16 Warming Curries to Spice Up Your Winter Meals

There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of curry to chase away the winter chill. They’re packed with vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and hearty ingredients that make every bite feel like a cozy hug. Plus, the variety is endless—there’s a curry for every mood and craving. So, get ready to explore some seriously delicious options that will make your winter meals unforgettable!

Spicy Lamb Vindaloo

Lamb Vindaloo is a fiery and tangy curry originating from Goa, India. Tender lamb pieces are marinated in a blend of vinegar and spices, then slow-cooked to absorb robust flavors. To prepare, marinate 1 kg lamb in a mixture of 1 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons garlic paste, 2 tablespoons ginger paste, 2 teaspoons cumin powder, 2 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, and 1 teaspoon chili powder for at least 2 hours. Sauté 2 chopped onions in oil until golden, add the marinated lamb and cook until browned. Add 2 cups water, cover, and simmer until the lamb is tender, approximately 1.5 hours.

Thai Red Curry with Cod and Sweet Potatoes

This Thai-inspired curry combines tender cod and sweet potatoes in a fragrant red curry sauce. The creamy coconut milk balances the heat, making it a comforting dish for chilly nights. To make, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan, sand auté 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger until fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons red curry paste, then add 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk and 2 cups diced sweet potatoes; simmer until potatoes are tender. Add 500 grams of cod pieces, cook until the fish is done, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Green Curry Beef and Pasta

A flavorful fusion dish that combines the richness of green curry with tender beef and pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal. In a pot, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons oil until translucent. Add 2 tablespoons green curry paste, 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, and 1 cup beef broth; bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup of cooked beef and 1 cup of cooked pasta; cook until heated through, then serve hot.

Coconut Curry Shrimp

This dish features succulent shrimp and crisp green beans simmered in an aromatic coconut curry sauce. It’s a Thai-inspired curry that’s both flavorful and quick to prepare. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil, and sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until soft. Add 2 tablespoons red curry paste, 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, and 2 cups green beans; simmer until beans are tender. Add 500 grams of shrimp, cook until pink, and serve over steamed rice.

Winter Vegetable Curry

A hearty vegetarian curry filled with butternut squash, cauliflower, kale, and chickpeas. The rich spices and creamy coconut milk make it a comforting meal for cold evenings. In a large pot, sauté 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger in 2 tablespoons oil until fragrant. Add 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, 2 cups diced butternut squash, 2 cups cauliflower florets, and 1 cup vegetable broth; simmer until vegetables are tender. Stir in 1 can (400 grams) chickpeas and 2 cups chopped kale; cook until kale is wilted, then serve hot.

Spicy Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

This vibrant curry combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the earthiness of chickpeas. The creamy coconut milk base and warming spices create a comforting meal perfect for cold evenings. In a pot, sauté 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger in 2 tablespoons oil until translucent. Add 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, 2 cups diced butternut squash, and 1 cup vegetable broth; simmer until squash is tender. Stir in 1 can (400 grams) chickpeas, cook until heated through, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Chicken Jalfrezi

Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular curry featuring stir-fried chicken pieces with bell peppers and onions in a spicy tomato-based sauce. The quick cooking method preserves the freshness of the vegetables, making it a vibrant dish for winter meals. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil, and sauté 1 diced onion until translucent. Add 500 grams of diced chicken, and cook until browned. Stir in 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 can (400 grams) diced tomatoes, 1 sliced green bell pepper, and 1 sliced red bell pepper; simmer until chicken is cooked through, then serve hot.

Kerala Beef Curry

A traditional South Indian curry, Kerala Beef Curry is known for its rich and spicy coconut-based sauce. The slow-cooked beef becomes tender and flavorful, making it an ideal dish to warm up during winter. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil, and sauté 2 diced onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger until golden. Add 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, and 1 teaspoon garam masala; cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 kg beef cubes, 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, and 1 cup beef broth; simmer until beef is tender, approximately 2 hours, then serve with rice or flatbread.

Japanese Chicken Curry

Japanese Chicken Curry is a mildly sweet and savory curry with a thick, gravy-like texture. It’s made with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in a rich curry roux. Begin by sautéing 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 500 grams of diced chicken in 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 2 cups of chicken broth, 2 diced potatoes, 2 sliced carrots, and 1 curry roux block (store-bought or homemade); simmer until vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens. Serve this comforting dish over steamed rice for a satisfying winter meal.

Malaysian Laksa Curry

Malaysian Laksa Curry is a rich, spicy noodle soup with a harmonious blend of coconut milk and tangy flavors. This dish typically features chicken or shrimp with rice noodles, boiled eggs, and fresh herbs. Start by blending 2 tablespoons laksa paste, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon ginger; sauté the paste in 2 tablespoons oil until fragrant. Add 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, 2 cups chicken broth, and 200 grams of cooked rice noodles; simmer and top with boiled eggs and cooked shrimp or chicken. Laksa offers a comforting burst of tropical warmth perfect for cold weather.

Keralan Fish Molee

Keralan Fish Molee is a light and aromatic fish curry from the coastal regions of Kerala, India. The dish features tender fish fillets simmered in a mildly spiced coconut milk base. To prepare, sauté 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 minced green chili, and 1 tablespoon ginger in 2 tablespoons coconut oil. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, and 500 grams of fish fillets; simmer gently until the fish is cooked through. This curry’s subtle spices and creamy texture make it a delightful winter comfort food.

Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is a traditional Kashmiri curry made with tender lamb or goat in a fragrant yogurt-based sauce. This dish is characterized by its vibrant red hue and warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Brown 1 kg lamb pieces in 2 tablespoons oil, then set aside. In the same pot, sauté 2 chopped onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon ginger, then stir in 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons cumin, and 1 cup yogurt. Return the lamb to the pot, add 2 cups water, and simmer until the meat is tender and the sauce is thick, perfect for cozy winter meals.

Butter Paneer (Paneer Makhani)

Butter Paneer is a creamy and mildly spiced curry made with cubes of paneer in a velvety tomato and butter sauce. It’s a vegetarian delight that’s perfect for warming up on a cold evening. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced onion in 2 tablespoons butter until soft, then stir in 2 cups pureed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Add 200 grams cubed paneer and 1/2 cup cream; simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve with naan or basmati rice for a comforting and rich meal.

Massaman Curry

Massaman Curry is a mildly spiced and slightly sweet Thai curry often made with beef, potatoes, and peanuts. Its unique flavor comes from cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom blended with traditional curry paste. In a pot, sauté 1 diced onion, 2 tablespoons Massaman curry paste, and 500 grams beef chunks in 2 tablespoons oil. Add 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, 2 cups diced potatoes, and 1/4 cup roasted peanuts; simmer until beef is tender. This luxurious curry is ideal for warming the soul on frosty nights.

Ethiopian Lentil Curry (Misir Wat)

Ethiopian Lentil Curry is a rich and earthy dish made with red lentils simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce. It is traditionally flavored with berbere spice mix, adding depth and heat. In a pot, sauté 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger in 2 tablespoons oil. Add 1 cup red lentils, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon berbere spice, and 1 cup diced tomatoes; simmer until lentils are soft. Misir Wat pairs beautifully with flatbread and provides a nourishing, warming meal for winter evenings.

Sri Lankan Pumpkin Curry

Sri Lankan Pumpkin Curry highlights the natural sweetness of pumpkin balanced with bold spices and creamy coconut milk. The dish is a vibrant and flavorful addition to any winter table. Sauté 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon ginger in 2 tablespoons coconut oil until soft. Add 2 cups diced pumpkin, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, and 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; simmer until the pumpkin is tender. Serve with rice or roti for a comforting and aromatic winter curry.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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