How many calories are in 100g of mixed vegetable curry?

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

The number of calories in 100g of mixed vegetable curry varies significantly, with some versions containing as little as 38 kcal and others over 150 kcal per serving, depending heavily on the preparation method and ingredients. This variation means understanding the calorie count requires looking beyond the vegetables themselves to the cooking oils, creams, and legumes used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 100g of mixed vegetable curry is not static; it depends on the recipe's fat content, use of coconut milk, and other additions. Homemade curries are generally lower in calories than restaurant versions.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: The calorie count for 100g of mixed vegetable curry is not fixed; it can range broadly based on the recipe and ingredients used.
High-Fat Ingredients Drive Calories: The amount of cooking oil, coconut milk, or cream is the primary determinant of a curry's final calorie count.
Homemade vs. Restaurant Differences: Homemade versions are typically lower in calories due to less fat, while restaurant curries are often richer and more calorie-dense.
Lighter Modifications are Simple: Reduce fat by using less oil, choosing light coconut milk, or switching to a tomato or yogurt-based sauce to lower the calorie content significantly.
Vegetable Mix Matters: A curry with more starchy vegetables will be higher in calories than one focused on non-starchy varieties like greens and cauliflower.
Added Protein Increases Calories: Including ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, or paneer will add calories, but also increase protein and fiber content.

The Calorie Breakdown of Mixed Vegetable Curry

One of the most common questions for anyone tracking their nutritional intake is, "how many calories are in 100g of mixed vegetable curry?" The short answer is that it varies widely, typically falling somewhere between 40 and 150 calories. This wide range exists because a mixed vegetable curry is not a single, standardized dish but can be prepared in countless ways. The final calorie count is determined by several key factors, most notably the amount of fat used and the ingredients in the gravy or sauce.

For instance, a low-fat, homemade version made primarily with water, spices, and a small amount of oil will be much lighter than a rich, restaurant-style curry made with heavy cream, coconut milk, or a significant amount of oil. The vegetables themselves contribute a relatively small and consistent number of calories, as most non-starchy vegetables are naturally low in energy. However, the choice of starchy vegetables like potatoes can also slightly increase the overall total.

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Several key components contribute to the total calories in a mixed vegetable curry. Understanding these factors is crucial for controlling your intake.

Oil and Fat Content

This is often the biggest determinant of a curry's calorie density. A single tablespoon of oil contains over 100 calories. While a homemade curry might use only a modest amount, some restaurant preparations or pre-packaged versions may be heavy on oil or ghee to enhance flavor. Opting for fat-free cooking methods, like sautéing with water or vegetable broth, can drastically reduce the calorie load.

Cream and Coconut Milk

Ingredients used to create a creamy texture, such as coconut milk, heavy cream, or cashew paste, dramatically increase calories and saturated fat. For example, 100g of a coconut milk-based curry can contain significantly more calories than a tomato-based version. A light coconut milk alternative can provide a creamy texture with a fraction of the calories.

Legumes and Protein Sources

Some mixed vegetable curries include protein sources like lentils, chickpeas, or paneer (cottage cheese). While these add valuable nutrients like protein and fiber, they also increase the overall calorie count. Lentils, for instance, add a good amount of calories but also contribute significant dietary fiber, aiding in satiety.

Cooking Method

The method of cooking can also have an effect. Pressure cooking or slow simmering can preserve nutrients with less oil, whereas frying the ingredients at the start in excessive oil increases the fat and calorie content.

Calorie Comparison of Different Curries

To illustrate the impact of different ingredients and cooking styles, here is a comparison table showing approximate calorie counts per 100g based on search data and common recipes.


Curry Type	Approximate Calories per 100g	Key Calorie Sources
Light Homemade Veg Curry	~40-70 kcal	Mostly vegetables and minimal oil.
Restaurant-Style Veg Curry	~140-280 kcal	Heavy use of oil, ghee, and cream or coconut milk.
Veg Curry with Coconut Milk	~110-150 kcal	Coconut milk, oil, and starchy vegetables.
Veg and Lentil Curry	~90-110 kcal	Vegetables and nutrient-dense lentils, plus moderate oil.

How to Reduce Calories in Mixed Vegetable Curry

Making simple adjustments to your recipe can significantly lower the calorie count without sacrificing flavor.

Reduce the oil: Use just a teaspoon of oil for sautéing spices and onions, or dry roast them instead. A fat-free curry is possible and still delicious.
Swap the fat source: Replace full-fat coconut milk with a light version or a low-fat dairy alternative like yogurt. For creamy sauces, a smooth paste of soaked cashews can also be used sparingly.
Bulk up with low-calorie vegetables: Increase the proportion of non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms to make the curry more filling and nutrient-dense.
Use a tomato or yogurt base: A base made from blended tomatoes and spices is naturally low in fat and calories, providing a tangy flavor without the richness of cream or coconut milk.
Go easy on starchy vegetables: While potatoes are a staple, using them in moderation or opting for a higher ratio of low-carb vegetables can help manage calories.

Conclusion: A Flexible and Healthy Meal

Ultimately, there is no single answer to how many calories are in 100g of mixed vegetable curry, as the final number depends on the recipe and preparation. What is clear is that a mixed vegetable curry can be a highly nutritious and healthy meal option, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the vegetables and spices. By paying attention to the fat source and using calorie-conscious cooking methods, you can easily enjoy a delicious curry that aligns with your dietary goals. The key is controlling the ingredients that add the most calories, allowing the natural goodness of the vegetables to shine. For those interested in creating healthier meals at home, understanding these simple modifications is a powerful tool.

What you should know about the calories in vegetable curry

Calorie count varies widely: A typical 100g serving of mixed vegetable curry can contain anywhere from 40 to 150 calories or more, depending on the ingredients.
Fat content is the main factor: The type and amount of oil or ghee used, along with additions like full-fat coconut milk or cream, have the most significant impact on the total calorie count.
Homemade is often lower in calories: Curries made at home generally use less oil and fat-laden ingredients than those found in restaurants, which often prioritize a richer flavor profile.
Choose your vegetables wisely: Starchy vegetables like potatoes can increase calories, while non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower and bell peppers keep the count lower.
Look for lighter alternatives: To reduce calories, swap full-fat coconut milk for a light version, use a tomato or yogurt base, and reduce the overall amount of cooking oil.
Restaurant versions are higher: Be mindful that restaurant-style curries can have a very high calorie density per 100g, often including more fat and creamy sauces.

Frequently Asked Questions

To reduce calories, use minimal oil or a fat-free cooking method, opt for a tomato or yogurt-based sauce instead of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk, and bulk up the curry with a higher ratio of low-calorie, non-starchy vegetables.

Yes, adding full-fat coconut milk substantially increases the calories and saturated fat in a mixed vegetable curry due to its high fat content. Using a light coconut milk alternative can reduce this effect.

Typically, yes. Restaurant-style curries often contain significantly more oil, ghee, and cream to create a rich flavor, leading to a much higher calorie count per 100g compared to most homemade recipes.

Yes, but to a lesser extent than fat content. A curry with a higher proportion of starchy vegetables like potatoes will have more calories than one with predominantly non-starchy vegetables such as cauliflower and spinach.

Based on various preparations, the calorie range can span from approximately 40 kcal for a very light version to over 150 kcal for a creamier, fattier recipe.

Mixed vegetable curry can be very healthy. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the vegetables. The healthiness largely depends on the preparation method, with low-fat versions being the healthiest.

Including protein-rich legumes like lentils or chickpeas increases the overall calorie count and density of the curry. However, they also add valuable fiber and protein, making the meal more filling and nutritious.