idea of just adding everything to a pot, walking away and returning to a fully cooked meal is awesome – and not far from my usual way of cooking [#confession].
    And yes, I totally used to bake to heat up my apartment, too. The delicious scent was another bonus – oh, and the cookies.
    Oh and yes, feel free to send me any frozen remainders of this. They look deeeelish and by the time they arrive over here should have thawed 😉 .

  17. We’re currently experiencing what I guess you would consider an Australian winter — it’s +3 right now, which is actually kind of crazy for us. Then again, it was -25 a few weeks ago, soooo we’re kind of all over the place. But it’s nice. This weather. Means I only have to sleep in 1 hoodie instead of 2 😛

  18. CROCK POT. Although I’ve recently started trying to say slow cooker because I feel like it’s more universal? I don’t know. Ohhh and I love those bowls! I was searching for similar ones but could not find…saaaaad sad days my friend.

  19. I am definitely making this – it sounds so good and I think my husband would even like it! Just wondering- you have peas listed on the recipe twice, is the second one supposed to be green beans?? Thanks!

  20. This looks so comforting – I could definitely use this to warm me up (it’s -2 here in NY). I feel ya on the no heat thing, in one of my apts I had to layer just like you and I was still cold, it was the worst thing ever!! Pinning this for sure 🙂

  21. I was afraid my comment would get lost in your previous post, just wanted to say I really dig the new design. Looks chic and modern. I’m a fan.

  22. I love any dish like this made with coconut milk – so good! And great pictures too.

    Geez, I think I would die in an apartment without heating. Especially when it’s around -21 celsius (or -35 with windchill) like it has been here this week! Guh. Is it summer yet?

  23. This is everything I’m wanting in life right now. Just pinned. What exactly is korma, btw? Did I somehow miss it? Could I add kangaroo for protein?

    Okay, I feel like we need to Skype and discuss living in the most expensive cities in the world and thinking about moving home. Except Melbourne doesn’t suck and Pittsburgh does. Congrats on making a hard/good decision. It’s one I’m going to be struggling with for the next few months.

    1. It’s like a thicker version of curry- I also think it’s spicier! And yes…let’s add kangaroo.

      Thanks buddy- Always feel free to shoot an email/message if you ever do- I can relate 🙂

  24. I am obsessed with my crock pot- it really makes everything taste better. This sounds so good!

  25. This looks like the perfect way to use up the veggies I have in the fridge now before we head out of town. I think I will make this for dinner tonight- I think Slow Cooker just sounds better than Crock Pot. I say both though. Crock Pot sounds so southern (US southern 😉 )

  26. This will totally warm you up! I have to say, I really miss my slow cooker when I’m down here at school :/

    1. LOL. Omg. This girl got in trouble when I studied abroad because she smuggled hers in!!! (I bet the tutors just wanted to eat it themselves)

  27. I kid you not when I say that I was juts (as in yesterday) searching for a vegetarian and vegan slow cooker recipe with an Indian twist! How did you know? Pinning now!

  28. I didn’t realize you moved back to Melbourne. New job? I love slow cooker meals and this one looks so good.
    The weather in Williamsburg is gross. It’s freezing rain right now and I’m waiting for the work delay announcement, but it hasn’t come so I think I’m out of luck!

  29. Aren’t slow cookers and crock pots the same thing? crock pots just being a brand name??
    Anyhoo I love my slow cooker, and I was looking for more recipes, so this is ideal! going to add some chicken too… Yum!
    I must admit, I do abuse the oven for heat… Once I take a meal out I switch it off and leave the door open to give the apartment some heat! Scotland is chilly and snowy right now… Need all the heat we can!

  30. Wait, did I miss something? You’re back in Melbourne? Just for a visit or do you stay?
    Yay for the slow cooker! I love mine. I am pretty new to using it and this one is going to be tested soon. I love to come home to a warm dinner. It’s like magic and I don’t even need my wand for it 😉
    P.S. I love the new design. So grown up and sophisticated 🙂

  31. You better be back in Sydney in a few weeks…..
    This looks SO good and yes, comforting! You don’t even want to know how freezing it is here in winter and then me on the bike – oh yes.
    I wish I had a Slow Cooker. I went to a store lately where the sell kitchen supplies and the salesman looked at me like I just turned into a chicken when I asked for a Slow Cooker. Oh Switzerland.

  32. I had veggie korma for lunch today! I’ll always think of you whenever I see/eat tandoori.

    Tandoori soul mates.

    I call it a slow cooker. “Crock pot” sounds so white trash.

  33. Loving the new design, friend! And the most recent crockpot recipe. I loooove my crockpot! use it every week 🙂

  34. This looks amazing curry friend! Looking forward to seeing more such curry recipes for our addiction! Pinned! ;D

  35. Crockpot all the way! This looks so hearty and delicious. I throw red pepper flakes in basically everything! Never heard the word koroma though. You’re too fancy for me.

  36. Love this recipe! Confession…I had to google koroma. Had no idea it was turkish. Greek & Turkish is my favorite. Great pics too. I’m digging the black background.

  37. Your slow cooker kept your apartment warm!? That’s one intense slow cooker! Although, I was glued to our crock pot two nights ago when my mom was making rice porridge in it. It was my life saver.
    I’m a fan of curry, vegetables, warmth, and no-hands cooking. Needless to say, I’m allllll over this recipe.

    1. P.S. Is the almond meal included as a thickening agent? If so, could I use a little bit of corn starch or other flour in its place?

    2. Dooo it. Although…not in your dorm. One girl smuggled her crock pot in and got in so much trouble.

      It was awesome.

  38. Pinned! This looks amazing. Our new house is frigid but it’s mostly upstairs/in our bedroom… maybe I should set up my slow cooker there with this delicious meal to get warm??

  39. That looks divine, Arman! How can you have an apartment without central heating? I have lived in homes without central heating and we added a wood stove, but you can’t do that in an apartment. Space heaters?

    Shirley

  40. Korma is my favorite Indian dish. When we go to an Indian restaurant, I always get the chicken Korma! This looks so good to me right now – it’s only 4 degrees here, I need this to warm up!

  41. Chicago is an icebox and the moment… I seriously question how I will survive until spring!
    The recipe is a perfect meal for me to make for my vegetarian sister! It looks so comforting, too!

  42. Hahaha…I love that you are posting this in the middle of summer down there in Australia. This looks like the ultimate comfort food to snack on after shoveling loads of snow. Maybe you could send me a slow cooker full? 🙂

    1. Of course. Just so you know- Fed Ex prices are ridiculous from here. You could probably buy wall mart for the price!

  43. Haha I loved reading this post!! Good thing your mom made you bring the slow cooker with you! Also now that I’m in Australia and it is HOT, I still want to use a slow cooker. I went to target yesterday and bought one since I didn’t have enough room to pack it haha! I’m too obsessed with it to go without for too long. I love this vegetable korma – it looks and sounds delicious!

    1. Oh Geebuz. When I first read you were coming here I was like….No slow cooker (and also Quinoa is a rip off here too lol- you’re other favourite!).

  44. I like how accessible this is. I can’t do heavy fats and most cow’s milk dairy, so this definitely makes this an option. Also, I love the smorgasbord of veggies. That is always a winner in my book.

    1. One fellow mentioned that he was not able to drink milk, has he tried Kafir? A friend introduced it to me, following a bad car smash he was completely unable to during milk. He is now married to an Ukranian girl who introduced him to Kefir. As it is a probiotic it changes milk totally. I even went camping with a 4 day supply, no problem and no cooler. Give it try…..

    1. Haha. Confession…I eat this for breakfast BUT without brownies. That’s pushing it. I ate it with granola bars lol.

  45. I am loving the new look of your blog 🙂
    I am also obsessed with my slow cooker, although sometimes it is torture. As I work from home, I can smell is cooking throughout the day and having to wait to eat it sucks!

  46. OH MY GOSH!!!! This is exactly what I am CRAVINNNGGG!!! You know I miss home, and now I miss this even more….I did buy some garam masala last week though, so now I can make it, rather than just making a generic curry. Thanks for this…..now I just have to convince my other half to want to eat it. LOVE that it is a slow cooker recipe too….I guess that answers your question 🙂

  47. Mmmm not vegan nor am I Paleo buuut I want a bowl of that- YES to anything simmered in coconut milk! I actually don’t own a slow cooker but I might have to try this on a super low heat over the stove- you’ve spurred a craving. I definitely agree about being acclimatised according to certain locations. I used to handle British winter like a champ when I lived there, but now I am here shivering in the midst of Mumbai’s winter….I need to stop walking around in shorts!

    1. This works in over the stove!!! I sent it to my mum and she’s like ‘I am NOT ripping out the slow cooker for this’- She did it over 40 minutes on the stove- Much quicker 😉

      Haha, we should both not complain about walking around in shorts in ‘Winter’. We may get kale thrown at us!