Easy curry recipes you have to try…

I’ve rounded up 15 of my all-time best budget friendly & easy curry recipes, so you can have your pick of the bunch! Whether it’s a spicy veggie tikka, a rich & creamy halloumi curry or fakeaway wagamama Katsu, we’ve got you covered.

Vegetarian, vegan, chicken or fish, you’ll find a curry you connect with. Let these spicy comfort dishes warm you up, as we round up the best curries for those cozy autumn evenings indoors.

1. Chicken Katsu Curry

One of the best fakeaway creations! The recipe originates from Japan but rest assured, my Wagamama inspired chicken katsu curry will not disappoint. With the crispy breaded chicken being baked, it’s lower in calories and just as delicious. This dish will take just 35 minutes to make. The katsu sauce is so unique to any other curry recipe that I’ve tried. It’s rich & creamy with zingy hits from the ginger. And when paired with the diagonally sliced, crispy breaded chicken – there’s nothing like it.  

2. Easy Chicken Thigh Curry

This easy chicken thigh curry recipe has a mild spice, which can be adapted to heat tolerance, making it the perfect curry to serve to multiple people. This is one of my go to recipes for a number of reasons. Firstly, using on-the-bone chicken thighs not only reduces prep time, as you can just chuck them in the pan, it also provides the most flavoursome chicken. Most of the cook time is inactive, making it a great weeknight dinner, after a hard day at uni/work.

I also love to meal prep this recipe, as you get 5 freezable servings which are packed with nutrients and flavour that grows over time.

3. Peanut Butter Chicken Satay Curry

This chicken satay curry is whipped up using a handful of ingredients, many being store-cupboard friendly ingredients. Making this recipe super budget-friendly, without compromising on flavour.

This peanut butter chicken curry is made in under 30 minutes. It’s creamy and rich, using coconut milk and peanut butter and high in protein, thanks to the combination of chicken breast and peanut butter. 

4. The Best Halloumi Curry

I first published this halloumi curry recipe in November 2020 and it has been one of my most popular recipes ever since. Now I have refined the recipe further and think you’ll enjoy it even more and it’s made in under 30 minutes! 

Apparently halloumi is everyone’s favourite cheese and I can see why. The salty, tangy cheese is the perfect addition to our curry, mimicking paneer in a way whilst, in my opinion, being even more flavourful. Vegetarian curry recipes are great when trying to achieve a lot of flavour without meat. This recipe is no exception – it’s one of my favourite curry recipes i the meat recipes. 

5. Easy Red Lentil Dahl with Coconut Milk

This easy red lentil dahl recipe is made in one pot, takes only 30 minutes and requires minimal effort and ingredients. I’ve simplified the spices to ensure that anyone can make this and grab the common spices they have in their cupboard. It’s the best dahl for simple & easy meal prep. It’s perfect to warm up the cold nights & to get cosy. There’s also minimal cleaning as it’s all whipped up in one-pot.

6. Simple Red Thai Prawn Curry

There’s so much to love with this prawn red Thai curry recipe. You get such a powerful amount of flavour with a short ingredient list and minimal prep. This prawn curry also comes together in one pot, as we cook the noodles within the curry. So there’s minimal mess and the noodles are infused with the aromatics in this recipe. Less mess and more flavour, a win win.

7. Lentil & Chickpea Curry

Aromatic, herby, and packed with flavour, this lentil and chickpea curry is an easy way to recreate a classic Indian recipe at home without curry powder. Many of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, so this recipe is easy to create in the kitchen.

Lentil and chickpea curry is a traditional dish which includes fresh aromatics, protein-packed lentils and chickpeas, and nutrient-rich spinach.  Instead of crafting a dish like butter chicken covered in a delicious but decadent sauce, this recipe provides an equally tasty option that’s just as creamy yet healthier. It’s also vegan and vegetarian-friendly, making it a top choice for families interested in limiting their meat intake.

8. Grilled Aubergine Curry

I love this grilled aubergine curry as it’s a great vegetarian answer to a meat curry. By searing the aubergine on a griddle pan, we get these char lines which add a smokiness to the aubergine that’s tasty.  This aubergine curry, when paired with the creamy coconut milk and  the aromatic tomato curry, the ingredients come together to form something beautiful. 

With my curry recipes, I always aim to make them super accessible with minimal spices and niche ingredients, so that everyone can enjoy them and you can spend less money in the shops

9. Healthy Chicken Tikka Masala

This yummy chicken tikka masala is made with courgettes and chicken breast for a filling, lower-calorie version of the beloved Indian takeout dish. The sauce includes a yogurt base, tomato sauce, and seasoning, so you aren’t sacrificing any flavour with this recipe! For a satisfying meal, serve it with brown, white, or basmati rice.

This chicken tikka masala has fewer calories and fat than the restaurant version. Even though it’s healthier, it still tastes just as delicious. You’re also cutting down on calories by serving it with rice instead of naan.

10. Vegan Cashew Curry

This vegan cashew curry is cheap and easy, with a base of healthy vegetables and it costs just 94p per portion! A satisfying, hearty and mild dish that is filling, while still light. You can easily cater to everyone with a comfort dish that’ll make them forget the meat. It’s vegan whilst still being creamy and made from only a few ingredients. Delicious!

11. Veggie Tikka Masala

This Vegetarian Tikka Masala can be enjoyed by meat eaters and vegans alike! So nutritious, comforting and full of flavour, it’s the perfect fall dish. Filled with vegetables and antioxidant rich spices that your body will thank you for in this cold season. Ideal for meal prep and so easy to make, just chop up the veggies, bloom the spices and make the delicious recipe. Give it a go, vegetarian or not!

12. Spicy Tomato and Coconut Cod Curry

Any spice lovers will fall in love with this aromatic spicy tomato and coconut cod curry. Packed with vegetables, spices and nutritious oily fish to ensure you’re getting those essential omegas, this dish is both healthy and indulgent! This is the hottest curry on this list.  It has all the flavour and nutrients to make up a delicious and healthy family meal/or works perfectly as meal prep.

13. Simple Fish Amok Curry

For pescatarians or anyone wanting a lighter protein, try the Cambodian inspired “Amok” fish curry. This aromatic dish is easy to make and ready in around 30 minutes. Use basa fillets and add blended the turmeric, garlic and ginger to the coconut milk for the delicious sauce. So yummy!

14. Thai Green Chicken Curry

This Asian inspired Thai Green Curry is made with boneless chicken thighs cooked in a creamy coconut, spicy sauce and topped with mange tout and cavolo nero. and you’ll love this ultimate comforting Thai recipe.

15. Leftover Turkey Chinese Curry

Try the Christmas classic Leftover Turkey Curry! It’s quick and easy to make, packer full of nutrients and you can serve any leftover vegetables. I used some mixed peppers for colour and leftover green beans.