What To Do With Leftover Curry: 14 Delicious Ideas!

In a rush, and just need to grab some quick ideas? 

No problem! 

One of the best ways to use up leftover curry is to serve it over a jacket potato at lunchtime, alongside a green side salad. 

Some other ideas include grilled curry sandwiches, curry naan bread wraps, curry fried rice, curry pasta, curry omelettes, and curry tacos. 

Whether you want to whip up a quick and easy lunch with your leftovers, or you want to transform them into another satisfying evening meal, there’s no shortage of options! 

Keep reading to discover more ideas for what to do with leftover curry, 

1. Jacket Potatoes 

For an easy but satisfying lunch, reheat your leftover curry and serve it spooned over a jacket potato.

If you want to make it a little more exciting, you could add a dollop of mango chutney, garnish with some freshly chopped coriander or sliced red chillis, and serve with a side salad. 

2. Grilled Curry Sandwiches

Everyone loves a grilled cheese sandwich! 

If you’re a spice lover, you’ll be delighted to discover that they’re even better with an added serving of leftover curry. 

Just take a few slices of bread (I love sourdough best for this), spread over your curry, add a slice of cheese, and grill until the curry is hot and the cheese is melted. 

This is perfect for an easy lunch, or you can make it into a substantial evening meal by adding a side salad and some fries. 

3. Curry Naan Bread Wraps 

This tasty option for what to do with leftover curry is likely to be your favourite if you love some street food vibes!

Just add your reheated curry to a naan bread, add some chopped tomato, cucumber, and red onion, and roll up before serving with a drizzle of cooling raita. 

4. Curry Spring Rolls

Love fusion cuisine? 

If so, you need to try this one! 

Roll up your leftover curry in spring roll wrappers, before cooking and serving with salad and some mango chutney. 

5. Curry Fried Rice

Transform your leftover curry into a delicious curry fried rice dish.

First, heat some oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions, green bell peppers, and other veggies of your choice.

Next, add cold, cooked rice and mix well. Stir in your leftover curry sauce, whether it’s chicken curry or a vegetarian variety, and cook until the rice is heated through.

For an extra protein boost, add diced meat, tofu, or eggs to create a well-rounded meal that bursts with flavour.

6. Curry Omelette

Give your breakfast an Indian twist with a curry omelette.

Whisk together eggs, milk, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a spoonful of leftover curry sauce.

Pour the mixture into a greased pan and cook until the edges are slightly set. Add any desired fillings like cheese, spinach, or tomato, and then fold the omelette over.

Cook through and serve immediately.

7. Curry Pasta

A simple way to use up leftover curry is by creating a curry pasta dish.

Select your favourite pasta shape and cook it according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, reheat the leftover curry and stir in some milk or cream to create a smoother sauce.

Add cooked pasta to the curry sauce, ensuring it’s well coated, and serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley.

8. Curry Soup and Stew

Leftover curry can be easily transformed into a hearty soup or stew.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and any vegetables you have on hand in a large pot.

Then, add the leftover curry, along with some vegetable or meat broth depending on the curry base.

You can add potatoes, lentils, or beans to create a thicker stew.

Simmer until heated through and serve with your choice of side.

(If you love cooking Indian food at home, you might also enjoy reading what to serve with dhal for more ideas). 

9. Curry Pizza

Give your pizza night an Indian twist by using leftover curry as a base sauce.

Preheat your oven and prepare a pizza crust, either homemade or store-bought.

Spread the curry sauce evenly over the crust, layering the meat and/or vegetables from the curry.

Top with shredded cheese and bake according to the crust’s instructions until golden and bubbly.

10. Curry Salad

Who says curry must be warm?

Mix your leftover curry sauce with some mayonnaise or yoghurt to make a unique curry dressing for salads.

Toss the dressing with your choice of greens, vegetables, and protein like grilled chicken or tofu.

Add some nuts or seeds for a bit of crunch, and you’ve got a flavourful, healthy meal.

11. Curry Tacos

Spice up traditional tacos by using leftover curry as a filling.

Heat the curry in a pan, then spoon it into soft tortillas or hard taco shells.

Top with shredded lettuce, finely diced onions, chopped tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream or yoghurt.

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and enjoy your Indian-inspired taco creation.

(If you love curry night, you might also enjoy checking out side dishes for chicken curry!) 

12. Curry Dipping Sauce

Transform your leftover curry into a delectable dipping sauce perfect for a variety of appetisers.

First, add a pinch of salt to taste and mix the curry with a small amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.

Serve this curry dipping sauce alongside tandoori chicken, vegetable pakoras, or even some warm naan bread for a unique spin on your traditional sauce options.

13. Flavoured Butter

Give your regular butter a spicy twist by using your leftover curry.

To make flavoured butter, simply take softened butter and mix it with your leftover curry.

Add salt as needed and a touch of coriander for a fresh, herby taste.

Once combined, place the mixture in the fridge to soften.

Use this flavoured butter to add a burst of flavour to grilled vegetables, toast or melting on top of a juicy steak.

The possibilities are endless!

14. Spicy Raita

Create a delicious, cooling spicy raita by combining plain yogurt with your leftover curry.

Add a dollop of your chosen pickle, such as mango or lime, and stir in finely chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.

Adjust the seasoning with salt as per your preference.

Serve your spicy raita alongside a traditional Indian meal, or be adventurous and use it as a dipping sauce for crisps or breadsticks. 

Final thoughts on what to do with leftover curry 

As you can see, there are some many creative ways to use up leftover curry and transform it into a delicious meal or snack! 

Here’s a quick summary of ideas for you to try: 

• Jacket potatoes
• Grilled curry sandwiches
• Curry naan bread wraps 
• Curry spring rolls 
• Curry fried rice
• Curry omelette
• Curry pasta
• Curry soup and stew 
• Curry pizza
• Curry salad
• Curry tacos
• Curry dipping sauce
• Flavoured butter 
• Spicy raita

If you love cooking curries, you might want to check out some more of our guides to creating the most delicious spicy dishes, including what to serve with curry instead of rice, how to fix bland curry, and how to improve store bought curry sauce!