This easy apple curry combines coconut milk, curry powder, and tart apples for a creamy, mildly spicy, savory-sweet dish. It’s a cozy, flavor-packed vegan meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Milk Apple Curry
Apples aren’t only for pies and crumbles — they brighten savory dishes too. This coconut milk apple curry (apple sabzi) pairs tart apples with rich coconut milk and warm spices for a balanced curry that’s creamy, tangy, and just a touch sweet. The result is unexpected but very satisfying.
The spice blend provides depth and warmth while the apples keep the flavors fresh. The recipe is oil-free, budget-friendly, and simple to make, making it ideal for weeknights or casual dinners with friends. Use your preferred curry powder — Indian, Trinidadian, or Sri Lankan — and feel free to add extra vegetables or a protein of your choice for a heartier meal.
If you like cozy vegan curries, this one fits right in with other easy coconut-based recipes.
Ingredient Notes
See the recipe card below for the complete ingredient list and suggested substitutes. Choose firm, slightly tart apples for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Protein: Add crispy pan-fried tofu, tempeh, seitan, chickpeas, or vegan sausage for substance.
- Heat: Boost spice with red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne.
- Spices: Stir in a pinch of garam masala, ground cumin, cinnamon, mustard seeds, or cardamom for extra complexity. Bay leaves (removed before serving) add savory depth.
- Nut butter: A spoonful of almond or cashew butter adds richness.
- Vegetables: Add potatoes, zucchini, squash, bell pepper, cauliflower, baby corn, eggplant, or spinach to bulk up the curry.
How to Make Apple Curry
Step 1: Core and dice the apple, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic (and fresh ginger if using). Sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot over medium heat until translucent. If they begin to stick, splash in a little water to deglaze.
Step 2: Add the diced apple and cook until it begins to soften. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and ground ginger, and cook for about 60 seconds to toast the spices.
Step 3: Pour in the coconut milk, then add sugar, shredded coconut if using, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley before serving.
FAQs
Peeling is optional. The peel helps the apple pieces hold their shape, but peeling will give a softer texture.
Use firm, slightly tart apples (green or crisp red varieties) for the best texture and brightness. Cooking apples will break down more and become softer.
Yes, but coconut cream will be much richer. You can thin it with broth or water if you prefer a lighter consistency.
Toni’s Recipe Tips
- Adjust creaminess: Use light coconut milk or dilute with broth for a lighter sauce; use full-fat coconut milk or some coconut cream for a richer curry.
- Don’t dice apples too small: Larger pieces hold up better during simmering and won’t disintegrate into the sauce.
- Choose firm apples: Firm fruit keeps texture intact while simmering.
- Stronger curry flavor: Increase the curry powder to taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Serve with white or brown rice, basmati, or flavored rice like garlic rice.
- Grains: Quinoa, farro, or orzo are good options.
- Bread: Offer with naan, roti, or chapati to scoop the curry.
- Protein: Pair with crispy pan-fried tofu or vegan chick’n for added protein.
- Salad: A simple side salad or a cucumber raita-style salad balances the richness.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freeze: Freeze up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge; apples will be softer after freezing.
Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
More Vegan Curry Recipes
Vegan Dinners
Brussels Sprouts Curry
Vegan Dinners
Perfect Potato and Pea Coconut Curry
Vegan Dinners
Cauliflower and Potato Curry (Aloo Gobi)
Vegan Dinners
Butternut Squash Curry
If you tried this creamy apple curry recipe, please leave a star rating and share how it went in the comments. Thank you!
Creamy Apple Curry
Video
Ingredients
- ½ large yellow onion chopped
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium Fuji apple diced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Dash of turmeric
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can of light coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or sweetner of choice)
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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In a medium-large pot over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and garlic. If they start to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
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Once the onion is translucent, add the diced apple. Cook until the apple softens, then stir in the curry powder, ginger, and turmeric until everything is well coated.
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Pour in the coconut milk, then add the sugar, shredded coconut (if using), and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
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Bring the curry to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
