Broccoli curry has to be one of my favourite vegetarian curries!
When you make this broccoli curry, you find out for yourself why I love it so much. This is a play on a recipe I tried in Kerala made with cauliflower instead of broccoli. Personally, I prefer this broccoli version but both vegetables will work here.
It's the creamy sauce together with those veggies and crunchy peanuts that make this recipe one you've simply got to try. All those different textures and flavours... What's not to like?
About this recipe.
This is about as authentic as Keralan vegetarian recipes come. In fact, if they could get the broccoli as easily as they can cauliflower, this broccoli curry would most likely be on every menu.
The sauce you make for this curry would work with butternut squash or pumpkin too. In fact, it is also good with any protein. If you like, try it with chicken and you won't be disappointed.
How do you get this recipe right?
We are working with textures here, not just flavour!
You really need to watch the broccoli so that it is a bit al dente. Overcook it and it will turn to mush in the curry. It will still be good but I recommend you keep an eye on it for best results.
As for the textures, there are a lot of them. The peanuts and to a smaller extent the sesame seeds give the finished curry flavour and a crunch.
When finishing the sauce, adding the coconut milk will give it a delicious creamy texture.
As for the flavour, taste as you go. You can use my recipe below but feel free to adjust the spicy, savoury, sweet and sour flavours by adding more or less of the flavours you like.
How long can you store broccoli curry in the fridge?
As with most curries, you can store any homemade broccoli curry you have leftover in the fridge for at least 3 days.
I recommend heating it back up in a pan over a medium heat. You could heat it in a microwave but microwaves cook from the inside out and that could ruin the texture of your broccoli.
Can you freeze this curry?
Although in theory you could, I don't recommend doing so. It will never be the same and would probably be a big disappointment when you reheat it.
Coconut milk does not freeze well and the broccoli will most likely come limp and sad looking.
Why you need to try this broccoli curry.
Loving broccoli curry as much as I do, I decided I had to include it in 'The Curry Guy Veggie'.
I tested it on many of my friends first and knew it had to be in my veggie book.
Since the release of 'The Curry Guy Veggie' I have also been able to demo the recipe at many festivals and at the curry class I hold in France every year. People are often surprised that broccoli curry can taste so good.
It's a bit spicy and has a delicious flavour from the coconut milk, and peanuts. What a combo!
Broccoli Curry - My Favourite Vegetarian Meal
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 70 grams grated coconut
- 3 tablespoons roasted sesame seeds
- 1 inch ginger - finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
- 70 grams roasted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 3 tomatoes roughly chopped
- 2 green chilli pepper finely chopped
- 400ml coconut milk
- 500grams (1 pound) broccoli
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat some water and steam the broccoli florets until just cooked. You should just be able to stick a fork into the side of the florets but there should be some resistance. Set aside.
- Now heat a large frying pan or wok over medium heat and add half the ghee or oil. Throw in the ginger, coconut, sesame seeds, peanuts, chilli powder and turmeric and cook for about three minutes stirring the ingredients about the pan with a spatula.
- Add the rest of the ghee if needed and throw in the onions, tomatoes and chopped chilli peppers.
- Cook until the onion is transparent and just beginning to turn a light brown.
- Add the garlic and cook for a further minute.
- Throw in the broccoli florets with the coconut milk and heat through. You want the broccoli to be tender but not mushy.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
- As you can see, this broccoli curry can be made in minutes. Teamed with a little saffron rice or chewy home made naan bread it is the perfect mid week family meal or side or main dish for an exotic dinner party.
- I would really like to know how you get on with this recipe. The important thing is that you try it as it really is amazing. Be sure to stop back and leave a comment.
By the way, if you liked this broccoli curry recipe, please be sure to share it using the icons below.
I hope you do enjoy this broccoli curry as much as my family and I do. If you do give it a try, please let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear from you.
Lianne Marie Binks says
Goodness me I LOVE curry but have never tried it with broccoli. Cauliflower, yes but for some reason never broccoli! I'll have to give this a go.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Lianne
I hope you do give this recipe a try. My picture doesn't do the dish justice. In fact I'm about to make it again so I can get a better picture. I really like it and hope you do too! Thanks for stopping by. Dan
Anton1a says
Yup I think I could manage that! I love broccoli, and so does my son, so I am very pleased to see an excuse to eat more of it. I guess broccoli lends itself well to the curry flavours, as cauliflower does. I wonder if it would work with brussels sprouts (which I also love!)
Dan Toombs says
Hi Antonia
Thanks for stopping by. I've done this same recipe with cauliflower and brussels. Both work very well. I hope you like it.
Tristan says
Awesome - worked really well with some saffron rice.
I used peanut butter instead of peanuts, but it still worked out awesome!
Dan Toombs says
Thanks for trying the recipe. Really glad you liked it. 🙂
Dan
Elizabeth says
This curry was awesome - my kids loved it and even took second helpings ! I just skipped the Chilli peppers because I didn't want it too spicy - I'm definitely making this again ! It's really easy and fast to make! Thanks 🙂
Dan Toombs says
Hi Elizabeth
Thank you very much for trying my recipe. I'm really glad it was a success. I love that recipe too.
Dan
Elizabeth says
Hi Dan, although I came across your blog accidentally, I couldn't stop reading all your recipes and I also tried out the kidney bean curry, it was very tasty! I've bookmarked your page and am looking forward to trying out some more recipes! Any recommendations or favorites?
Mina Joshi says
Thanks for sharing this vegetarian recipe. Never cooked broccoli in coconut milk. I usually use tomatoes so am looking forward to trying out this recipe.
Mina
Mags says
It is a beauty! It is so tasty and like you said so easy to make 😀
This one is getting noted down in my little notebook. Ebery recipe I have tried so far has been a absolute hit. Once I get a kindle, I will get the book 🙂
Dan Toombs says
Thank you Mags!
I'm really glad you liked the recipe and my other recipes. Keep in touch.
Dan
Linda says
This was delicious! And I can't believe how fast it took! Thank you so much for the amazing recipe!!
Dan Toombs says
Thank you Linda for giving it a go!
Nitin Dani says
I just made this dish following your recipe, except for grated coconut and sesame seeds - yet I must tell you - it was amazing! Easily one of the best things I've recently cooked, and smashing tasty when eaten hot with chinese rice 🙂
Dan Toombs says
Thank you very much Nitin for trying the recipe. I'm really glad you liked it.
Dan
Cindy Conley says
Tried this tonight. Unbelievably delicious. This recipe will become a staple in our household.
Dan Toombs says
So nice to hear. Thank you Cindy.
Archie Berden says
Tried your broccoli curry recipe but didn't have all the ingredients. I used broccoli and kale, substituted macadamias, cashews and almonds for the peanuts and used red bell peppers. It was fantastic, thanks for the basic idea.
Dan Toombs says
Thanks for trying the recipe. Like your ideas!
Dan
Sam says
Wow, it turned out delicious. Tried without pea nuts and sesame seeds, still very good. Thanks for the recipe.
Rebecca says
Lovely recipe and vegan too! One question: I had never roasted sesame seeds before, but in your picture they are white. I think I left mine in too long - they were dark brown. It was lovely anyway though so thanks - keeping hold of this to use again for definite!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Rebecca
I'm really glad you liked the recipe. Toasting the seed longer does taste quite nice.
Dan
Teri says
Really yummy!! And this from someone who doesn't usually like the taste of turmeric. I used coconut oil and fragrant peanut oil (since someone ate all the peanuts.). Added a touch of toasted sesame oil too, since we also had no seeds. Will definitely do this again! Thanks! I'm trying to come up with comfort food for my housemate who has been put on a vegan diet by his heart doctor... Comfort food that ALL of us love. This filled the bill.
Dan Toombs says
Great to hear Teri. Thanks for trying the recipe.
Dan
Cynthia says
Delicious! We had it for dinner tonight and it was lovely. I added some mushrooms and peas to stretch it into a bigger meal and I am so happy with the recipe. Can't wait to eat the leftovers tomorrow. Thanks!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Cynthia
That is one of my favourite veggie curries. I'm really glad you liked it.
Dan
sujata kate says
Hii dan, its a very yummy recipe.. I tried it with mashrooms and instead of coconut milk I tried cow milk with fresh cream... N gave a slight indian tweest... Thanks
Dan Toombs says
Thanks for the tip Sujata. Going to try that.
Dan
Doug says
Dan, you are right , this dish is amazing. I cooked 5 of your recipes for 12 at a family curry night, 4 of whom are vegans. All 12 rated the Brocolli curry as the best.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Doug
Thank you very much for the great feedback. Really glad you and friends liked the broccoli curry. 🙂
Dan
Sasha says
FANTASTIC..more vegan curries please!!!!
Dan Toombs says
Thanks. I'll work on that. 🙂
Dan
Meryn says
My partner and I LOVE this recipe . This recipe is now on heavy rotation in our weekly meal plan. Many thanks for sharing.
Dan Toombs says
Great to hear Meryn. I make it all the time too. Glad you liked it too.
Dan
Dave says
I Slightly adjust this recipe.
I don't put the peanuts in and only use about half the coconut.
I then use up whatever veg I would otherwise throw away at the end of the week. Works well with sweet potato, cauliflower, carrots, swede and mushrooms.
I'm not a veggie but I freeze this in 'side dish' portions to accompany any meat curry I have.
Subha says
Oh my god !!! Tastes divine ... Awesome recipe ☺️Thanks for sharing ☺️
Dan Toombs says
Thanks very much Subha. 🙂
Dan
al says
@Dan Toombs,
Hi Dan,
Thank you. A moreish curry that put a smile on my wife's face.
It works really well with sweetcorn too.
Dan Toombs says
I love that one too and it’s very popular.
Thanks
Dan
Samantha says
What a great recipe and so simple to make, thank you. I improvised a little as we had no peanuts, so topped the curry off with toasted flaked almonds. I also cut down on the chilli for the kids. I will definitely use this again.
Dan Toombs says
Thanks Samantha. Like the almond idea.
Dan
Sharanya Bhat says
Hi Dan . Loved the dish. Never knew a dish with broccoli could taste so good!!! Looking forward to try more of your recipes.
Dan Toombs says
Thanks Sharanya. Really glad you liked the recipe. 🙂
Dan
Mark says
Hey Dan,
Tried this tonight, exactly as described. Im in 2 minds. Tasted ok. Smell of the frying coconut not quite so good.
I brought dried shredded coconut.
I might add some coriander to the rest. Good to experiment.
Thanks
Dan Toombs says
Hi Mark
It is possible you just don't like the coconut. You could leave it out next time and see if it appeals more. Thanks for trying the recipe.
Dan
Cheryl says
Tried this recipe today as we had some stalks of broccoli left from Christmas Day that needed eating up.. It smelled very promising almost immediately! I didn't have any fresh coconut, so left it out. I used cashews instead of peanuts and added a dollop of our own tomato passata. Oh and plenty of chilli! I'd say this is a tasty, easy main dish that happens to be Vegan. We don't eat meat and make a lot of veggie/fishy curries - this sauce would work with pretty much any green veg, or cauliflower. Lovely colours, too.
Dan Toombs says
Hi Cheryl
Great to hear. I'm really happy you liked the recipe and that you were able to adjust it using other ingredients.
Much appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan
Rob says
Used 1/2 quantities as not enough broccoli, but as a side to chicken curry. Both were excellent but the side certainly improved the overall experience. Didn’t have grated coconut, but it didn’t matter, the result was excellent nonetheless.
One small improvement that I’d like to offer - re-order the list of ingredients please? The first 8 items are in sequence, but interrupted by garlic, which should be in between chilli & coconut milk. I read instructions, but prepared items 2-8 in one bowl, before realising I needed to extract chopped garlic from sesame seeds...not easy! Didn’t affect the overall result, but as a pilot, I’m a sequence-guy, it’s easy to see a small improvement that would make it even easier!
Dan Toombs says
Hi Rob
Thanks for your e-mail. I will look at the recipe and try to re-order.
Dan
Jody says
Hi Dan,
Your curry sauce was a hit! I subbed other veggies for the broccoli because I don't like cooked broccoli. But ,I can make endless variations with your wonderful sauce, I like using individual spices instead of a "curry powder or paste." I can hardly wait to try another of your recipes Thank you so much.
Dan Toombs says
Great to hear. Thanks very much.
Dan
Phil says
Really and unexpectedly fine - curried brocolli. The skeptic in me doubted. The connoisseur prevailed and I’m glad ! Thanks -the curry sauce is a very interesting variation.
Dan Toombs says
Thanks for letting me know, that recipe is very popular!
Dan
Anne-Marie Cartmell says
I have made this so many times and each time it is unbelievably delicious!, probably my favourite curry! Thanks so much for sharing this it's a real treat!!
Dan Toombs says
I am very pleased you enjoy the recipe so much.
Thanks very much.
Dan
Celie Bia says
Im gonna try this recipe for my boss tonight as we have a lot of brocolli
Dan Toombs says
Sounds good, hope he appreciates it!
Thanks
Dan
Gerry says
This sounds delicious but I'm unclear on how to use grated coconut. Does it mean fresh coconut I grate myself or a prepared product I can buy in supermarket?
Dan Toombs says
Asian shops sell frozen grated coconut really inexpensively or you can buy it on line.
Thanks
Dan
Anne Sowerby says
I’m going to try this recipe this weekend. Sounds fascinating!
Dan Toombs says
Great, it’s a popular one!
Thanks
Dan
emma says
I love broccoli so when I seen this recipe pop I said I have to try this, next time I'm going to add some more veggies thanks it's saved to my phone now
Dan Toombs says
Good idea and yes this is a really popular recipe and would be good with other added veg.
Thanks
Dan
Eileen Eby says
I had everything to hand bar the peanuts, so made it anyway. Yummy
Dan Toombs says
Glad it tasted good without the peanuts.
Thanks
Dan