Vegan Sprouts Curry
A hearty, wholesome curry packed with tender mixed sprouts simmered in a spiced tomato-onion gravy. Light yet satisfying, this homestyle Indian dish brings gentle warmth and earthy flavors to your table. Perfect scooped up with roti or paired with steaming rice.
For 4 servings
- pressure cook · ~10 min
Pressure cook the mixed sprouts.
1.Rinse 2 cups mixed sprouts thoroughly under running water.2.Transfer to a pressure cooker with 0.5 cup water.3.Close the lid and cook on medium heat for 2 whistles.4.Let the pressure release naturally. Set aside.TIPDon't overcook the sprouts — they should hold their shape. Natural pressure release keeps them tender. - temper · ~3 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat.2.Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let them splutter for 30 seconds.3.Add 1 inch grated ginger, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 slit green chilies.4.Sauté until the raw aroma disappears, about 1 minute.TIPLet the cumin crackle fully — that's when the oil is infused with its nutty flavor. - saute · ~11 min
Cook the onion and tomato base.
1.Add 2 finely chopped onions to the pan.2.Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.3.Add 2 chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy and oil separates, about 5-6 minutes.4.Sprinkle a splash of water if the mixture sticks to the pan.TIPCook the tomatoes patiently until the oil surfaces — this deepens the gravy's flavor. - saute · ~1 min
Bloom the spices in the masala.
1.Lower the heat and add 1 pinch turmeric powder, 1 pinch red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1 pinch cumin powder.2.Stir continuously for 30-40 seconds until the spices smell fragrant.3.Take care not to burn them.TIPLow heat is crucial here — dry spice powders burn quickly and turn bitter. - simmer · ~10 min
Simmer the sprouts in the gravy.
1.Add the pressure-cooked sprouts along with their cooking water to the pan.2.Pour in 1 cup water for the gravy and add 0.5 tsp salt.3.Mix everything well and bring to a gentle boil.4.Cover and simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice.TIPSimmering allows the sprouts to soak up all the spiced flavors from the gravy. - mix · ~1 min
Finish the curry.
1.Turn off the heat and sprinkle 1 pinch garam masala over the curry.2.Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice for a fresh, tangy lift.3.Taste and adjust salt if needed. - garnish
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Transfer the sprouts curry to a serving bowl and scatter 2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander leaves on top. Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Sprouts should be cooked just until tender but not mushy; natural pressure release keeps them intact.
- 2Cook the tomato-onion base until oil visibly separates — this deepens the overall flavor of the gravy.
- 3Bloom ground spices on low heat for only 30–40 seconds to avoid a bitter taste.
- 4Simmer the sprouts in the gravy for 8–10 minutes so they absorb the spiced masala fully.
- 5Add lemon juice and garam masala only after turning off the heat to preserve their fresh aroma.
- 6This curry thickens as it cools; adjust water to your preferred consistency when reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already vegan as written — no changes needed. For extra richness, stir in a splash of coconut milk at the end.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce oil to 1 teaspoon and use a non-stick pan. Sauté onions with a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent sticking.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add ½ cup cubed paneer or tofu along with the sprouts for an extra protein boost. Great for post-workout meals.
jainJain
Omit garlic and onion. Replace with asafoetida (hing) in the tempering and use a generous amount of ginger and green chili for flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant Protein
Mixed sprouts (moong, moth beans, kala chana) are excellent sources of plant-based protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of legumes provides both soluble and insoluble fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
Good Source of Iron
Sprouts are naturally rich in iron, and the addition of lemon juice at the end helps enhance iron absorption.
Low in Fat & Calories
With just 1 tablespoon of oil and no dairy, this curry is a light yet satisfying meal that fits well into a calorie-conscious diet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, store-bought mixed sprouts work perfectly. Just rinse them well and pressure cook as directed.







