This Instant Pot Keto Vegetarian Butter Chicken with Soy Curls recipe has all of the flavors of the famous Two Sleevers Butter Chicken recipe–in a flavorful vegetarian version. An easy Instant Pot Vegetarian recipe that I hope you guys enjoy.
Vegetarian Butter Chicken with Soy Curls | Instant Pot Keto
How would you like to make an Indian, Keto, vegetarian meal in your Instant Pot in less than 25 minutes? This Instant Pot Vegetarian Butter Chicken recipe will fit the bill.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE WE USING IN PLACE OF CHICKEN IN THIS INSTANT POT VEGETARIAN BUTTER CHICKEN RECIPE?
Soy curls, that’s what.
So many people have asked me to create a vegetarian version of my butter chicken and while I keep meaning to, something or the other comes up instead. I know you can simply add paneer later, and I’ve suggested this to a lot of people. But tonight I made this with soy curls which I got from Amazon.
Several people have raved about soy curls in the vegetarian groups I’m in, and I thought I’d try it out. I’ve never used them before but all the recipes I read said you should soak them for 10 minutes in hot water first. In an Instant Pot though, I’m not sure why this would be needed.
Wouldn’t the soy curls just hydrate during cooking? I thought it was time to test that hypothesis. Sure enough, the curls can just be poured in dry and they are well-hydrated and plump when finished.
If you’re looking for other great vegetarian recipes, check out my Palak Paneer! This otherwise difficult recipe is easy thanks to your Instant Pot!
Another fantastic vegetarian dish is my Baingan Bharta recipe! Believe it or not, you can get a wonderful smoky flavor in the Instant Pot without spending time to roast and char the eggplant.
This recipe for vegetarian butter chicken is a little different from the butter chicken as it will definitely not make extra sauce. You will also need to add some water, to hydrate the curls and to provide enough cooking liquid to come to pressure.
Additionally, there’s no good way to purée the sauce since you can’t take out the soy curls easily. But it works anyway. The recipes steps are even simpler:
- Pour everything into the Instant Pot
- Cook at high pressure for 6 minutes, NPR for 10, release remaining pressure
- Add cream and butter
- Serve with rice, cauli rice, naan, or cucumber shreds as I did
★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below! Just click on the stars in the recipe card to rate.
This Instant Pot Keto Vegetarian Butter "Chicken" with Soy Curls recipe has all of the flavors of the famous Twosleevers Butter chicken recipe--in a flavorful vegetarian version.
- 1 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes
- 5-6 cloves garlic
- 1-2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1.5 cups dry Soy Curls
- 1 cup water
- 4 ounces butter cut into cubes (use coconut oil if dairy free)
- 4 ounces heavy cream (use full-fat coconut milk if dairy free)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ¼-1/2 c chopped cilantro
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Put in tomatoes, soy curls, water and spices and cook at high pressure for 6 minutes. Allow it to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, and then release remaining pressure.
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Turn your Instant Pot on Sauté, and add the butter and cream (or substitutes) and allow them to melt while mixing. Use the back of your spoon to crush any large tomato pieces.
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Mix in the remaining 1 teaspoon of garam masala and cilantro, and serve.
I am not a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information is provided a courtesy, and can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use.
Lynn says
Fantastic recipe!! Thank you for sharing!
Jennifer Silk says
Very tasty! I added a bag of riced cauliflower and sweet potatoes to get in more vegetables.
URVASHI PITRE says
Love that!
Dana says
I’ve made butter paneer and this manages to evoke that flavor and texture, it’s delightful. I did use half yogurt half cream to replace the heavy cream because I like the zing but sooo yummy.
penny says
any suggestions for making this without and instapot?
URVASHI PITRE says
People have made the chicken version stovetop and in the crockpot
Dawn W says
I made this today. It’s DELICIOUS! I added a bit more coconut milk, used vegan margarine, and didn’t use the second tsp of garam masala. I’m not sure how many this is supposed to serve, but I’m not sharing!
Ruchy says
Made this today, turned out excellent! Thank you 🙂
Suee33 says
Just made this recipe. It is very easy to make, Most recipes you soak the Soy Curls this one you do not.
Added boxed Creamed Coconut unsweetened – 7oz box. then did NOT add any extra “butter” or oil.
Also, only used 1/4 teaspoon of the cayenne pepper, and I think it was enough – especially if you want kids to eat it, or me!!!
prema says
Thanks! Do you think this might work with Nutrela soya chunks? (the Indian style) instead of the Soy Curls. Have never purchased the Soy Curls so unsure if the consistency compares. Thanks!
URVASHI PITRE says
Yes I think it would. I believe they’re similar although I haven’t tried Nutrela in a while
Suzi Deleff says
Love your butter chicken recipe. Can’t find soy curls here in Kelowna, BC, Canada. Wondering how you would recommend preparing this dish with firm tofu. Thanks in advance for any insight you might have 😊
URVASHI PITRE says
Did you see the FAQs I linked to? They tell you how to make it with several different ingredients including tofu
Mirna says
Loved this recipe. I used full fat coconut mil and coconut mana. Absolutely awesome.
Chris says
Love this recipe! I subbed a can of tomato paste (plus 1 can of water mixed with it) for the tomatoes to avoid the “chunky” factor. It was incredible!!! My only recommendation is to break up the soy curls for a bit better texture. Flavor was on point (thanks to this recipe), but soy curls take some getting used to.
URVASHI PITRE says
Glad that worked and I like your tomato paste and water hack.
Becky says
If you rehydrate the soy curls, squeeze out the excess waster, then rinse and squeeze and THEN use them, there is no “off” flavor.
LibranFlight says
Thank you for posting this recipe, I am new to soy curls and am attempting to find delicious ways to serve them, and your recipe was fast, easy, and delicious! Plus, I found yet another meal that is Instant Pot friendly, a bonus! Thanks again!!!
URVASHI PITRE says
You’re welcome! I’d love to hear what else you use them for. I have 2-3 little bags of them that I need to use up 🙂