Discover the vibrant world of vegan Indian cuisine with 10 delectable dishes. Embark on a flavorful journey with us!
Namaste, food lovers! Are you looking to explore the vibrant world of Indian cuisine
but want to stick to a plant-based diet? Well, you're in for a treat!
Indian food is naturally abundant with vegetarian and vegan options, and we've curated a list of 10 incredibly delicious dishes that are completely animal-product-free.
These recipes are easy to follow and packed with flavor, so get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills.
Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based eating, these dishes will surely become staples in your kitchen. So, put on your aprons, gather your spices, and let's embark on this flavorful journey together!
Indian cuisine is a celebration of spices and fresh ingredients, making it a haven for vegan foodies. From hearty lentil stews to flavorful vegetable curries and delightful snacks, there is a vegan Indian dish for every palate.
The beauty of these recipes lies in their versatility; you can easily adapt them to your liking by adjusting the spice levels or swapping out vegetables based on what's in season.
Don't be intimidated by the long list of ingredients; most of these spices are readily available in Indian grocery stores, and once you have them on hand, you'll find yourself using them in countless dishes.
Embrace the richness of Indian flavours and get ready to experience a culinary adventure like no other. We are here to bring you a world of aromatic spices and the vibrant colours of India, right on your plate.
Dal Makhani (Vegan Version):
Forget creamy, dairy-laden dal makhani; we've got a vegan version that's just as rich and satisfying! This dish uses black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma) slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce with ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin.
Instead of butter and cream, we'll use cashew cream to achieve that signature velvety texture.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup urad dal, ½ cup rajma, 1 onion (chopped), 2 tomatoes (chopped), 1 inch ginger (grated), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ cup cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water), oil, salt, and cilantro for garnish.
Instructions: Soak dal and rajma overnight. Pressure cook until soft. Sauté onion, ginger, and garlic in oil. Add tomatoes and spices; cook until softened. Add dal and rajma, simmer. Stir in cashew cream. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with rice or roti.
Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry):
This North Indian classic is a staple for a reason! Chana masala is a flavorful and protein-packed chickpea curry made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a unique blend of spices, including amchur (dried mango powder) which adds a tangy twist.
Serve it with fluffy bhature (deep-fried bread, can be replaced with roti or rice) or simply enjoy it on its own.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 onion (chopped), 2 tomatoes (chopped), 1 inch ginger (grated), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp chana masala, ½ tsp amchur powder, oil, salt, and cilantro for garnish.
Instructions: Sauté onion, ginger, and garlic in oil.
Add tomatoes and spices; cook until softened. Add chickpeas and simmer. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with roti or rice.
Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry):
Aloo gobi is a simple yet satisfying dry curry made with potatoes and cauliflower florets. This dish gets its flavour from turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a hint of chilli powder. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's quick to prepare and incredibly versatile.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 potato (cubed), 1 cauliflower (cut into florets), 1 onion (chopped), 1 inch ginger (grated), ½ tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp chilli powder, oil, and salt.
Instructions: Sauté onion and ginger in oil.
Add potatoes and cauliflower; cook until lightly browned. Add spices, stir well. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender. Serve hot.
Vegetable Biryani:
Biryani is a fragrant rice dish layered with vegetables, spices, and herbs. This vegan version is just as flavourful as the traditional meat-based biryani, and it's a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
The key to a good biryani is to properly layer the rice and vegetables and allow it to steam, which infuses the rice with all the delicious flavours.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 2 cups basmati rice, mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes), 1 onion (sliced), 1 inch ginger (grated), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp biryani masala, saffron strands (soaked in milk - optional), oil, salt, and mint leaves for garnish.
Instructions: Soak rice for 30 minutes. Sauté onion, ginger, and garlic in oil. Add vegetables and spices; cook until partially done. Layer rice and vegetable mixture in a pot. Sprinkle with saffron milk (optional) and mint. Cover and cook on low heat until rice is cooked through.
Palak Tofu (Spinach and Tofu Curry):
Palak paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with spinach and Indian cheese. This vegan version uses tofu instead of paneer, making it a healthy and delicious plant-based alternative. The creamy spinach sauce is packed with nutrients and flavour, and the tofu adds a satisfying protein boost.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 block of tofu (cubed), 1 bunch of spinach (blanched and pureed), 1 onion (chopped), 1 inch ginger (grated), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp garam masala, oil, and salt.
Instructions: Sauté onion, ginger, and garlic in oil. Add spinach puree and spices; simmer.
Add tofu and simmer until heated through. Serve hot with roti or rice.
Vegetable Korma:
This rich and creamy curry features assorted vegetables simmered in a cashew-based sauce. The addition of aromatic spices like cardamom and cloves elevates the flavour profile.
Recipe:
Ingredients: Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes), 1 onion (chopped), 1 inch ginger (grated), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup cashew paste (soaked cashews blended with water), cardamom, cloves, oil, and salt.
Instructions: Sauté onion, ginger, and garlic in oil.
Add vegetables and spices; cook until partially done. Add cashew paste and simmer until vegetables are tender.
Samosas (Vegan Version):
These deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas are a beloved Indian snack. The pastry is traditionally made with all-purpose flour, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Recipe:
Ingredients: For the dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour, oil, and water.
For the filling: 2 potatoes (boiled and mashed), ½ cup peas, 1 onion (chopped), 1 inch ginger (grated), spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric), and oil.
Instructions: Prepare the dough and let it rest. Sauté filling ingredients.
Roll out the dough, fill with the potato mixture, and seal into a triangular shape. Deep fry until golden brown.
Vegetable Pakoras:
These deep-fried fritters are made with gram flour (besan) and assorted vegetables like onions, potatoes, and spinach. They make a great appetizer or snack.
Recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup gram flour, mixed vegetables (onions, potatoes, spinach), spices (turmeric, chilli powder, cumin), water, and oil.
Instructions: Mix gram flour, spices, and water to form a batter. Dip vegetables in batter and deep fry until golden brown.
Idli and Sambar:
Idli are steamed rice cakes, and sambar is a lentil-based vegetable stew. This South Indian breakfast staple is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy.
Recipe:
Ingredients: For idli: idli rice, urad dal.
For sambar: toor dal, mixed vegetables (drumstick, pumpkin, tomatoes), tamarind pulp, sambar powder, and oil.
Instructions: Grind idli rice and urad dal into a batter; ferment overnight. Steam batter in idli moulds. Cook toor dal with vegetables; add tamarind pulp and sambar powder.
Serve idli with sambar.
Roti/Chapati (Indian Flatbread):
No Indian meal is complete without roti! These unleavened flatbreads are made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a hot griddle.
Recipe:
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, water, and oil.
Instructions: Mix flour and water to form a dough. Roll out the dough into thin circles.
Cook on a hot griddle until puffed up.
These vegan Indian dishes are a testament to the versatility and flavor of plant-based cuisine. Each recipe offers a unique blend of spices and ingredients, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and spices to create your own version of these classics. With a little practice, you'll be able to whip up these dishes in no time, impressing your friends and family with your culinary prowess.
So, there you have it – 10 delicious vegan Indian dishes that you'll absolutely love! From hearty curries to flavorful snacks, these recipes will surely satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the amazing world of plant-based Indian cuisine.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun, so don't be afraid to tweak these recipes to your liking. Now, go ahead and start cooking! Enjoy the journey of discovery and taste, and don't forget to share your creations with us. Happy cooking!
