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September 16, 2025
Easy Vegetarian Kofta Curry Recipe
Easy vegetarian kofta curry comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something special. This family recipe creates tender vegetarian "meatballs" (koftas) that are simmered in a rich, flavorful curry sauce. The quick preparation time makes this dish ideal for working families who want homemade Indian food without spending hours in the kitchen. This mother-in-law approved recipe guarantees authentic flavors with simplified techniques that ensure success every time. The satisfying koftas provide substantial texture while the aromatic curry sauce delivers all the complex flavors you expect from traditional Indian cooking.
This vegetarian kofta curry is ready in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight. My mother-in-law is Indian and let me in on a secret: The vegetable balls from Ikea make for a great and ridiculously easy vegetarian kofta curry. Serve with basmati rice.
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
3 green cardamom pods
2 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
½ onion, grated
1 (2 inch) piece ginger root, peeled and grated
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional)
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ cup whole milk yogurt
24 frozen meatless vegetable meatballs (such as IKEA®’s frozen vegetable balls)
¼ cup hot water, or as needed
Directions
Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, whole cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Cook until spices start to sputter, about 1 minute. Stir in onion, ginger, and garlic. Cook and stir until onion is softened and just starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
Stir in diced tomatoes, coriander, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, cayenne, and salt. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer; add yogurt and stir well. Add frozen vegetable balls. Pour in hot water to thin sauce slightly to desired consistency. Bring mixture back to a simmer and cook, covered, until sauce is thickened and vegetable balls are heated through, 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips
The vegetable balls from Ikea are vegan, so you can easily make this a vegan curry by using just oil instead of butter and using coconut cream instead of yogurt.
I make this family friendly and less spicy by omitting cayenne pepper. It is still totally delicious.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 150 | Calories |
| 8g | Fat |
| 9g | Carbs |
| 10g | Protein |
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 6 | |
| Calories 150 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 8g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat 2g | 12% |
| Cholesterol 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium 542mg | 24% |
| Total Carbohydrate 9g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 13% |
| Total Sugars 3g | |
| Protein 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin C 7mg | 7% |
| Calcium 66mg | 5% |
| Iron 3mg | 18% |
| Potassium 227mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
