Jamaican Coconut Vegetable Curry

Name: Jamaican Coconut Vegetable Curry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 2 tablespoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Collection

I absolutely love making Jamaican Coconut Vegetable Curry, especially for gatherings. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices bring life to any meal. It’s a versatile dish that welcomes whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand, combining them beautifully with a rich coconut milk base. The end result is a creamy, flavorful curry that leaves everyone asking for seconds. I often serve it alongside steaming jasmine rice, allowing each bite to truly shine. Trust me, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends!

Created by

Matilda Rowe

Last updated on 2026-01-05T19:49:34.276Z

Making Jamaican Coconut Vegetable Curry has been one of my most rewarding culinary experiences. The harmony of spices combined with the creaminess of coconut milk creates an unforgettable flavor profile. I remember the first time I incorporated fresh ginger and garlic; it truly elevated the dish. The key is to let the vegetables simmer gently, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through.

Every time I prepare this curry, I experiment with different vegetables, from sweet potatoes to bell peppers. The coconut-based sauce coats each piece perfectly, creating a warm and comforting dish. It’s incredible how a simple ingredient swap can lead to a brand-new dining experience.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy coconut sauce infused with aromatic spices
Customizable with your favorite vegetables
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep

The Magic of Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is the star ingredient in this Jamaican Coconut Vegetable Curry, providing a creamy base that balances the spice of the curry. It is important to use full-fat coconut milk for the best texture and flavor. The richness of the coconut milk enhances the overall taste, making the curry feel indulgent. Stir it in gently after sautéing the spices, allowing the creamy texture to envelop the vegetables, creating a harmonious blend.

When adding coconut milk, consider using a whisk to break up any clumps, especially if you’re using canned coconut milk that may separate. Bring the mixture to a simmer to avoid curdling, and keep the heat low once it simmers, allowing for a gentle cook that helps in melding all flavors together into a luscious sauce.

Versatile Vegetable Choices

One of the joys of this curry is its versatility. While the recipe includes carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli, feel free to swap any of these out for your favorite vegetables. Sweet potatoes, snap peas, or cauliflower can add their own unique flavors and textures. Just be mindful of cooking times; harder vegetables like sweet potatoes may need extra time to become tender, so consider parboiling them before adding to the pot.

To keep the vegetables slightly crisp, avoid overcooking them. They should be tender yet retain a bit of bite. Adding softer vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes in the last 5 minutes of cooking can offer a nice contrast in texture, ensuring that all elements of your dish remain vibrant and fresh.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve your Jamaican Coconut Vegetable Curry over jasmine rice, which pairs beautifully with the richness of the curry. For an alternative, consider quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving to enhance the sensory experience; the herb adds a bright and zesty finish that complements the creamy dish.

If you find yourself with leftovers, this curry stores well in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if the sauce has thickened. It also freezes excellently, so consider doubling the recipe for batch cooking, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal anytime you wish.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a flavorful experience!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
2 carrots, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your curry masterpiece:

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion turns translucent.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli. Sauté for another 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly.

Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the curry powder and turmeric, stirring well to coat the vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the spices.

Coconut Bliss

Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Season and Serve

Once the curry has thickened slightly, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over warm rice or enjoy on its own, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your culinary creation!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, include some chopped chili peppers or a dash of cayenne. Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors deepen over time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a dairy or nut-free option, coconut milk is a fantastic choice, ensuring a creamy texture without the use of dairy. For those who might be allergic to coconut, alternative milk options like oat or almond milk can be used, though they may alter the flavor slightly. Just make sure to adjust the spices and seasoning to compensate for the different profiles.

For a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or lentils to the curry. If you're using canned beans, add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they heat through without becoming mushy. You can also incorporate some cooked tofu or tempeh during the last few minutes for added texture and protein content.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

To deepen the flavor of your Coconut Vegetable Curry, consider incorporating additional spices such as cumin, coriander, or chili flakes to provide warmth and complexity. A dash of lime juice added just before serving can elevate the dish, bringing out the freshness of the coconut and vegetables.

If you desire a more robust flavor, let the curry simmer a little longer, up to 20 minutes, uncovered, to allow for more evaporation and concentration of flavors. Taste intermittently; adjusting seasonings as needed will ensure your curry is perfectly balanced.

Creative Variations

Feel free to experiment with the spice blend used in this curry. A Jamaican curry powder can add a unique twist, or you can try a Thai red or yellow curry paste for a different flavor profile. Each variation will change the character of the dish, making it a new experience each time.

If you want to give the curry a smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or tossing in grilled vegetables. This technique not only adds depth but also introduces a different texture and taste that can make your curry even more interesting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this curry vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains plant-based ingredients.

→ What other vegetables work well in this dish?

Feel free to experiment with vegetables like spinach, eggplant, or green beans. Just ensure to adjust cooking times for denser veggies.

→ Can I use light coconut milk?

Yes, using light coconut milk will reduce the calories and fat content, but the texture and flavor may be slightly less rich.

→ How can I store the leftovers?

Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.