10+ Indian Vegetarian Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Exploring Indian vegetarian recipes opens up a world of vibrant flavors and healthy options. These dishes not only celebrate the rich culinary heritage of India but also offer you delicious, plant-based meals that can satisfy any palate. Whether you are cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, Indian vegetarian cuisine has something to delight everyone.

From fragrant curries to savory snacks, you can discover a variety of meals that highlight fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. You will find that vegetarian cooking can be both simple and rewarding, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and techniques in your kitchen. Get ready to embark on a tasty journey through the best Indian vegetarian recipes!

1) Vegetable Pulao

Vegetable Pulao is a tasty and colorful rice dish. It is really easy to make and perfect for a quick meal. You can add any vegetables you love, making it versatile.

To start, you will need basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and some simple spices. This one-pot meal is not only satisfying but also fragrant with herbs.

You can serve Vegetable Pulao with yogurt or salad for a complete meal. It’s great for lunch or dinner and can please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and beans)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2-3 green chilies
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh herbs (like cilantro or mint)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pot and add cumin seeds.
3. Add sliced onion and green chilies. Sauté until onions are golden.
4. Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
5. Add the rice and salt, then pour in water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
7. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until rice is fluffy.
8. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

2) Sambar Stew

Sambar is a flavorful South Indian stew that combines lentils and vegetables. It’s a comforting dish that is often enjoyed with rice or idli. The blend of spices makes it a savory delight.

This dish includes ingredients like tamarind, which adds a tangy taste. Curry leaves and mustard seeds also give it a unique flavor. Each bite is a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy.

To make sambar, you will need to gather your ingredients. Cooking it is simple and rewarding.

Ingredients

• 1 cup toor dal (split yellow lentils)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, zucchini)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sambar powder
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the toor dal in 3 cups of water for about 20 minutes or until soft.
2. In a pot, heat oil and add mustard seeds until they pop.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden.
4. Mix in tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in sambar powder, cooked dal, tamarind paste, and salt.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves before serving.

3) Daal Makhani

Daal Makhani is a classic Indian dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. This dish is made primarily with black lentils and kidney beans, cooked slowly to bring out the best taste.

To prepare this dish, you’ll need butter and cream for that signature richness. The right mix of spices enhances the flavors and makes it irresistible.

It works well as a main course, served with naan or rice. Your family and friends will love this comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup black lentils
• ¼ cup red kidney beans (optional)
• 5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon cream (or more to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Spices (coriander, garam masala, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the black lentils and kidney beans.
2. Soak them overnight in water.
3. Cook in a pot with fresh water until tender.
4. In a pan, melt butter and add cumin.
5. Stir in cooked lentils and spices.
6. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
7. Add cream before serving.

4) Paneer Kulcha

Paneer Kulcha is a delicious Indian flatbread that is stuffed with spiced paneer, or Indian cottage cheese. This dish is popular across North India and often served with curry or yogurt.

You can make Paneer Kulcha using plain flour and a few spices. The dough is rolled out and filled with the tasty paneer mixture before cooking it on a hot surface.

This flatbread can be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is perfect for any meal, whether it’s lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain flour (maida)
• 1 cup paneer, grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour and a pinch of salt.
2. Gradually add water to form a smooth dough.
3. In another bowl, combine paneer, onion, green chilies, garam masala, and salt.
4. Divide dough into balls and flatten each ball.
5. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and fold it.
6. Roll it out gently.
7. Heat a tawa or skillet over medium heat.
8. Cook each kulcha, brushing with ghee until golden brown on both sides.

5) Tofu Tikka Masala

Tofu Tikka Masala is a delicious vegetarian option that brings the flavors of India to your kitchen. This dish uses marinated tofu, giving it a tasty kick. It is then simmered in a creamy tomato sauce.

You start with tofu that is cubed and marinated in spices. After that, bake or pan-fry it until crispy. You can find many variations of this recipe, offering unique twists.

Serve your Tofu Tikka Masala with rice or naan for a complete meal. It’s a great choice for family dinners or when you want a comforting dish.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 1 cup of yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 tablespoons of garam masala
• 1 tablespoon of cumin
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups of tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu to remove excess water.
2. Cut the tofu into cubes and marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Bake the marinated tofu for 25 minutes until golden.
5. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
6. Add tomato sauce and cooked tofu to the pan.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

6) Chana Masala

Chana masala is a popular North Indian dish made with chickpeas. It’s a flavorful curry that has a mix of spices, tomatoes, and onions.

You can enjoy chana masala with rice or flatbreads like naan or roti. It’s not only tasty but also a healthy choice rich in protein and fiber.

Making chana masala at home is simple and quick. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas (15 ounces or 425 grams)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Stir in the chopped onions and cook until they are golden brown.
4. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Mix in the spices: garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
6. Add chickpeas and stir well. Cook for 10 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

7) Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a beloved Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. It’s a simple and tasty recipe perfect for any meal. You can find it served as a side or as a main dish.

The main ingredients include potatoes, cauliflower, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. This dish has a warm, comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.

To make Aloo Gobi, follow these easy steps. You’ll cook the vegetables with spices to bring out their natural flavors. It’s a great way to enjoy healthy veggies in a delicious way.

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add potatoes and cauliflower florets.
6. Sprinkle turmeric, garam masala, and salt.
7. Cook covered until the veggies are tender, about 20 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

8) Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable Biryani is a flavorful rice dish loved by many. It’s made with basmati rice and a variety of fresh vegetables. The spices add a delightful aroma and taste that makes it a favorite for special occasions.

You can prepare this dish easily at home. Start by cooking the rice and sautéing mixed vegetables, herbs, and spices together. The key is to layer everything properly so the flavors blend well.

This dish can be served with yogurt or a side salad. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp biryani masala
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• Fresh herbs (coriander and mint)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pot. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped tomatoes. Cook until soft.
4. Stir in mixed vegetables and biryani masala. Cook for a few minutes.
5. Add yogurt and salt. Mix well.
6. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Pour in enough water (about 2 cups).
7. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes.
8. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice gently before serving.

9) Palak Paneer with Tofu

Palak Paneer with Tofu is a delicious and healthy twist on the traditional dish. Instead of paneer cheese, you’ll use tofu, which adds a great texture and protein. The creamy spinach curry makes it rich and flavorful.

Start by sautéing onions and spices to create a fragrant base. Then, add fresh spinach until it wilts down. Blend this mixture into a smooth sauce.

Next, cube and fry the tofu until golden brown. Mix the tofu into the spinach sauce and let it simmer. This dish pairs nicely with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it.
2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
3. Add garlic, cumin, and turmeric; cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach; cook until wilted.
5. Blend the mixture until smooth.
6. Fry the tofu cubes until golden brown.
7. Combine the tofu with the spinach sauce.
8. Simmer for 5-10 minutes before serving.

10) Chickpea Curry

Chickpea curry is a delicious and hearty dish that is easy to make. It’s packed with flavor and can be enjoyed with rice or bread. This vegan meal is perfect for any day of the week.

You can prepare it quickly using canned chickpeas, fresh tomatoes, and coconut milk. For spices, use what you have on hand, like cumin and turmeric. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until golden.
3. Stir in cumin and turmeric; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Mix in chickpeas and coconut milk. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve with rice or bread and garnish with cilantro.