13 Curries to Warm Your Belly and Soul

Curry, a catchall term for all things spiced, warm, and delicious, is a dish we turn to for when we need comfort.

By
Sheela Prakash
Sheela Prakash
Sheela Prakash
Food and wine writer, recipe developer, and the author of Mediterranean Every Day. Her work can be found in numerous online and print publications.
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Published April 07, 2022
Sheela Prakash
Curries to warm your belly and soul

When I think about comfort food, a warm, deeply spiced curry comes to mind. For me, the best is a saucy vegetable sagu that’s eaten with a puffed, fried bread called poori. Or it's stuffed baby eggplant swimming in a thick spicy gravy. Both hail from the Karnataka region of South India, where my family is from. 

You’ll find curries in a myriad of cuisines, from Indian and Thai to Japanese, Korean, Jamaican, South African, and beyond. While a curry refers to any dish that features a spiced sauce, what's in them and how they are prepared are as diverse as the cuisines and cultures they stem from. 

A few things all curries have in common: They’re flavor-packed, they're warming, and oh so comforting. Here you'll find 13 recipes that prove just how varied and belly-warming curries can be.

  • Chicken Curry with Sweet Potato and Lemongrass

    Vietnamese Curry with Chicken
    Alison Conklin

    This Vietnamese curry is rich with citrusy, herbaceous lemongrass, while black pepper, cayenne, and ginger give it heat. Andrea Nguyen, the genius behind this recipe, suggests serving it with rice or with a crusty baguette.

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  • Eggplant Green Curry

    best eggplant with green curry
    Elise Bauer

    For Thai green curry paste to reach its full potential, lightly fry it in a little vegetable oil. This allows for its vibrant basil, cilantro, and green chili flavor to really shine.

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  • Chicken Tikka Masala

    Easy chicken tikka masala served over basmati rice in bowl
    Lisa Lin

    Perhaps one of the most popular Indian-inspired curries, chicken tikka masala is a takeout favorite far and wide. This homemade version of the British Indian dish comes together in just about 30 minutes.

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  • Easy Coconut Shrimp Curry

    Coconut Shrimp Curry
    Elise Bauer

    For the richest tasting coconut shrimp curry, opt for regular, full-fat coconut milk. Light coconut milk just doesn’t have the same body and flavor. Though feel free to use frozen shrimp here — just let thaw in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes.

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    Continue to 5 of 13 below.

  • Jamaican Goat Curry

    Jamaican Curry Goat
    Elise Bauer

    This long simmered stew is a Jamaican classic. It's ultra fragrant—it calls for lots of allspice. If you can’t get your hands on goat stew meat, beef or lamb can be used instead. It’s best served over rice and peas.

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  • Chana Masala

    Best Chana Masala bowl of chana masala with rice, and lemon wedge
    Prerna Singh

    Chana masala, also called chole masala, is a meatless and dairy-free chickpea curry that originates from Northern India. Depending on how much time you have, you can use either dry or canned chickpeas. This is a dish that also freezes incredibly well.

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  • Lamb Curry

    Lamb Curry in bowl with a bowl of rice on the side
    Elise Bauer

    This lamb curry with chopped apple and raisins can be made on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. Serve this sweet and spicy dish over rice with a bit of mango chutney or yogurt. 

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  • Mango Chicken Curry

    Mango Chicken Curry
    Elise Bauer

    Here’s a recipe that begs to be fiddled with. For a sweeter sauce, use a riper mango. For a less sweet sauce, use a firmer one. You can add an extra dash of apple cider vinegar for brightness, or stir in some golden raisins for added texture.

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    Continue to 9 of 13 below.

  • Thai Green Curry

    Thai Green Curry
    Elizabeth Stark

    Instead of relying on store-bought curry paste, this recipe shows you how to make your own. The prep is simple and the flavor is hard to beat.

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  • Chicken Peanut Curry

    Chicken Peanut Curry
    Elise Bauer

    This West African-inspired curry is rich and creamy thanks to peanut butter in the sauce. Lime, coriander seeds, cilantro, and mint balance the richness and ensure brightness in every bite.

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  • Indian Butter Chicken

    Best Butter Chicken Recipe
    Prerna Singh

    Butter chicken is a bit sweeter and creamer than chicken tikka masala, and it originates from India rather than the United Kingdom. Enjoy it with roti or naan bread.

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  • Basil Chicken Coconut Curry

    Basil Chicken Coconut Curry
    Elise Bauer

    This brothy, mild-flavored curry is filled with tender chicken, onions, a touch of jalapeños, lime juice, and plenty of fresh basil. It’s perfect served over hot steamed rice.

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    Continue to 13 of 13 below.

  • Turmeric Cauliflower Curry

    Shahi Cauliflower Curry
    Sally Vargas

    This Indian-inspired vegetarian curry is packed with cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, and peas. It comes together in under 30 minutes. Turmeric lends the dish lots of sunny color, while garam masala provides heady spice.

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