Nourish Your Gut with This Candida-Friendly Curry
This warming coconut lemongrass curry is a delicious and comforting Candida-friendly meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. With fresh vegetables, rich coconut milk, and aromatic herbs, it supports gut health without feeding yeast or triggering irritation. This dish comes together easily and is packed with flavor, making it a great staple if you’re following a Candida cleanse or just want a healthy plant-based option. It’s light, vibrant, and deeply satisfying.
Coconut Lemongrass Curry
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger freshly-grated
- 1 stalk lemongrass bruised and finely chopped (white part only)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 small zucchini sliced
- 1 small carrot julienned or chopped
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 medium red bell pepper sliced (optional)
- 1 cup coconut milk full fat, additive-free
- ½ cup vegetable broth or water
- salt to taste
- 1 tbsp lime juice fresh
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro to serve
- ½ block firm tofu, cubed and pan-seared (optional)
- 1 chicken thigh cooked and shredded (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 small onion
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp ginger, 1 stalk lemongrass
- Add turmeric and cumin. Stir briefly to toast the spices.1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin
- Toss in zucchini, carrot, cauliflower, and bell pepper (if using). Cook for 3–4 minutes.1 small zucchini, 1 small carrot, 1 cup cauliflower florets, 1 medium red bell pepper
- Pour in coconut milk and broth. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.1 cup coconut milk, ½ cup vegetable broth
- Add salt and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.salt to taste, 1 tbsp lime juice
- Stir through tofu or chicken if using. Simmer another 2 minutes to warm through.1/2 block firm tofu, cubed and pan-seared, 1 chicken thigh
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.2 tbsp fresh cilantro
Notes & Tips
- Lemongrass is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial—great for gut and immune support.
- Coconut milk soothes the gut lining and provides healthy fats.
- Garlic and ginger offer natural antifungal and digestive benefits.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of mild chili if tolerated.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed greens for a low-carb, Candida-safe pairing.
Why this coconut lemongrass curry is Candida-friendly
This Candida-friendly Thai-style curry is designed to nourish the gut while keeping inflammation low. Each ingredient has a purpose. Lemongrass is well known for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties, making it an ideal herb during any Candida protocol. Coconut milk not only adds creaminess but contains caprylic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid that helps support a balanced gut microbiome. The ginger and garlic are gentle detoxifiers, traditionally used to ease digestion and reduce bloating. Even the vegetables in this recipe are selected to be low-starch and less likely to ferment in the gut, reducing food for unwanted yeast.
If you’re looking for even more structured support on your Candida journey, try combining meals like this with Yeastrix Candida Cleanse — a high-potency, delayed-release supplement that contains key antifungal agents like undecylenic acid, caprylic acid, garlic extract, and cloves. It’s designed to work synergistically with gut-friendly recipes like this one, making it easier to stick to your plan and get results faster.
More gut-friendly recipe tips and Candida resources
Want more Candida-safe meals like this? Visit our growing recipe archive on Candida.com — each dish is developed with both flavor and digestive health in mind. You’ll also find resources from Eric Bakker, ND, including free programs and guidance on how to build your own Candida recovery protocol. Whether you’re just getting started or deep into the process, combining dietary changes with targeted supplements and lifestyle tweaks is key.
For those sensitive to tofu, this curry is just as delicious with only the vegetables. If you’re curious about soy or wondering how tofu fits into a Candida plan, keep an eye out for our upcoming blog post exploring the pros and cons of tofu and gut health.
For a zesty side or flavor-packed starter, check out our Candida Tiger Milk Marinade — a lime- and garlic-based sauce inspired by Peruvian ceviche, adapted to support a Candida-friendly gut.
Eric Bakker N.D.
Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.
