The rich and vibrant cuisine of India has a lot to offer when it comes to delicious and flavorful vegetarian dishes. With its diverse use of spices, herbs, and other ingredients, Indian cooking can be adapted to suit any palate or dietary requirement. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for new recipe ideas or just wanting to explore the world of Indian food, there are countless options to choose from. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through some of the most popular and mouth-watering Indian vegetarian recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
From classic dishes like Paneer Butter Masala and Chana Masala to unique creations like Baingan Bharta and Vegetable Biryani, there’s something for everyone in this list of 18 authentic Indian vegetarian recipes. So sit back, relax, and let the aroma of these scrumptious dishes transport you to the bustling streets of India.
Paneer Butter Masala
This rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish is a popular favorite, made with soft paneer cheese cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with butter and spices. Serve over basmati rice or with naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 250g paneer cheese (Indian-style cheese)
– 2 medium onions
– 3 cloves garlic
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 tsp cumin powder
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until softened (5 minutes).
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in cumin, coriander, and garam masala powders; cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add diced tomatoes and cook until thickened (10-12 minutes).
6. Cut paneer into small cubes and add to the saucepan.
7. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until paneer is well coated with the sauce.
8. Season with salt to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian vegetable dish made with potatoes, cauliflower, and aromatic spices. This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until they start to brown (3-4 minutes).
3. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add potatoes and cauliflower. Stir well.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Serve hot with naan bread, rice, or roti.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a popular Indian dish made by blending spinach puree with creamy tomato sauce and marinating paneer cheese. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, with a hint of spices to create a rich and flavorful curry.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup paneer cheese (Indian-style cheese), cut into small cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Blend spinach leaves with 1/4 cup water until smooth.
2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add cumin, garam masala, and salt; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the spinach puree and cooked paneer cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes or until heated through.
6. Serve Palak Paneer hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chana Masala
A popular North Indian dish made with chickpeas cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, Chana Masala is a flavorful and comforting meal. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz)
– 2 medium onions
– 3 cloves garlic
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Saute onions and garlic until onions are translucent.
3. Add tomatoes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Add chickpeas and salt. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baingan Bharta
Baingan Bharta is a popular Indian recipe where roasted eggplants are mashed with spices and herbs to create a flavorful and aromatic dish. It’s often served as a side or used as a filling for wraps, naans, or rice bowls.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce the eggplants with a fork and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until they collapse.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool. Peel off the skin, and mash the flesh in a bowl.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
5. Add cumin, garam masala, and salt to taste. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Add mashed eggplant and cilantro (if using). Mix well.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Vegetable Biryani
A flavorful and aromatic rice dish from South Asia, Vegetable Biryani is a perfect blend of vegetables, spices, and basmati rice. This recipe is easy to make and can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 potato, peeled and diced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, cauliflower, corn)
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and potato. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the mixed vegetables, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add 2 cups of water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the saucepan. Stir gently.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Dal Tadka
A classic North Indian dish, Dal Tadka is a flavorful and comforting lentil soup made with split red lentils, onions, garlic, and aromatic spices. This simple recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup split red lentils (masoor dal)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– 4 cups water
– Ghee or vegetable oil, for tempering
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until they start to brown (5-7 minutes).
3. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Temper with ghee or oil and garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rajma Masala
A popular North Indian dish, Rajma Masala is a flavorful and aromatic kidney bean curry made with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup kidney beans (rajma)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium tomato, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups water
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Pressure cook the kidney beans with 1 cup of water until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the cooked kidney beans, diced tomato, and salt. Stir well.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta is a popular Indian dish that combines the flavors of creamy tomato sauce with crispy potato dumplings. This recipe is an easy and flavorful take on this classic dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
– 1/2 cup gram flour (chickpea flour)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix together mashed potatoes, gram flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Divide the mixture into 6-8 portions and shape each portion into a ball.
3. Flatten each ball slightly to form a patty.
4. Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the patties until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
5. In a separate pan, cook chopped onion and minced garlic until softened. Add canned tomatoes and heavy cream. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve the Malai Kofta patties with the creamy tomato sauce and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Masoor Dal
Masoor Dal, a popular Indian lentil curry, is a comforting and nutritious meal made with red lentils, onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried red lentils (masoor dal)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– 4 cups water or vegetable broth
– Ghee or oil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
4. Add onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
5. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the soaked lentils, salt, and water or broth. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
8. Garnish with ghee or oil, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetable Korma
A creamy and aromatic Indian-inspired dish that combines a variety of vegetables with a rich and spicy korma sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 small cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons korma paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, and cauliflower; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the coconut milk, korma paste, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pav Bhaji
This popular Indian street food dish is a hearty mix of roasted vegetables, spices, and bread, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With its rich flavors and textures, Pav Bhaji is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
• 2 medium-sized onions, diced
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 1 large cauliflower, broken into florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon pav bhaji masala powder
• Salt, to taste
• 4-6 pav buns (Indian-style dinner rolls)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Roast the onions, tomatoes, potato, and cauliflower in a mixture of oil and butter until they are tender.
2. Add the pav bhaji masala powder, salt, and 1 cup of water to the roasted vegetables and stir well.
3. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or a fork to your desired consistency.
4. Slice the pav buns in half and toast them lightly.
5. Fill the toasted pav buns with the hot bhaji mixture and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sambar
Sambar, a popular South Indian lentil-based vegetable stew, is a staple dish that pairs well with dosas, idlis, and vadas. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup split red gram (masoor dal)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Soak the dal in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and tomato. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add cumin, coriander, and salt. Stir well.
4. Add the soaked dal and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the dal is cooked.
5. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rasam
Rasam is a popular South Indian soup made with tamarind broth, spices, and vegetables. This recipe is a simple and flavorful take on the classic dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tamarind paste
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch ginger, grated
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pan, heat oil over medium flame.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until onion is translucent.
3. Add cumin, coriander, and salt; stir well.
4. Add tamarind paste and water; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the soup thickens slightly.
6. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
7. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Vegetable Pulao
A flavorful and aromatic rice dish made with a medley of colorful vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, cauliflower, corn)
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
3. Add bell pepper and carrot; cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
4. Add mixed vegetables, salt to taste, and cooked rice to the pan. Stir well.
5. Add water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
7. Fluff with a fork and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Kadai Paneer
A flavorful and creamy North Indian dish, Kadai Paneer is a popular favorite that combines tender paneer (Indian cheese) with an aromatic blend of spices. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 250g paneer, cut into cubes
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or kadai over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger paste, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and red chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add paneer cubes and stir to coat with the spice mixture.
5. Pour in coconut milk and season with salt.
6. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Aloo Matar
Aloo Matar is a popular North Indian dish that combines the comfort of potatoes with the sweetness of peas. This simple and flavorful recipe makes for a great accompaniment to naan, rice, or roti.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until they caramelize, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add potatoes and peas. Stir well to combine.
5. Pour in water and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
7. Season with salt to taste.
8. Serve hot over naan, rice, or roti.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bhindi Masala
This recipe for Bhindi Masala, a popular Indian dish, is a simple and flavorful way to cook okra with aromatic spices. The result is a deliciously rich and slightly sweet vegetable dish that pairs well with rice or roti.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound okra, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and cook until they start to brown (3-4 minutes).
3. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add okra and cook until it starts to soften (5 minutes).
5. Add tomatoes and salt. Stir well.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes or until the okra is tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover the vibrant flavors of India with these 18 mouth-watering vegetarian recipes. From rich and creamy paneer butter masala to the spicy kick of baingan bharta, each dish is a masterclass in balancing spices and textures. Classic combinations like alu gobi and chana masala join innovative twists on traditional favorites, including vegetable biryani and malai kofta. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a flavorful meal to impress, these authentic Indian recipes are sure to delight.
