• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Platein28
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Crafts
  • Screen Time
  • Blog
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Crafts
  • Screen Time
  • Blog
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • Ă—

    Home » Dairy Free Recipes

    Coconut Curry Recipe for Kids

    Published: Nov 3, 2022 by Julie Park · This post may contain affiliate links

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    My kids love this vegetable coconut curry so much! The mild and creamy coconut flavor compliments the vibrance of the curry seasoning perfectly. This is a great curry recipe for kids (even picky eaters) also because the ample veggies blend smoothly and unobtrusively into the sauce. And, like all of our recipes, this coconut curry takes 28 minutes or less to cook!

    spoon scooping up coconut curry in green bowl

    What inspired me to make this coconut curry was having chili the other day! I don't know about you, but as we get deeper into Fall, I find myself craving warm, belly-filling dishes. So, the other day I made our delicious, veggie loaded non-spicy vegetarian chili over rice. It was such a hit with the kids, and fit the cozy Fall vibes so perfectly that it has me wanting more saucy, warm, filling dishes...and not the kind that rely on heavy meats for flavor.

    Jump to:
    • 👍 Why This Curry is So Kid-Friendly
    • đź›’ Ingredients
    • 🍚 Let's Talk about Rice
    • 👩🏾‍🍳 Instructions
    • ✔️ Expert Tips and Tricks
    • 👶🏾 Tips for Picky Eaters
    • đź§¶ Crafts for this Recipe
    • 🍽 Other Great Dishes over Rice
    • 🧡 Coconut Curry Recipe for Kids
    bowl of coconut curry over rice with crispy onions on top

    👍 Why This Curry is So Kid-Friendly

    Not spicy! This curry is flavorful but so mild and even a has a little sweetness to it from the coconut milk.

    Incognito veggies! This curry has tons of veggies (and nutrients!), but they blend so seamlessly into the creamy sauce that picky eaters have an easier time with them.

    Super customizable! Switch out the veggies for your kids' faves. Serve over rice, even pasta - whatever your kids like. Have lots of fun sides. There are so many ways to adjust this curry.

    Note - to make this curry friendly for spice-loving-adults (haha), try adding some of this spicy chili crisp sauce. It's my fave!

    đź›’ Ingredients

    ingredients for making coconut curry recipe for kids

    Ingredient Notes

    First of all, don't be overwhelmed by the number of ingredients. This is an easy recipe!

    • Veggies - Just make sure you have potatoes and onion. The rest is so adjustable! You can even use up what you have in the fridge. (see possible substitutions below)
    • Carrots - I prefer shredding the carrots for a couple reasons: they cook faster, they bulk up the sauce, and they're less visible, letting the potatoes shine 🙂
    • Coconut oil - if you haven't used coconut oil before, just know that it may be completely solid in the jar and that's normal. Coconut oil liquifies with heat.
    • Coconut milk - Important - this has to be canned coconut milk (not from a carton) in order to get maximum thickness and flavor.
    • Curry powder - note that every curry powder will be a little different. You can even make it yourself if you like [like this awesome DIY curry powder for kids].
    • Toppings/garnish - these crispy onions are the best! But small crackers or crushed cashews/peanuts could also work. For some green, you can also add a bit of cilantro, basil or parsley.
    overhead view of coconut curry dish with spoon and napkin

    Ingredient substitutions (Lots!)

    Loads of other veggie options: almost any potato, broccoli, cauliflower, chickpeas, red or yellow bell pepper, etc.

    Coconut oil --> olive oil, avocado oil or sunflower oil

    Curry powder --> red curry paste or korma paste

    Fresh, minced garlic cloves --> pre-minced jarred garlic

    Peeled, grated fresh ginger* --> pre-minced ginger

    Better than Bouillon Vegetable base --> any broth or stock

    Shredded carrots --> sliced or diced carrots

    Yukon gold potatoes --> red potatoes or Russets

    Canned, diced tomatoes --> diced fresh tomatoes or tomato paste

    Canned coconut milk --> carton coconut milk (but note this will make the curry way thinner and less flavorful)

    Lime juice --> lemon juice or a variety of vinegars (something acidic to help kick up the flavor)

    *Helpful tool: microplane (for ginger)

    🍚 Let's Talk about Rice

    In a curry recipe for kids, you gotta go with rice! It really is the best base, soaking up the coconut curry sauce beautifully. For curry I think basmati rice is king. And if you start cooking basmati rice immediately, it can be fully cooked by the time the curry's done. However, minute rice is definitely the fastest...or those pre-cooked rice pouches. It all works!

    If not rice, you can also serve the coconut curry over quinoa, naan, cauliflower rice, or even pasta (not conventional, but doable!)

    👩🏾‍🍳 Instructions

    🥄 Kids Steps: For this recipe, kids can totally be in charge of 3 things (or more!): adding ingredients to the pot (and stirring), taking the lid on and off the pot, and timing everything.

    🥄 Kids Tools: Bosai kitchen timer (easy for kids, magnetic & has big numbers) and Alselo mini oven mitts (come in cute designs, heat resistant & non-slip).

    Step 1: Cook curry in oil 1-2 minutes. Then add onion-garlic-ginger and cook 3 minutes.

    🥄 Kids Step: add oil to the pan (fun to watch melt!), and the curry powder. Then you be in charge of stirring while keeping an eye on the kitchen timer!

    paste of coconut oil and curry powder cooking in large pot
    curry oil paste mixed with onions, garlic, and ginger in pot

    Hint: I really liked cooking this curry in my 5 ½ qt dutch oven. It's wider than a stockpot, so easier to drop in ingredients and stir. At the same time, it's still deep enough for bigger quantity cooking.

    Step 2: Add carrots, green pepper, broth and salt. Simmer, covered for 5 minutes.

    🥄 Kids Step: Add these ingredients, lowering them into the pot slowly, cautiously, and as low to the bottom as possible. When you drop ingredients from too high up, hot liquid in the pot can splatter. Then put the lid on the pot and set a timer for 10 minutes.

    pot of curry paste and veggies cooking

    Step 3: Uncover. Stir in potatoes, tomatoes, coconut milk, salt and turmeric. Boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook covered for 10 minutes.

    🥄 Kids Step: Using one of these awesome mini oven mitts, carefully remove the lid from the pot. Then gently add the ingredients and use the oven mitt again to put the hot lid back on the pot. Set the timer next!

    creamy coconut curry in pot being stirred

    Step 4: Uncover. Add frozen peas, cook 2 minutes. When ready to eat, stir in spinach and lime juice!

    🥄 Kids Step: Put that oven mitt back on and take off the lid. No timing necessary in this last step - just adding and stirring ingredients!

    adding frozen peas to pot of coconut curry
    adding handful of spinach to pot of coconut curry
    closeup view of creamy coconut curry over rice in green bowl

    ✔️ Expert Tips and Tricks

    • Choice of pot - I really liked using my 5 ½ qt dutch oven. It's wider than a stockpot and still fairly deep. Just more comfortable to stir and scoop ingredients into.
    • Don't rush step 1. Cooking the curry powder in oil for a few minutes makes the curry flavor and aroma extra vibrant. It brightens the whole dish.
    • Coconut milk - use canned coconut milk (not from a carton) in order to get maximum thickness and flavor. I've tried it with each, and wow, what a difference!
    • Shred the carrots. They cook faster than sliced carrots, bulk up the sauce nicely, and are more hidden from picky eaters' eyes. I cooked this curry with sliced carrots, and the consistency and flavor wasn't as good. You can sometimes find pre-shredded carrots in the store too!

    👶🏾 Tips for Picky Eaters

    Choose a mild curry powder. We used McCormick curry powder, which has no heat. This is something you can check - just make sure to read the seasoning label. Curry's often a mix of some of these spices: turmeric, coriander, cumin, garlic powder, ginger powder, cinnamon, black pepper. You can even make it from home yourself to be sure it's mild.

    Set aside some plain rice, just in case!

    Pick easily palatable sides (aka whatever your kids like)! Cucumber slices, raisins, naan or crackers, carrot sticks, baby tomatoes, nuts, set aside some of the frozen peas.

    đź§¶ Crafts for this Recipe

    While you're cooking, set your kiddo up with one of these three fun crafts. (1) Make some play carrots - just like the carrots in the curry. Or (2) set aside some dry rice before cooking and your kiddo can form colorful rice letters and words. Or (3) make potato people using 1-2 spare potatoes, veggies scraps and toothpicks!

    • hand holding carrot craft
      Play Food Carrot Craft
    • child holding paper with name written in colorful rice letters
      Rainbow Rice Letters
    • potato head with real potato
      Ms. Potato

    🍽 Other Great Dishes over Rice

    • chicken and cashews with chopsticks atop white rice
      Cashew Chicken with Broccoli
    • two yellow bowls filled with chili and lots toppings
      Kid-Friendly Non-Spicy Chili
    • Shrimp with corn in creamy poblano pepper sauce
      Shrimp with Corn in Creamy Poblano Pepper Sauce
    • chicken, rice and peas in small blue crockpot with lid on side
      Creamy Chicken Pea Skillet with Rice (One Pan!)

    Follow Platein28 on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook and Sign up for our newsletter for all the latest recipes and crafts!

    spoon scooping up coconut curry in green bowl
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Email Recipe Share on Facebook

    🧡 Coconut Curry Recipe for Kids

    Author: Marcie & Julie
    Kids love our delicious, mild coconut curry! Big flavor, no heat, and full of veggies, here's a curry recipe for kids that satisfies adults!
    Prep Time0 mins
    Cook Time0 mins
    0 mins
    Total Time28 mins
    Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine: Americanized Indian, Indian
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Servings: 6

    Equipment

    • 5 ½ qt Dutch Oven

    Ingredients

    • 3 Tablespoon coconut oil
    • 2 Tablespoon curry powder
    • 1 yellow onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced or chopped
    • 1 small knob ginger peeled & grated
    • 2 carrots peeled & grated
    • 1 green bell pepper chopped
    • 1 cup vegetable broth
    • 1 ½ teaspoon salt divided
    • 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes cut into 1" chunks
    • 15 oz diced tomatoes
    • 2 cans unsweetened coconut milk 13.66 fl oz each
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric
    • ½ cup frozen peas
    • 1 handful spinach
    • 1 teaspoon lime juice
    • Minute rice
    • crispy onion bits optional as garnish

    Instructions

    • Heat a skillet on medium heat. Add coconut oil and when heated, add in curry powder. Stir oil and spice together for 1-2 mins. Next add onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Add carrots, green pepper, broth and ½ teaspoon of the salt. Bring to simmer, cover and cook for 5 minutes.
    • Remove lid and add potatoes, tomatoes, coconut milk, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and turmeric. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover again. Cook for 10 minutes.
    • Remove lid, add frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in spinach and lime juice when you are just about ready to eat. Serve over rice.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Notes

    • Choice of pot - a 5 ½ qt dutch oven is great! It's wider than a stockpot (and still deep), so more comfortable to stir and scoop ingredients into.
    • Don't rush step 1. Cooking the curry powder in oil for a few minutes makes the curry flavor and aroma extra vibrant. It brightens the whole dish.
    • Coconut milk - use canned coconut milk (not from a carton) in order to get maximum thickness and flavor. 
    • Shred the carrots. They cook faster than sliced carrots, bulk up the sauce nicely, and are more hidden. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 servingCalories: 647.9kcal (32%)Carbohydrates: 69.3g (23%)Protein: 10.4g (21%)Fat: 39.7g (61%)Saturated Fat: 34.1g (213%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 890.1mg (39%)Potassium: 1082.4mg (31%)Fiber: 9.1g (38%)Sugar: 10.2g (11%)Vitamin A: 4220.2IU (84%)Vitamin C: 52.7mg (64%)Calcium: 96.4mg (10%)Iron: 7.5mg (42%)

    *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. While we are not certified nutritionists, we work with a WordPress-integrated nutrition API to calculate our recipes' ingredient values.

    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Platein28 or tag #platein28!

    Want more 28-minute recipes? Sign up and get recipes straight to your inbox!

    You May Also Like

    • bowl of guacamole and tortilla chips on orange tablecloth
      4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
    • vegan mac and cheese in a mini cocotte with red napkin
      Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese (for the Family)
    • chicken, squash and brussels sprouts dish
      Best Baked Chicken and Squash
    • Cauliflower Egg Fried Rice with Orange Sesame Chicken in a Bowl with Pink Chopsticks
      Cauliflower Egg Fried Rice with Orange Sesame Chicken

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Julie & Marcie in kitchen

    We are two sisters with young kids who want to help simplify mealtime for busy families! Platein28 is our family’s unofficial guide to wading through mealtime chaos. Here you will find quality recipes that take 28 minutes or less, with activities to occupy your kids so you can actually cook.

    More about us →

    Spring Recipes

    • collage of four Italian sausage recipes
      35 Easy Italian Sausage Recipes for Dinner
    • lemon garlic pasta with lemons in bowl
      Lemony Garlic Pasta (One Pot!)
    • hand holding fork and bowl of pasta with roasted veggies and pesto sauce
      Delicious, Simple Recipe for Pesto Pasta
    • collage of sliders for kids
      The 10 Best Sliders for Kids (Quick and Simple!)
    • hot dogs in crescent rolls on plate
      Hot Dogs in Crescent Rolls
    • creamy vegetable pasta in spoon
      Creamy Vegetable Pasta

    Popular Recipes

    • the sloppy joes one white plate
      Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe
    • stacked pancakes
      Easy Cinnamon Pancakes with Vanilla
    • chicken, rice and peas in small blue crockpot with lid on side
      Creamy Chicken Pea Skillet with Rice (One Pan!)
    • carrot sticks on a plate
      How to Cut Carrot Sticks
    • turkey burger sliders spread out on large plate
      The Easiest Turkey Burger Sliders
    • Sandwich with beef, cheese and onion on a long roll
      Easy Philly Cheesesteak Recipe

    Kids Crafts & Activities

    • three colorful pumpkins
      Fun with Melting Crayons on Pumpkins
    • eight melted crayon hearts in rows
      Fun with Melting Crayons in the Oven
    • different pastas dyed different colors drying on parchment paper
      How to Dye Pasta for Crafts
    • two red fish puppets
      Adorable DIY Fish Puppet
    • tissue paper vase with red and yellow flowers
      Cow-Themed Tissue Paper Vase
    • red and white Mushroom Village house
      Adorable Mushroom Craft for Kids

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Platein28
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Graphics courtesy of Fred Chao

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    Have comments or questions?

    Send us an email!


    We earn a commission through purchases made through partner and affiliate sites.

    Copyright © 2020-2022 Platein28 on the Foodie Pro Theme

    We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to use this site, you consent tocookiesbeing used. Visit our Privacy Policy for more information.
    ACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT