If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, packed with flavor, and super simple to whip up, then I have just the thing for you. This Pumpkin Curry Recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something hearty but fuss-free. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll see why it’s become a family favorite in my kitchen—creamy, a little spicy, and perfectly balanced with that lovely pumpkin sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: You can have a rich, flavorful meal with just one pot—minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
- Simple Ingredients: It uses pantry staples and fresh elements you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile & Customizable: Love more veggies or tofu? Add them! This recipe welcomes creativity.
- Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist: Creamy pumpkin and coconut milk make it indulgent but wholesome and nutritious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together harmoniously to create that silky, spiced, and comforting Pumpkin Curry you’ll keep coming back to. I always recommend using a good quality coconut milk and fresh spices—they really elevate the flavor.
- Canola or Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil to sauté the onions without overpowering the curry’s spices.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; I usually use white onion for a milder flavor.
- Water and Vegetable Bouillon Cube or Vegetable Broth: Broth adds umami and layers of flavor instead of plain water.
- Full-fat Coconut Milk: This is the creamy backbone of the curry—don’t skimp on fat content.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience and consistency in texture.
- Ground Cumin: One of those warm spices that brings earthiness to the dish.
- Curry Powder: The star seasoning—adjust according to how spicy you want your curry.
- Extra-firm Tofu: Pressed and cubed, it soaks up the curry sauce beautifully while adding protein.
- Optional Veggies: I like adding spinach or bell peppers—feel free to throw in whatever you love!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning at the end to taste.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Pumpkin Curry Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve tweaked it for different seasons and tastes, and you should totally feel free to make it your own.
- With More Veggies: Once, I added chopped cauliflower and carrots, and it made the curry even heartier—your veggies just soak up that sauce wonderfully!
- Kick Up the Heat: If you like it spicy, toss in some red chili flakes or fresh green chilies while cooking.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Just ensure your bouillon cube or broth is gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
- Swap Tofu for Chickpeas: For a different texture and protein source, chickpeas work magic in place of tofu.
How to Make Pumpkin Curry Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions Until Perfectly Tender
Start by heating your oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and soft—this builds the flavor base. Don’t rush this step because properly cooked onions add that mellow sweetness that balances the spices.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Spices
Next, pour in the water and drop in your vegetable bouillon cube or use broth instead, then add the coconut milk and pumpkin puree. Stir well so everything starts to blend. Sprinkle in your cumin and curry powder, then stir again. At this point, the curry smells amazing—warm, inviting, and cozy.
Step 3: Add Tofu and Veggies, Then Simmer
Gently fold in your tofu cubes and any vegetables you want to add. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help meld those flavors. This simmering step softens the tofu and gives the veggies time to soak up all that luscious curry sauce.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat. Now’s the moment to taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If it feels a bit thick, a splash of water can loosen it up. I usually let it sit for a few minutes before diving in—that way, the flavors settle even more.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Curry Recipe
- Press Your Tofu: Pressing tofu removes excess moisture so it soaks up curry flavors better and doesn’t fall apart.
- Add Spices Gradually: I like starting with 2 teaspoons of curry powder, but taste and increase if you want more punch.
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: It makes the curry luxuriously creamy; light versions just don’t have the same body.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer keeps the flavors balanced and the coconut milk from separating.
How to Serve Pumpkin Curry Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this curry with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color. A squeeze of lime sometimes makes an appearance too; it brightens the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Serve this alongside fluffy basmati rice or even warm naan bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy curry sauce. For a more vegetable-packed meal, steamed greens or a crisp cucumber salad make a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I tried serving this pumpkin curry in mini pumpkin bowls for a fall dinner party—people loved the presentation and it felt festive and special without any extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pumpkin curry in an airtight container in the fridge, and it actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld even more. It keeps well for about 3-4 days.
Freezing
This curry freezes beautifully. I like to portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, I do it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick after reheating, a splash of water or broth brings it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree in this Pumpkin Curry Recipe?
You absolutely can! If using fresh pumpkin, peel, cube, and roast or steam it until tender, then blend it into a puree before adding to the curry. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin may have a slightly different texture and flavor, so you might need to adjust the liquid a bit.
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Is this Pumpkin Curry Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! Using vegetable broth or water with a gluten-free bouillon cube ensures it’s gluten-free, and all ingredients are plant-based, making this recipe naturally vegan.
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What type of curry powder works best?
I recommend using a mild to medium curry powder blend if you prefer subtle heat. You can always add chili flakes for extra spice, but milder curry powders let the pumpkin and coconut shine.
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Can I make this Pumpkin Curry Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the onions and tofu first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Just add any quick-cooking veggies near the end to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Curry Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both nourishing and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a hug in a bowl. I love how simple ingredients come together with big flavors, and how few steps it takes to get dinner on the table. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this dish is such a winner in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will become one of yours too!
PrintPumpkin Curry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and comforting Pumpkin Curry is a delicious one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and warming spices like cumin and curry powder, it’s packed with flavor and nutrition. The addition of extra-firm tofu adds protein, making it a satisfying vegetarian dish. Optional veggies can be added for extra texture and nutrients, creating a wholesome and family-friendly curry that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of canola or vegetable oil
- ½ cup of diced red, white, or yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
- 2 cups of water and 1 vegetable bouillon cube, or 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can of full-fat coconut milk
- 1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of curry powder
- 1 (14-ounce) block of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- Your choice of veggies (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the canola or vegetable oil until it shimmers and is hot enough for sautéing.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and tender, releasing its sweetness into the oil.
- Add liquids and spices: Pour in 2 cups of water with a vegetable bouillon cube or use 2 cups of vegetable broth. Add the full-fat coconut milk and pumpkin puree, stirring well to combine all the liquids.
- Add seasonings and tofu: Stir in the ground cumin and curry powder to infuse the mixture with warm, vibrant flavors. Gently fold in the cubed extra-firm tofu and any additional vegetables you choose to use at this stage.
- Simmer the curry: Reduce the heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help develop a harmonious flavor throughout.
- Season to taste and serve: Remove the pot from heat. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir once more and serve the pumpkin curry hot, paired with rice or your favorite side.
Notes
- This pumpkin curry is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Using a single pot makes clean-up easy and the recipe straightforward.
- The addition of tofu adds protein, making it a complete vegetarian meal.
- Customize the curry by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or carrots for extra nutrition and texture.
- Adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing curry powder based on your taste preferences.
- Serve with rice, naan, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 332
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 83 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg