24 Warming Curry Recipes Under 500 Calories

Whether it's made with slow-cooked meat or tender vegetables, a hearty bowl of curry makes for a satisfying wintertime meal.

That's why we rounded up tasty curry recipes that give you all the warm comfort you're looking for without going over your calorie budget. Keep scrolling for 24 delicious curry recipes that clock in under 500 calories.

• ​341 calories​
• ​30 grams of protein​

Two flavor powerhouses in this recipe are ginger and chili powder. "Both of these ingredients contain anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce your risk of heart disease," says dietitian Andrea Mathis, RDN.

• ​232 calories​
• ​21 grams of protein​

If you need a recipe to use leftover pulled pork, here's an easy one. This Instant Pot Pulled Pork Coconut Curry requires just 30 minutes of prep time. And if you're looking to reduce the saturated fat in this dish, Mathis suggests using low-fat or lite coconut milk and lean pork.

• ​420 calories​
• ​40 grams of protein​

This recipe uses garlic and ginger as flavor enhancers. "Garlic has been known to help combat the common cold," Mathis says. And ginger is known to help reduce nausea, migraines and inflammation, she adds.

• ​498 calories​
• ​17.7 grams of protein​

"The tofu and black rice contain fiber and iron," Mathis says. "Iron is a mineral that's essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body." She also notes that because this recipe contains zero cholesterol, it's great for those concerned about heart health.

• ​360 calories​
• ​11.2 grams of protein​

Chickpeas are a great meat replacement, especially for those following vegetarian and vegan diets. "Chickpeas continue to grow in popularity due to their versatility in both sweet and savory dishes," Mathis says. "They also are high in protein and contain vitamins, minerals and fiber."

• ​206 calories​
• ​2.8 grams of protein​

Even though this one-pot wonder makes meal planning a whole lot easier, Mathis suggests bulking it up to increase both the caloric and protein content for a well-balanced meal. Consider adding a protein like tofu or chicken and a whole grain like quinoa or brown rice to keep you fuller longer.

• ​496 calories​
• ​8 grams of protein​

We love the abundance of vegetables used in this recipe, but Mathis warns that it contains a fair amount of saturated fat. "To lower the saturated fat content, try using low-fat coconut milk instead of the full-fat version and canola oil in place of coconut oil."

• ​449 calories​
• ​45 grams of protein​

This seafood curry is chock-full of protein that will keep you satiated for hours after mealtime. And it contains a large serving of basil, which provides vitamins A, C and K, manganese, iron and copper, Mathis says.

• ​471 calories​
• ​48 grams of protein​

This curry recipe is packed with protein from pork and fiber from eggplant, mushrooms and green beans. "While fish sauce adds great flavor to this dish, it is high in sodium and should be used sparingly," Mia Syn, RDN of Nutrition by Mia, says. Instead, try using a broth that is a low-sodium variety and will help to reduce the salt in this dish.

• ​494 calories​
• ​41 grams of protein​

Turkey is a smart lean protein choice and pairs well with nutrient-dense produce like carrots and broccoli. If you're using pre-cooked or leftover turkey in this recipe, remember to add it at the very end of the cooking process to avoid tough, chewy, dry meat.

• ​339 calories​
• ​33 grams of protein​

"This recipe takes advantage of plenty of aromatic spices that give this dish flavor for nearly zero calories," Syn says. If you're looking to decrease the salt here, reach for low-sodium broth and no-salt-added crushed tomatoes.

• ​232 calories​
• ​17 grams of protein​

Looking to add more seafood to your diet? Syn says this recipe helps you meet your recommended two servings of seafood per week with prawns. Fresh prawns are low in fat, rich in antioxidants and full of omega-3 fatty acids.

• ​433 calories​
• ​31 grams of protein​

"This dish is made with whole-grain quinoa, which provides fiber, and chicken, which is a lean protein that gives it major staying power," Syn says. To add even more protein and heart-healthy fats, feel free to increase the almonds to one ounce, which gives you 6 grams of protein, according to the USDA.

• ​415 calories​
• ​15 grams of protein​

This vegetarian recipe will truly impress. "It uses chickpeas and almonds as the plant-based protein sources, which also add filling fiber," Syn says. One serving of this recipe provides 10 grams of filling fiber.

• ​495 calories​
• ​43 grams of protein​

Lentils and chicken are to thank for the high protein content in this tasty curry recipe. "Lentils provide fiber, plant-based iron and other key nutrients like magnesium, potassium, zinc and B vitamins," Syn says.

• ​199 calories​
• ​8 grams of protein​

"This recipe is lower in saturated fat because it doesn't contain high-fat dairy, red meat or coconut-based ingredients," Syn says. Opt for no-salt-added canned chickpeas or cook your own from scratch to lower the overall sodium in this dish.

• ​485 calories​
• ​66 grams of protein​

This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe packs curry spices like coriander and ginger. Using Greek yogurt instead of traditional yogurt really amps up the protein in this dish, Syn says. "Using a non-fat variety of Greek yogurt is a smart choice because it eliminates saturated fat that would be potentially be added," she says.

• ​408 calories​
• ​48 grams of protein​

Bok choy, which is included in this recipe, is a cruciferous vegetable full of vitamins and minerals, including carotenoids. "While most research is limited to animal studies, it does show promise that the compounds found in cruciferous vegetables may help prevent certain types of cancer," Nicole Rodriguez, RDN, says

• ​455 calories​
• ​25 grams of protein​

When it comes to soup recipes, using traditional boxed broth can add too much sodium. "Choose a broth labeled as low-sodium and choose your curry paste with care," Rodriguez warns. "Some brands of yellow curry paste clock in at 550 milligrams of sodium per serving while others contain less than half that amount."

• ​99 calories​
• ​3 grams of protein​

If you're feeling under the weather, make this Thai-inspired dish. "A cup of chopped red bell pepper contains nearly three times the amount of vitamin C as oranges," Rodriguez says. Consider adding chicken, beef, fish or tofu to make this meal more satiating.

• ​313 calories​
• ​18 grams of protein​

"Most women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day and this dish serves up nearly half of that," Rodriguez says. "Including beans and legumes in your diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and positively impact cardiovascular health."

• ​277 calories​
• ​7 grams of protein​

Consider this veggie-based meal for your next Meatless Monday menu. "To complete this meal, add a protein source of your choosing," Rodriguez recommends. Extra-firm tofu will work for vegans or eggs for vegetarians.

• ​302 calories​
• ​14 grams of protein​

Lentils are full of fiber and they're an excellent source of potassium. Not to mention, they keep you full for hours. "Don't skip the black pepper in this recipe — its main bioactive compound, piperine, will enhance the benefits of turmeric," Rodriguez says.

• ​278 calories​
• ​4 grams of protein​

A cup of cooked butternut squash clocks in at 82 calories and provides more than 6 grams of fiber and nearly 2 grams of protein, per the USDA. This makes it a great star of a low-calorie dish like this one. Plus, making your own curry sauce allows you to tailor the taste and nutritional content to your liking.