Vegan Jamaican Curry

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

This Jamaican curry features hearty chickpeas, colorful veggies like broccoli, carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower, swimming in a rich coconut sauce spiced with turmeric, allspice, and curry powder. Add a Scotch Bonnet pepper for extra spice, or skip it for a milder dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a simple one-pot meal that’s healthy, plant-based, and gluten-free.
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Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 18:14:29 GMT
A bowl of creamy curry with fresh veggies and rice. Pin it
A bowl of creamy curry with fresh veggies and rice. | chefmelt.com

This bright island-inspired chickpea dish combines Caribbean zest with smooth coconut richness. The mix of golden turmeric, warm allspice and garden veggies makes a totally satisfying meatless option packed with genuine island character.

I served this at our last family get-together and it turned meat fans into believers. Once those toasty spices mix with that creamy coconut, folks can't wait to grab a seat.

Main Components

  • Chickpeas: Go for sturdy canned or self-cooked ones that don't fall apart. Pick unsalted kinds to control the seasoning yourself.
  • Coconut Milk: Grab the full-fat canned stuff without extra junk for the richest sauce.
  • Caribbean Curry Powder: Real Jamaican curry mix gives you those deep, cozy flavors.
  • Garden Veggies: Look for snappy carrots, evenly cut potato pieces, and bright cauliflower bits.
  • Flavor Base: Real ginger root and whole garlic cloves create the backbone.
  • Scotch Bonnet: Island pepper bringing unique warmth and subtle fruit tones.

Cooking Approach

Flavor Foundation:
Cook onions over low heat until they're soft and smell amazing to build taste from the ground up.
Spice Awakening:
Warm curry powder in the pan to bring out its hidden oils and punch.
Liquid Magic:
Pour coconut milk in gradually while mixing for a smooth, velvety result.
Smart Veggie Timing:
Put vegetables in according to how long they take to cook so everything's done just right.
A bowl of soup with vegetables and beans. Pin it
A bowl of soup with vegetables and beans. | chefmelt.com

Caribbean cooks know the secret is building tastes in layers while making sure you can still taste what's what when you dig in.

Cooking Duration

You want each veggie to get soft but still keep its own special feel and flavor in your mouth.

How To Enjoy

Eat with fluffy basmati or warm roti, and don't skimp on that sauce when serving.

Mix It Up

Throw in whatever veggies are looking good at the market, just stick with the real island spice combo for that true flavor.

Keeping Leftovers

Keeps in the fridge for 5 days max. Tastes even better the next day.

A bowl of soup with vegetables and beans. Pin it
A bowl of soup with vegetables and beans. | chefmelt.com

This tried-and-true cooking method blends old-school Caribbean ways with today's kitchen shortcuts, giving you a dish that's both genuine and easy to tackle.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What if I want it less spicy?
Use a jalapeno instead of Scotch Bonnet or leave out the pepper altogether. You can also reduce the amount of hot sauce.
→ Can I use a different curry powder?
Sure, regular curry powder works! For similar flavors, add some turmeric and allspice to the mix.
→ What vegetables can I swap in?
Try mushrooms, green beans, cabbage, or bell peppers as tasty alternatives.
→ How do I keep leftovers fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove when you're ready.
→ What sides pair well with the curry?
It’s great served with rice, quinoa, or roti. Fried plantains or a fresh Caribbean slaw also work beautifully.

Vegan Jamaican Curry

A creamy Caribbean curry packed with seasoned chickpeas and vibrant veggies simmered in coconut milk.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Jamaican

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper, chopped small (use Jalapeno instead if needed)
02 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
03 3 minced garlic cloves
04 1 medium onion, chopped into tiny pieces

→ Spices

05 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
06 Salt to taste
07 A splash of hot sauce or more if you'd like
08 1-2 tablespoons of curry powder (Jamaican or regular)
09 1 teaspoon allspice

→ Liquids

10 1½ cups of vegetable broth or stock
11 Half a can of coconut milk (roughly 200ml/7oz)

→ Vegetables

12 1 medium potato, diced into cubes
13 1 tomato, chopped finely
14 1 cup cauliflower florets
15 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
16 1 can of chickpeas (about 1½ cups/250g)
17 1 cup of broccoli florets

Instructions

Step 01

Throw in broccoli, chickpeas, and cauliflower next. Add some salt, and let it simmer gently for 5-8 minutes or until the veggies are tender.

Step 02

Turn off the burner. Taste and adjust the flavor with extra salt or some hot sauce to your liking.

Step 03

Once the onion’s soft, stir in garlic, ginger, Scotch Bonnet, turmeric, curry powder, and allspice. Let it cook for just a minute until it smells amazing.

Step 04

Heat up oil in a Dutch oven on medium-high. Add the onions and cook them for 2-3 minutes until they soften and turn a bit clear.

Step 05

Mix in the vegetable broth and coconut milk. Bring it to a boil, then toss in the potato, carrot, and tomato. Lower the heat and let it cook gently for 3-4 minutes.

Notes

  1. You can use extra allspice and turmeric if you’re out of curry powder.
  2. Feel free to adjust the liquid to get the consistency you like best.
  3. Change the vegetables based on your preference or what you’ve got.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or a large pot (holds 5-6 quarts)
  • A solid cutting board
  • A sharp knife that works well
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 309
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 10 g