Easy Falafel Curry
Imagine walking into your kitchen, a warm and inviting space filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices dancing in the air. As you open the pot, you’re greeted by vibrant colors — gorgeous reds and greens mingling with the creamy allure of coconut milk. The feeling of excitement bubbles up as you recall cozy dinner nights spent experimenting with bold flavors. One particular dish that often brings a sense of nostalgia is this Easy Falafel Curry.
Table of Contents
With the colder months settling in, it’s the perfect time to whip up something that warms not just your belly but your heart too. Easy dishes like this one remind me of my early cooking adventures, where I began to embrace flavors from around the world. This delightful meal brings joy and satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Get ready to enjoy your own aromatic masterpiece with this Easy Falafel Curry — your dinner table will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can have this dish on the table in just 30 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tikka masala and coconut milk is nothing short of delightful, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright veggies and golden falafel make for a vibrant and appetizing plate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s versatile and satisfying.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally vegan, this recipe also caters to gluten-free diets if you choose the right falafel.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Coconut oil: This adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the curry. You can substitute with olive or avocado oil but may miss out on that coconut flavor.
- 1 medium onion: Finely diced, it provides a savory base. Yellow onions work best here for sweetness.
- 4 garlic cloves: Finely sliced for aromatic depth. Fresh cloves are best, but pre-minced can save time.
- 1-inch knob fresh ginger: Finely chopped, it brightens and provides a warm zing. Ground ginger can work in a pinch, but fresh is ideal.
- 1 medium red bell pepper: Sliced for a pop of color and sweetness. Feel free to mix with other bell peppers for variety.
- 1 medium zucchini: Finely diced, it adds texture and subtle veggie goodness. You can use yellow squash if you prefer.
- 4 tablespoons tikka masala curry paste: This is the flavor powerhouse; adjust to taste based on your spice preference.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Use a good-quality, unsweetened sauce for balanced acidity. Homemade is even better!
- 1 cup coconut milk: This lends creaminess; look for full-fat for the best texture or light coconut milk for fewer calories.
- 12-14 pieces falafel: These provide protein and heartiness. Store-bought or homemade will work perfectly.
- 2 cups spinach: Tossed in at the end, it adds nutrition and color. Substitute kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- 1 handful fresh cilantro: Roughly chopped for freshness; parsley can be used if you’re not a cilantro fan.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors throughout.
How to Make Easy Falafel Curry
Heat and Sauté: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll want the onion to become soft and just golden, releasing those delightful sweet notes that will deepen the flavor of your curry.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the sliced garlic and chopped ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds. This quick sauté will release a heavenly aroma, signaling that it’s time to bring in the veggies. It’s a moment where your kitchen transforms into a cozy haven of spicy goodness!
Incorporate Veggies: Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and diced zucchini, cooking for 3 to 4 more minutes. The veggies should start to soften but remain with a little bite for texture. Keep stirring, and soon you’ll see a vibrant medley of colors filling your pan. It’s all about balance in cooking!
Blend the Sauce: Mix in the tikka masala curry paste and give it a minute to bloom in the pan. Then, pour in the tomato sauce and coconut milk, stirring until everything is smoothly combined. As it comes to a gentle simmer, your senses will be tantalized with complex, inviting scents. This is the moment to savor!
Simmer and Soak: Gently nestle the falafel into the bubbling sauce and let it simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Take care to stir gently, allowing the little patties to soak up the rich flavors without breaking apart. You’ll know it’s ready when the falafel is warm throughout, infused with all the aromatic goodness.
Add Greens: Stir in the fresh spinach until just wilted, which should only take a minute or two. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adding layers of flavor. Feel free to sprinkle a bit of chili powder or extra spices if you’re craving more heat.
Garnish and Serve: Finish with a handful of roughly chopped fresh cilantro. This brightens the dish, adding a lovely burst of freshness. Serve your **Easy Falafel Curry** hot, and don’t forget to have some crusty bread or rice on hand to soak up that incredible sauce!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers of your Easy Falafel Curry, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’d like to enjoy it later, you can freeze the curry for up to 3 months. Just scoop it into freezer-safe containers, and remember to leave space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. The curry may thicken during refrigeration, so add a splash of water or coconut milk to refresh the texture!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the veggies as you want them to retain a bit of crunch — perfect contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Ensure your coconut milk is well stirred before adding to avoid clumping.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, consider blending the curry after simmering for a velvety texture.
- Want to go lighter? Use just half a can of coconut milk and replace the rest with vegetable broth for a lighter broth-style curry.
- Fresh herbs like mint can elevate the dish when served on top, so feel free to experiment.
- You can add chickpeas alongside the falafel for extra protein and texture.
Your journey exploring the flavors of this Easy Falafel Curry is just the beginning. Remember to adjust to your taste, whether you prefer it spicier or creamier. Feel free to experiment with mismatched vegetables that may need using up in your fridge! You’ll find it a delightful meal that warms the body and spirit.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen falafel?
Absolutely! Frozen falafel can be a convenient option. Just cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the curry. If they are pre-cooked, you can skip the soaking step and toss them in right towards the end to warm through.
What if I don’t have tikka masala curry paste?
No worries! You can create a simple spice blend using curry powder, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Just blend those spices and add them to taste in place of the paste. Adjust the quantities to your flavor preference!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This curry is super adaptable. Feel free to toss in vegetables like carrots, peas, or eggplant based on what you have available. Just remember to adjust cooking times according to the veggie you choose.
How spicy is this curry?
The spice level largely depends on the brand of tikka masala curry paste you use. Start with the recommended amount, taste, and then adjust with more if needed. You can always add in fresh chilies or chili flakes for an extra kick!
More Dinner Recipes
- Leftover Fried Rice, Veggies and Eggs
- Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
- Corned Beef & Cabbage (Crockpot)
- Easy Taco Soup with 34g Protein
- Cheesy Baked Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Falafel Curry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Easy Falafel Curry is a delightful mix of spices and creamy coconut milk, perfect for a quick dinner. With vibrant colors and irresistible flavor, it’s a meal full of warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
- Coconut oil
- 1 medium onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1-inch knob fresh ginger
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium zucchini
- 4 tablespoons tikka masala curry paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 12–14 pieces falafel
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 handful fresh cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the finely diced onion until soft and golden.
- Add the sliced garlic and chopped ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Incorporate the sliced red bell pepper and diced zucchini, cooking until they begin to soften.
- Mix in the tikka masala curry paste, then add the tomato sauce and coconut milk, stirring until combined and simmering.
- Nestle the falafel into the sauce and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach until just wilted and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freeze for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if thickened.
For a lighter curry, use half coconut milk and half vegetable broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
