22 healthy curry recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest curry to have? ›

Any Indian curries that are tomato-based, like tandoori, madras, jalfrezi, rogan and bhuna, are the lowest in calories. They average around 200-300 calories. If you want an even healthier option, consider a sauce-free dish like fish tikka (which is only 180 calories).

Indian chef Maunika Gowardhan suggests using tomato purée, coconut milk or yoghurt as natural thickening agents to achieve the perfect consistency. Adding ground nuts such as almonds or peanuts can also be a great way to ensure your curry is a knockout.

Curries can provide many health benefits, and they don't have to be full of saturated fats. The spices used in curries, such as turmeric, ginger and chilli, are known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being of benefit to heart health and possible anticancer benefits.

While it can offer diverse flavors and some health benefits, consuming it excessively could lead to issues like excessive spice intake or potential digestive discomfort. Variety in your diet is key for balanced nutrition, so enjoying curry occasionally alongside other foods is a healthier approach.

1. Chicken tikka masala. It's a staple in any Indian takeaway order in Britain, but chicken tikka masala is actually the most unhealthy curry out there, according to Daisy. It typically uses double cream or full-fat yoghurt to thicken the sauce, meaning it contains as much fat as two McDonald's cheeseburgers.

Green curry is a healthier version of Thailand's yellow curry. The green sauce is lower in calories and a great option for those looking to make diet-friendly substitutions to their favorite dishes. For additional benefits, order extra vegetables and a lean protein like chicken to complete the meal.

Turmeric is arguably the most important ingredient in British curry. Likewise, curry is one of the most popular dishes in Britain. Popular United Kingdom Curry: Chicken Tikka Masala.

Fenugreek (Methi)

This Indian spice is what people say "smells like curry." Of all Indian spices, this spice may be the most essential. You may use up to a few tablespoons in a family size dish near the end of the cooking process, but start with a teaspoon. Fenugreek seeds also have many health benefits.

The actual sweetness and creaminess of such curries meanwhile, usually comes from fried onions and either cashews and/or dairy products. Instead of (or in addition to) onion, ground coconut may be used. White poppy seeds and/or watermelon seeds are also used in some creamy sauces.

A single portion of takeaway curry can contain over 1,000 calories and a huge amount of saturated fat, salt and sugar. You'd need to cycle for about three hours to burn it off. The best way to enjoy your favourite dishes is to ditch the takeaway and make your own.

Is curry or pizza healthier? ›

Having an Indian meal may be Britain's favourite culinary pastime, but researchers say curries are more fattening than either Chinese food or pizzas. A single meal of Indian curry has been found to have more fat than what is recommended for the entire day.

We Recommend. It's possible, therefore, to maintain or even lose weight if you indulge in a rich curry daily, as long as you keep your total calorie count under control. But the converse is true too — it's possible to gain weight if you eat a healthy curry dish in addition to your usual fare.

1. Potent anti-inflammatory properties. Being that curry powder is packed with spices like turmeric, coriander, and chili pepper, it's no wonder that this seasoning has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits ( 1 ).

Curry powder promotes digestive health, largely because it contains turmeric and ginger. Turmeric helps strengthen your digestive tract's microbiome, or the healthy bacteria that help you digest food more efficiently.

Thai also tends to have fewer carbohydrates than other ethnic cuisines like Indian or Chinese. This makes Thai a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight! Thai is most often cooked with coconut oil, which is high in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides).

One Indian curry with low carbohydrate content is chicken tikka masala, which is made with yogurt and tomato-based sauce and typically served with rice. Another option is a vegetable-based curry such as saag paneer or chana masala which are made with spinach and chickpeas respectively.

Meat: While this is an obvious difference between curry goat and curry chicken, it's one that is important to note. Goat meat is often considered to be healthier than chicken or other meat options. And usually, goat can have a slightly sweet flavor and is great to use in many different dishes.