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Black bean curry served with fresh cilantro on top, alongside a bowl of rice.
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Black Bean Curry

If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Black Bean Curry is the way to go. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and the best part? It’s loaded with veggies, plant-based protein, and creamy coconut goodness. Plus, it comes together with simple pantry staples you probably already have.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 239kcal
Author Rachel

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 2 medium carrots sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini sliced into half moons
  • 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes no salt added if possible
  • 2 15-ounce cans black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 13.5-ounce can low-fat coconut milk or 1 cup cashew cream with extra broth
  • ½ - 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2-3 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • ½ lime juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat 1–2 tablespoons of water or veggie broth over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are softened. Add more water as needed to prevent sticking.
    1 medium onion, 5 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
  • Stir in the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne (if using). Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and bring out their flavor.
    1 tablespoon curry powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Mix in the carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir well to coat with the spices. Add the diced tomatoes and black beans, then pour in the coconut milk.
    2 medium carrots, 1 red bell pepper, 1 medium zucchini, 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, 2 15-ounce cans black beans, 1 13.5-ounce can low-fat coconut milk
  • Cover everything with 1/2-1 cup of vegetable broth as needed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and the curry has thickened slightly.
    ½ - 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until wilted. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and adjust salt to taste.
    2-3 cups fresh spinach or kale, ½ lime, 1 teaspoon salt
  • Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with brown rice, quinoa, or warm naan.
    fresh cilantro

Notes

Leftovers: Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an air-tight container up
to a week. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove until warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 1112mg | Potassium: 902mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5163IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 5mg