Vegan Red Beet Curry with Coconut Milk

Prep: 20 minCook: 30 min3 servingsmediumDutch-inspired Indian
Vegan Red Beet Curry with Coconut Milk

Dutch vegan curry featuring grated red beets simmered in coconut milk with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic garam masala. Fresh cilantro and optional chili heat round out this vibrant, earthy dish. Served alongside rice, it offers a naturally sweet and savory balance with warming spices.

Ingredients

3 servings
  • 12 oz red beets, grated
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 onion, white
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 ¾ cups coconut milk
    full-fat dairy cream1:1vegetarianadds dairy

    adds depth, reduces vegan status

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoon garam masala
    curry powder1:1neutral

    shifts flavor profile slightly

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder(optional)
  • 5 sprigs cilantro, fresh
    parsley1:1neutral

    milder herbaceous note

    Full guide →
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 3 tablespoon coconut oil
    neutral oil1:1vegan

    no flavor change

    Full guide →
  • 1 cups rice
    quinoa1:1grain-swap

    adds protein

Instructions

  1. 1

    Peel and slice the onion thinly into half rings.

  2. 2

    Press the garlic cloves.

  3. 3

    Dice the tomatoes.

  4. 4

    Chop or finely slice the cilantro leaves.

  5. 5

    Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

  6. 6

    Cook the onions until translucent.

  7. 7

    Add the garam masala, tomato paste, and garlic, stirring well.

  8. 8

    After about one minute, add the tomatoes and grated red beets.

  9. 9

    Cook for several minutes.

  10. 10

    Pour in the coconut milk along with the chili powder and cilantro, stirring well.

  11. 11

    Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce to low heat.

  12. 12

    Simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.

  13. 13

    Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to package directions.

  14. 14

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

  15. 15

    Serve the curry with the rice.

Tips

Tip 1

Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Tip 2

Taste before serving—the sweetness of the beets balances spices, so adjust salt and chili to preference.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months.

Make Ahead

Prepare up to 1 day ahead; reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.

Serve With

Serve hot with cooked rice. Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, lime wedge.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Skip stirring during simmering to avoid uneven flavor distribution and beet settling.

Watch

Use low-fat coconut milk to avoid thin, watery curry.

Substitutions

Vegan Options

coconut oil
neutral oil1:1vegan

no flavor change

Full guide →

General Alternatives

rice
quinoa1:1grain-swap

adds protein

Full guide →
coconut milk
full-fat dairy cream1:1vegetarianadds dairy

adds depth, reduces vegan status

Full guide →
garam masala
curry powder1:1neutral

shifts flavor profile slightly

Full guide →
fresh cilantro
parsley1:1neutral

milder herbaceous note

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →