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Home » Recipes » Vegetarian

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Curry

By: Kathryn Doherty | Last Updated: Mar 10, 2025 | Published: Jan 4, 2021
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Slow cooker vegetarian curry is loaded with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, spinach, green peas and plenty of warm spices for a flavorful, cozy and hands-off vegetarian dinner!

A serving spoon scooping up vegetarian curry from a slow cooker.


 

Welcome, 2021! We are all so very happy to see you. And no pressure, but people around the world have some pretty big hopes pinned on you.

We spent the last few days of holiday break being delightfully lazy. Besides a few walks and a bit of fresh air, we just hung out with the kids, played board games, read a lot and started re-watching Star Wars.

It's been such a great holiday break that I'm a little bummed to be going back to work and the kids to school. Though, I know it's time and we're all probably really ready for a bit more routine and structure. So bring it on, 2021. We got this.

OK, on to the food.

Quick chicken curry is one of our most favorite dishes. And I love that it’s so easy and so flavorful!

I also have a 20-minute coconut chicken curry and a 15-minute vegetarian curry that we adore.

And if you love finding new ground turkey recipes like I do, check out this curried ground turkey with rice and peas. So much yum!

Today though, we’re keeping all the flavor and losing all the work. (Oh, and the meat.) Gotta love a hands-off meal that’s just ready and waiting for you come dinnertime.

Slow cooker vegetarian curry is full of chickpeas and sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach and peas and just the right balance of spices.

A slow cooker insert filled with a vegetarian curry with sweet potatoes, chickpeas and spinach.

It’s warm, hearty and the perfect consistency - not too soupy but enough sauce to coat everything really well.

You’ll be digging into your bowl for bite after bite!

I also think it’s the perfect way to kick off the new year. It’s totally healthy and full of veggies, but it’s also a really cozy meal. Cause baby, it’s cold out there!

(You might also like this slow cooker black bean soup for a cozy vegetarian meal.)

OK, let’s get cooking!

Now, I’ve got some notes, tips and substitutions coming up below on how to make crockpot vegetarian curry. Just tryin’ to be helpful.

If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.

Vegetarian curry with sweet potatoes and chickpeas served in a white soup bowl with naan, parsley and lemon to the side.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Sweet potatoes: The sweet potatoes should be cut in about a ½ inch dice and should be a similar size, so they all cook through and get tender.
  • Onion: It’s an extra step but it’s worth it to sauté the onion and garlic before you add it to the slow cooker.
  • Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes give some extra oomph to the dish, but you can use regular diced tomatoes if that’s all you have.
  • Coconut milk: Regular or lite coconut milk is fine to use. If you want some extra creaminess or sauce, you can increase the amount from ½ cup to 1 full cup.
  • Peas: It’s fine if your peas are frozen when you add them, but you’ll need to let the dish sit on warm for at least 10-15 minutes to make sure they are warmed through. (If yours are thawed, the curry will be ready in 5-10 minutes, just enough time to wilt the spinach and warm the peas.)

While I think it makes a difference for some dishes, it’s really fine to either cook this on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. Whatever timing works best for you.

Now, let’s get ready to eat.

Close up of vegetarian curry with sweet potatoes and chickpeas served in a white soup bowl with naan, parsley and lemon to the side.

Topping Ideas:

  • Chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Diced avocado
  • Hot sauce or sriracha

Or any of your favorite curry toppings!

Finally, this curry is plenty hearty on it’s own and a complete meal by itself, but you can certainly add some heft to it with these serving ideas.

Chickpea curry with sweet potatoes served in a white decorative low bowl.

Serving Ideas:

  • Serve with steamed brown or white rice.
  • Or choose cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
  • Serve over a bed of fluffy quinoa.
  • Or pair with some warmed naan or pita bread.

That last one - some naan or pita bread - is the go-to in my house if I have some on hand, or remembered to get it at the store.

Deliciousness any which way you go. Can’t beat that.

Final thing, the leftovers of this dish keep great! I’m always sad if I don’t have any.

A fork resting in a bowl of veggie curry with chickpeas and sweet potatoes.

Tips for Leftovers:

  • Leftovers of this slow cooker vegetable curry will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave until nice and hot, about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, depending on your serving size.
  • You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 5 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the microwave.

Feel free to add a few splashes of vegetable broth to the leftovers if they’ve absorbed most of the sauce.

It can help loosen it back up to a good consistency.

A fork resting in a low white bowl filled with a slow cooker veggie curry.

The leftovers make such a delicious lunch on another day.

I hope you give this vegetarian curry a try, and I wish you a very happy New Year!

XO,

Kathryn

P.S. You might also like this one pot Mediterranean quinoa skillet for another easy all-in-one vegetarian meal.

Close up of a serving spoon scooping up vegetarian curry from a slow cooker.
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4.43 from 70 votes

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Curry

Slow cooker vegetarian curry is loaded with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, spinach, green peas and plenty of warm spices for a flavorful, cozy and hands-off vegetarian dinner!
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Total Time4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Yield: 4 -6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 (15 oz.) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut in a ½ inch dice
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • ½ cup coconut milk (light or regular)
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Optional toppings:

  • Chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley), squeeze of fresh lemon juice, Greek yogurt or sour cream, diced avocado, etc.

Optional for serving:

  • Warmed naan or pita bread, steamed rice, cauliflower rice or quinoa

Instructions

  • Add the chickpeas and sweet potatoes to the slow cooker.
  • Heat the olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until tender. Add to the slow cooker.
  • Add the tomatoes, coconut milk, curry powder, garam masala, salt and black pepper to the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
  • Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
  • Remove the lid and add the spinach and peas, stirring well to get them incorporated. Cover the slow cooker and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes on warm, stirring occasionally, until the peas are warmed through and the spinach is wilted.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve hot with desired toppings.

Notes

Sweet potatoes: The sweet potatoes should be cut in about a ½ inch dice and should be a similar size, so they cook through and get tender.
Onion: It’s an extra step but it’s worth it to sauté the onion and garlic before you add it to the slow cooker.
Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes give some extra oomph to the dish, but you can use regular diced tomatoes if that’s all you have.
Coconut milk: Regular or lite coconut milk is fine to use. If you want some extra creaminess or sauce, you can increase the amount to 1 full cup.
Peas: It’s fine if your peas are frozen when you add them, but you’ll need to let the dish sit on warm for at least 10-15 minutes to make sure they are warmed through. (If yours are thawed, the curry will be ready in 5-10 minutes, just enough time to wilt the spinach and warm the peas.)
Leftovers: Leftovers of this slow cooker vegetable curry will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave until nice and hot, about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, depending on your serving size.
You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 5 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the microwave.
Feel free to add a few splashes of vegetable broth to the leftovers if they’ve absorbed most of the sauce.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 349mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 7g
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or follow me on Instagram @familyfoodonthetable and tag me in your photo!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Megha

    November 01, 2023 at 6:58 am

    Hi Kathryn,
    Can I add rice to the slow cooker and cook it together?

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty

      November 01, 2023 at 8:17 am

      No, I don't think that would work - the rice is unlikely to cook properly in the slow cooker if mixed in. I would fix the rice separately and serve them together. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  2. Christa

    December 06, 2023 at 3:54 pm

    Can I use curry paste instead of powder?

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty

      December 07, 2023 at 8:31 am

      No, unfortunately those are not interchangeable. (Here's an in-depth look at that very question: https://www.myrecipes.com/ingredients/are-curry-powder-and-curry-paste-interchangeable) I would suggest buying a small container of curry powder to use for this recipe. You could also try using garam masala or some people recommend a combination of cumin and chili powder in place of curry powder, but I haven't tried that.

      Reply
  3. Csully

    December 01, 2024 at 5:31 pm

    This was delicious! I put it on top of some coconut ginger rice. My toddler approved!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty

      December 03, 2024 at 7:40 am

      Yay, I'm glad you all enjoyed it!

      Reply
  4. Serena Wessels

    December 02, 2024 at 1:35 pm

    This curry is a staple in my household! I make it about once a month, it is packed with iron and protein which can be hard to keep up with as a vegetarian. Thankyou for sharing this recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty

      December 03, 2024 at 7:45 am

      That's great, I'm so happy to hear you love this recipe! Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
  5. Vijay Mehta

    December 18, 2024 at 3:00 pm

    Hi there ... looking forward to trying this recipe tomorrow. Question: Do you add any liquid to the crockpot (beyond the tomatoes)? AND do you pre cook the sweet potatoes?

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty

      December 20, 2024 at 9:50 am

      Hi there! There's also coconut milk as a liquid in this recipe. But nothing else needs to be added. And no, you don't need to pre-cook the sweet potatoes - they will cook through and soften in the cook time. I hope that helps and I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  6. H

    January 03, 2025 at 12:32 am

    Looking forward to trying this! What other veggies could I load up on in this, but still keep the curry taste central?

    Reply
    • Kathryn Doherty

      January 03, 2025 at 4:27 pm

      You could add some bell pepper chunks to this dish - they tend do well in a slow cooker. You could also add some other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips. And feel free to use extra spinach and/or peas if you'd like. If you add a significant amount more of veggies, just increase the seasonings to match and keep it flavorful. I hope that helps!

      Reply
4.43 from 70 votes (70 ratings without comment)

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Meet Kathryn

Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes to help you get delicious food on the table for your family!

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