Slow Cooker Curries You Can Forget Until Dinner

low Cooker Curries You Can Forget Until Dinner

There’s something beautifully comforting about walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the rich, warm aroma of curry simmering gently in your slow cooker. With the hustle of modern life, these “set and forget” curry recipes are game-changers for families, professionals, students, and food lovers alike.

This blog dives deep into the world of slow cooker curries — particularly Indian-inspired but also incorporating global influences — with a focus on taste, ease, and versatility. Whether you prefer meat-based dishes, vegetarian staples, or budget-friendly meals, this guide will help you prepare unforgettable curries without standing by the stove for hours.

🌶️ Why Slow Cooker Curries?

Let’s start with why slow cooking and curries are such a perfect match:

• Flavour Depth: Slow cooking allows spices and ingredients to infuse deeply, creating rich, complex layers of taste.

• Effortless Cooking: Prep in the morning, dump it all in the slow cooker, and forget it until dinner.

• Tender Textures: Meats become fall-apart tender, and legumes cook perfectly without babysitting.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Make big batches and enjoy leftovers or freeze portions for later.

• Budget Friendly: You can use cheaper cuts of meat, pantry staples, and seasonal veggies effectively.

🛒 Ingredients That Shine in Slow Cooker Curries

While you can get creative, here are slow cooker-friendly ingredients that work especially well:

• Meat & Protein: Chicken thighs, lamb shoulder, beef chuck, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, paneer

• Veggies: Potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, peas, pumpkin, eggplant

• Aromatics: Onion, garlic, ginger, green chilies

• Spices: Turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, chili powder, cardamom, cinnamon

• Liquids: Coconut milk, tomato puree, yogurt, water, broth

• Others: Curry leaves, kasuri methi (dried fenugreek), tamarind paste, ghee

🍛 Top Slow Cooker Curry Recipes

Let’s dig into some mouth-watering recipes you can prep in the morning and enjoy with zero stress at dinnertime.

1. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Ingredients:

• 700g chicken thighs, boneless

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp ginger paste

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ¾ cup tomato puree

• ½ cup thick cream or coconut milk

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients (except cream and butter) in the slow cooker.

2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours.

3. Stir in cream and butter before serving.

4. Serve with rice or naan.

2. Vegetable Korma Curry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped potatoes

• 1 cup cauliflower florets

• 1 cup carrots

• ½ cup peas

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 tbsp korma paste or homemade spice mix

• 1 can coconut milk

• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste

• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Add everything to the crockpot.

2. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

3. Stir gently before serving. Garnish with coriander.

3. Slow Cooker Dal Tadka

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toor dal or moong dal

• 3 cups water

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 tsp ghee or oil

• Green chili, optional

Method:

1. Rinse dal and add it with water and turmeric to the slow cooker.

2. In a pan, prepare tadka: heat ghee, sauté cumin, garlic, onions, and tomato.

3. Add tadka to the slow cooker.

4. Cook on low for 6 hours. Finish with lemon and coriander.

4. Chickpea Spinach Curry (Vegan)

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained

• 1 cup spinach

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 1 can coconut milk

• 2 tsp curry powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt & chili to taste

Method:

1. Add everything to the slow cooker.

2. Cook on low for 5–6 hours.

3. Stir before serving with steamed rice.

5. Slow Cooker Lamb Rogan Josh

Ingredients:

• 600g lamb shoulder, cubed

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp yogurt

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 2 tsp rogan josh curry paste or spice mix

• 2 tomatoes, pureed

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3 cloves

• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

2. Cook on low for 7–8 hours.

3. Serve with basmati rice or naan.

6. Thai Red Curry with Chicken

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast or thighs

• 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste

• 1 can coconut milk

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce

• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients in slow cooker.

2. Cook on low for 5–6 hours.

3. Serve with jasmine rice.

7. Slow Cooker Egg Curry

Ingredients:

• 6 boiled eggs

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste

• 1 tsp garam masala

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1½ cups water or coconut milk

Method:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and tomato if desired, or add raw to slow cooker.

2. Add eggs and all ingredients.

3. Cook on low for 4–5 hours.

🧑‍🍳 Tips for Slow Cooker Curry Success

1. Toast your spices (if time permits):
A quick toast in ghee or oil enhances spice aroma, especially in Indian curries.

2. Use whole spices for more depth:
Cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, or cardamom pods do wonders during long cooking.

3. Balance the liquids:
Too much coconut milk or tomato puree can make the curry watery. Use just enough for a saucy texture.

4. Don’t overdo cream or yogurt early:
Add these towards the end to avoid curdling.

5. Finish with freshness:
Chopped herbs, squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of yogurt elevates even the most basic curry.

🍽️ What to Serve with Slow Cooker Curries

• Steamed Rice (Basmati/Jasmine/Brown)

• Jeera Rice or Coconut Rice

• Chapati, Naan, or Paratha

• Raita or Cucumber Yogurt Salad

• Pickles or Papad

• Simple Green Salad

🥘 Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

Slow cooker curries are perfect for meal prep:

• Most curries store for 3–4 days in the fridge.

• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

• Reheat slowly on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water.

🌱 Vegetarian & Vegan Adaptations

• Use legumes, tofu, jackfruit, or mushrooms as base protein.

• Coconut milk adds creaminess without dairy.

• Look for spice blends without ghee or butter.

• Vegan options: Chickpea Curry, Eggplant Masala, Lentil Coconut Curry.

💰 Budget-Friendly Curry Ideas

1. Use dry lentils or beans: Cheaper than canned and bulk-friendly.

2. Bulk with veggies: Add pumpkin, potatoes, or peas to stretch meat or dal.

3. Make your own curry paste: Saves money and avoids preservatives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Should Try These Recipes?

• Busy Parents: No need to monitor the stove with kids around.

• Students & Bachelors: Minimal effort and maximum taste.

• Fitness Enthusiasts: Lean protein with nourishing spices.

• Vegetarians & Vegans: High-protein plant-based options.

• Elderly or Working Professionals: Easy to digest, wholesome meals with low prep.

🔁 Bonus: 3-Ingredient Shortcut Curry Base

Don’t have time to prep? Use this:

• 1 jar curry paste

• 1 can coconut milk

• Your choice of protein or veg

Dump, stir, and cook on low. Dinner sorted!

🌍 Curry Inspirations from Around the Globe

• Indian: Butter Chicken, Korma, Tikka Masala, Madras

• Thai: Red Curry, Green Curry, Massaman

• Middle Eastern: Tagine-style lentil stews

• African: Peanut Chicken Curry

• Caribbean: Coconut jerk curry with rice and beans

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker curries are a true kitchen hack — bringing home-cooked comfort with almost no effort. Whether you love bold Indian flavours, Thai zestiness, or mellow lentil stews, your crockpot can do it all while you focus on life. These recipes work across lifestyles — from meat-lovers to vegans, from spicy aficionados to mild curry fans.

The beauty lies in the simplicity: dump, set, forget… and come home to dinner already made.