15 Vegan and Vegetarian Indian Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re looking for delicious, plant-based meals that are full of flavor, Indian cuisine has a lot to offer. Vegan and vegetarian Indian recipes make it easy to enjoy healthy meals that are packed with spices, veggies, and protein-rich ingredients. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned fan, these recipes will bring excitement to your kitchen and satisfy your taste buds.

Chana Masala

Chana Masala is a flavorful chickpea curry that’s perfect for a quick, protein-packed meal. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan with oil until they turn golden. Add spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, then toss in diced tomatoes and cook until soft. Stir in canned or cooked chickpeas and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the spices to blend. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve it with rice or flatbread for a satisfying vegan meal.

Baingan Bharta

Baingan Bharta is a smoky, mashed eggplant dish that’s a favorite in Indian kitchens. First, roast or grill whole eggplants until the skin is charred and the inside becomes soft. Peel and mash the eggplant, then sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garam masala. Add diced tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens, then stir in the mashed eggplant. Let it cook for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. This dish pairs perfectly with roti or naan for a simple yet flavorful vegan meal.

Palak Paneer (Vegan Version)

For a vegan twist on Palak Paneer, use tofu or cashew cream instead of paneer. Start by blanching spinach leaves and blending them into a smooth puree. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger with cumin and garam masala. Add the spinach puree and let it simmer for a few minutes before stirring in cubes of firm tofu or cashew cream for creaminess. Cook until the flavors meld together, then serve it with basmati rice or naan. This dish is a healthy, delicious way to enjoy spinach.

Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a comforting combination of potatoes and cauliflower cooked with aromatic spices. Begin by sautéing cumin seeds in oil until they start to crackle, then add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Toss in diced potatoes and cauliflower, and stir in turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili powder. Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook until tender. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh cilantro for extra flavor. Serve this simple yet hearty dish with rice or chapati for a wholesome vegan meal.

Masoor Dal

Masoor Dal is a comforting red lentil soup that’s both filling and nutritious. Rinse red lentils and cook them in a pot with water until they become soft. In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger with cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. Pour the cooked lentils into the pan and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors. You can add a splash of coconut milk for creaminess if you like. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or flatbread for a delicious vegan meal.

Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable Biryani is a fragrant rice dish loaded with colorful veggies and aromatic spices. Start by cooking basmati rice until it’s nearly done but still firm. In a large pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger with whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Add mixed vegetables such as carrots, peas, and green beans, along with ground spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Layer the partially cooked rice over the veggies, cover, and let the dish steam until everything is tender. Serve with a side of cooling raita or chutney.

Bhindi Masala

Bhindi Masala is a flavorful okra stir-fry that’s quick and easy to make. Begin by washing and drying okra thoroughly, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a pan, heat oil and sauté cumin seeds, followed by chopped onions and tomatoes. Add turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala, then toss in the okra and cook until tender but not slimy. Stir occasionally, making sure the spices coat the okra well. Serve with rice or roti for a simple vegan meal.

Tofu Tikka Masala

For a vegan spin on Tikka Masala, use tofu instead of the traditional paneer or chicken. Marinate cubes of firm tofu in a mixture of vegan yogurt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Grill or pan-fry the tofu until golden. In another pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add crushed tomatoes and spices like cumin and garam masala. Stir in coconut milk for a creamy sauce, then add the tofu and let it simmer for a few minutes. Serve with rice or naan for a satisfying vegan meal.

Cabbage Sabzi

Cabbage Sabzi is a simple yet flavorful stir-fry that makes for a quick side dish. Shred a head of cabbage and set it aside. In a pan, heat oil and sauté mustard seeds until they pop, then add chopped onions and green chilies. Stir in turmeric, cumin, and coriander, followed by the shredded cabbage. Cook until the cabbage softens but still retains a slight crunch. This dish is light, healthy, and perfect with chapati or rice.

Rajma

Rajma, or red kidney bean curry, is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a vegan dinner. Start by cooking soaked red kidney beans until tender. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Add tomatoes and cook until they form a thick sauce. Stir in the cooked beans and let the curry simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice for a complete meal.

Tamarind Rice

Tamarind Rice is a tangy, spicy dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Cook basmati rice and set it aside. In a pan, heat oil and sauté mustard seeds, peanuts, and dried red chilies. Add tamarind paste, turmeric, and salt, then stir in the cooked rice until well-coated with the tangy sauce. Let the rice absorb the flavors for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect for a quick vegan lunch or dinner.

Methi Malai Matar (Vegan Version)

For a vegan version of Methi Malai Matar, replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger with cumin and garam masala. Add fresh or frozen green peas and fenugreek leaves (methi) and cook for a few minutes. Stir in coconut milk or cashew cream for richness, and let the dish simmer until the peas are tender. Serve this creamy, flavorful curry with rice or roti.

Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a popular street food that’s vegan and loaded with vegetables. Boil potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and carrots until soft, then mash them into a coarse mixture. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes with pav bhaji masala and turmeric. Add the mashed vegetables and stir well, cooking until everything blends together. Serve with toasted bread rolls and a side of chopped onions and lemon wedges.

Dum Aloo

Dum Aloo is a rich and creamy potato curry that’s both filling and flavorful. Boil baby potatoes until tender, then fry them until golden. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger with cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Add tomatoes and cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in the fried potatoes. Let the curry simmer for a few minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavors. Serve with rice or naan for a comforting vegan meal.

Pumpkin Sabzi

Pumpkin Sabzi is a sweet and savory dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Peel and dice pumpkin, then set it aside. In a pan, heat oil and sauté cumin seeds, followed by onions and green chilies. Add turmeric, coriander, and a pinch of sugar, then stir in the pumpkin. Cook until the pumpkin softens and caramelizes slightly. This dish pairs well with rice or chapati for a light vegan meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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