Best whole veg alternative to chicken in a curry?

[BewareTheBeardedDragon]

Dc likes chicken curry (we haven't always been a meat free household) and I'm looking for the best whole veg (ie. not processed fake meat - obv I will cut the veg up) alternative that might satisfy?

He likes cauliflower and potatoes - but I'd like to include something a bit more 'meaty' - mushrooms are sadly out. He is not keen on the fake chicken chunks - we have tried loads of brands without success.

Any ideas, and how I could make them taste more 'meaty'? I have tried smoked paprika and nutritional yeast dusted over before frying to get a bacon flavour with some success.

Paneer?

Marrow or courgette -if very lightly cooked to retain shape

Would jackfruit work?

Butternut squash?

I like to use chickpeas, not really meaty texture but definitely tasty in curries. Especially with cauliflower.

You could add chick peas

Smoked tofu?
Or go the other way and add butter beans or chick peas with your veg.
my DC love the butter beans, they are quite big and have a softer texture than chickpeas

Broccoli or cauliflower are always nice in curries.

Aubergine? Maybe turnips, though they can be a bit watery.

Butternut squash is so lovely in curry
Aubergine?
Lentil curry (Dahl) is beautiful!
Matter paneer is also really nice! Basically I think pretty much anything works in a curry

Chickpeas alongside your veg of choice add a bit of texture, as well as a bit of protein.

Sweet potatoes work really well in curry. They keep their shape well and you can mix with regular potatoes

We are doing a butternut and sweet potato curry next week after some success with them in a tagine.

WRT the tagine, my lo’s really liked the texture of the dried apricots too, would apricots or perhaps sultanas maybe work?

Dh likes halloumi as a meat substitute in a curry, and fajitas/enchiladas.

::facepalm::

Just realised this is in vegan, sorry.

Sorry, meant to add, I roasted the veg first to prevent them going soggy.

Is there a vegan version of paneer?

Aubergine, butternut squash

Can I ask, when people are suggesting paneer, are you talking about vegan “paneer” (basically firm tofu)?

Aubergine

Brown basmati makes it feel more substantial and tastes delicious. I always enjoy meat free meals more if I make sure there's a variety of textures on my plate, rather than just something replicating meat. Toasted cashews make a good garnish as does finely sliced red onion or even onions fried until really caramelised.

Jackfruit is very ‘meaty’

@BewareTheBeardedDragon

Dc likes chicken curry (we haven't always been a meat free household) and I'm looking for the best whole veg (ie. not processed fake meat - obv I will cut the veg up) alternative that might satisfy?

He likes cauliflower and potatoes - but I'd like to include something a bit more 'meaty' - mushrooms are sadly out. He is not keen on the fake chicken chunks - we have tried loads of brands without success.

Any ideas, and how I could make them taste more 'meaty'? I have tried smoked paprika and nutritional yeast dusted over before frying to get a bacon flavour with some success.

Jackfruit and chana dal is a good alternative to meat. As is kidney beans or black eyed peas.

Yep, aubergine, butternut squash, sweet potato are my go-tos. Add chickpeas.

Cashews, sweet potatoes, chickpeas.
Don’t try and “replace” the chicken, find veg that work by themselves.