Pineapple curry is spicy, tangy, and mildly sweet. The combination of the pineapple’s sourness with the sweetness and spice of the cooked gravy is like a flavor bomb. Enjoy with any Indian flatbread or hot, steamed rice!
I had some leftover pineapple in the fridge, but since it wasn’t very sweet, it didn’t appeal to the people at home. Pineapple raita or Pineapple lassi were two options I had as I didn’t want to waste it. Both of these ideas failed to pique my interest, so I had to search for another.
See Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Pineapple Peel Tea
The only other dish that came to mind was Pineapple Menaskai, which consists of pineapple cooked in a coconut curry. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Unfortunately, it had been a hard day and I lacked the energy and time to make a full-fledged curry. As a result, I made my own tempered Pineapple curry, which has a similar flavor but is served as a side dish or subzi rather than a sauce.
This dish is quite simple, and it only takes 30 minutes to complete. I sincerely hope you enjoy it!

Tempered Pineapple Curry
Due to my consistent consumption of vegetables, I have never considered myself a picky eater. When it comes to adding fruit or nuts to my savory food, I may be picky. My palette has expanded because I now enjoy fruit chutneys and crushed peanuts with my Thai food.
I have a friend from whom I seek advice when I want to make some traditional Sri Lankan food for my family and friends. I made this pineapple curry, and when I tried it, I fell in love. It’s hard for me to believe that I’ve never wanted to try this fantastic dish. There may be other delectable recipes there that I have been missing, so I think I’ll have to keep my mind and palate open.
Green peppers are added to the pineapple curry, however, I have since used red bell pepper. Once everything is sautéed in oil with tonnes of delicious herbs and spices, I add it all. Tadka is the local term for this method of cooking spices (or tarka). It’s a fantastic method to give meals incredible flavor with minimal work!
Why You’ll Love This Tempered Pineapple Curry?
- The flavor is out of this world, and it’s far healthier than takeout.
- It takes a little over 30 mins to make, just requires a few simple ingredients, and is delicious.
- The combination of unique and well-balanced flavors makes this dish a surefire hit with the whole family.
Ingredients Required

- Pineapple: You may also use canned pineapple in juice in this pineapple curry, although fresh pineapple works best. If using canned pineapple before including it in the curry, make sure to thoroughly drain it.
- Coconut Oil: You can also use avocado oil and canola oil instead of coconut oil.
- Onions: You’ll need 1 diced medium onion.
- Bell Pepper: They give the curry a great flavor and a little sweetness. You can use bell peppers of any color you like.
- Garlic: Add 4-5 minced cloves of garlic to the dish.
- Cardamoms: give a pleasant fragrance to this curry.
- Cinnamon: The warming, rich, spicy, and sweet flavors of cinnamon make it the ideal ingredient for enhancing the flavor of either sweet or savory foods.
- Curry Leaves And Pandan Leaves: These lovely leaves are full of health benefits and have a distinct nutty aroma with hints of anise and citrus. Pandan is a popular aromatic ingredient in savory and sweet cuisines. If you don’t have one, don’t worry it will still taste amazing!
- Red Chili Powder: adds a subtle amount of heat. Substitute with cayenne pepper.
- Sri Lankan Curry Powder: The best way to assure strong flavors is to make your own spice mix at home because you can regulate the blend’s level of freshness. Additionally, it saves money and is simple to execute.
- Cumin: adds depth to your curry.
- Turmeric Powder: one of nature’s most potent anti-inflammatory agents. To enjoy the benefits of turmeric and improve the flavor (and appearance) of your food, use it frequently when cooking.
- Salt: A pinch of salt will help to balance the flavors.
- Coconut Milk: optional however adds a creamy flavor.
How To Make Tempered Pineapple Curry?
- Peel pineapple skin and dice them into small pieces.
- Slice the onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
- Heat a pan and add coconut oil
- Add the onions, green pepper, and garlic, and cook until the onions become transparent about 3 minutes.
- Add Cinnamon and cardamom. Add Curry leaves and Pandan Leaves.
- Add curry powder, cumin, turmeric powder, and red chili powder,
- Add The Pineapples, water, and coconut milk.
- Cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper, and mix well. cook for another 2 minutes on medium heat.
How To Serve?
Curry is one of my favorite dishes, and while I usually eat it with Jasmine rice or basmati rice, it is equally delicious with potatoes or flatbread like (naan, chapati, and roti). It can also be served with regular bread.
Coriander is a fantastic herb that pairs wonderfully with curry, so feel free to sprinkle some on top.
Leftovers And Storage
- In an airtight container, any leftovers will store nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- The pineapple curry may be heated up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- I wouldn’t suggest freezing this curry because the pineapple will probably be mushy when thawed.
Recipe Notes And Tips
- For even more crunch, stir in some toasted cashews.
- Pour some plain yogurt over the top and drizzle for a wonderful creamy garnish. If you feel it to be excessively spicy, this also aids in reducing the heat level.
- Ensure that you use all the herbs and spices called for in the recipe. The taste will alter if any of them are removed.
- Coconut oil is essential for an authentic recipe. However, if you are unable to find coconut oil, you can use any other oil with an unflavored flavor.
- Add a spoonful of tamari sauce to the dish to boost the flavor.
- For the addition of protein, try adding some tofu. Simply press and pan-fry the tofu, then stir-fry it in the gravy until it has cooked completely.
- If you want to serve this curry with rice, cooking the rice in coconut milk is a great idea.
- Coconut cauliflower rice is a great side dish for people following the paleo diet.
- Add 1 tablespoon of red chili powder at the beginning of cooking and taste for heat. To increase the heat, add 1 teaspoon at a time and stir well after each addition.
- The leftovers from this are delicious and stored well!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Curry Recipe
The Taste Of The Pineapple Coconut Curry Sauce.
You’d think that the pineapple curry dish would maintain the same flavors given the fruit’s natural sweetness and acidity, but it doesn’t.
This low-carb Pineapple dish is perfect as a complement to savory main dishes like meat and fish because cooking removes the fruit’s natural sweetness and acidity.
The fruit almost has the flavor of another veggie dish, which might be a wonderful addition to your meatless meals.
How To Choose Pineapple To Make This Tempered Pineapple Curry Recipe?
Take your time while choosing the best pineapple because you don’t want to bring it home and find that it’s too ripe.
It is challenging to decide on a look when you are trying to choose these fruits, especially if you are short on time.
- The leafy crown should be green and not have any yellow leaves, so inspect it.
- The pineapple’s skin should be mostly green with some yellow coloring, according to the inspection.
- Avoid pineapples that are excessively yellow at the bottom or at the crown. A greener pineapple should always be purchased, brought home, and allowed to ripen before being used.
- There should be no given in the pineapple when you press on it, especially near the bottom and the top.
- To check that the pineapple is not overripe the simplest way is to sniff its bottom. If you detect a sweet, acidic fragrance that is strong and lingers, the pineapple is almost certainly going to rot.
- Avoid purchasing pineapple that has been exposed to direct sunlight if you are purchasing organic pineapple from the grocery store.
Can I Make This Mild Pineapple Curry Spicier?
To give the curry flavor a stronger kick, you can add 1 teaspoon more curry powder and chili powder when you add the turmeric powder.
Can I Use Canned Pineapple To Make The Curry?
Yes. You may even flavor the gravy with pineapple juice, but be sure to cook it on low heat for a longer period of time so the gravy can thicken before you add the pineapple chunks. Be careful not to overcook them or they will become too soft.
What is Pineapple Curry?
A sweet and delicious curry, pineapple curry is perfect for the main course or side dish. This curry’s major component is pineapple, and it’s both delicious and easy to create.
Do You Need Coconut Milk To Make Curry?
You can make curry without using coconut milk. You may use coconut milk if you want, I have made it both ways.
Other Vegan Curry Recipes To Prepare
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Categories
- Categories: Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Courses: Entrée, Main Course
- Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Nutrition
(Per serving)- Energy: 43 kcal / 180 kJ
- Fat: 1.9 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbs: 6.5 g
Cook Time
- Preparation: 10 min
- Cooking: 15 min
- Ready in: 25 min
- For: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium pineapple, peeled, core discarded and the
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1 inch cinnamon
- 3 whole cardamom
- 8 curry leaves, (optional)
- 2 pieces pandan leaves
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel pineapple skin and dice them into small pieces.
- Heat coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions, pepper, and garlic, and cook until the onions become transparent about 3 minutes.
- Add cinnamon, cardamom, curry leaves, and Pandan Leaves.
- Add curry powder, cumin, turmeric powder, and chili powder,
- Add the Pineapple cubes, water, coconut milk, and salt to taste
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes stirring occasionally.