40 Best Indian Vegetarian Recipes (Simple & Delicious)
Indian cuisine is one of the richest cuisines out there. It actually has a lot of vegetarian meals that people love.
The Indian vegetarian recipes are perfect for people who live healthily because there is no meat, and the variety is exceptional.
So, we are sharing the 40 top-notch Indian vegetarian recipes that include rice dishes, curries, dinner, and appetizer ideas.
The majority of these recipes are also suitable for people following vegan diets because they have paneer, veggies, and lentils only.
Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is a classic North Indian dish that combines the heartiness of spiced chickpeas with the indulgence of deep fried bread.
The chickpeas are cooked in a flavorful blend of onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, resulting in a rich and satisfying curry.
The soft and fluffy bhature, made from fermented dough, is deep fried to perfection, adding a crispy and delightful element to the dish.
Chole Bhature is often served with pickles, yogurt, and a side salad, making it a complete and fulfilling meal.
Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a beloved Indian dish that features creamy spinach curry with chunks of cottage cheese, known as paneer.
The vibrant green color of the spinach is beautifully complemented by the soft and creamy paneer, creating an inviting visual appeal.
The spinach is cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, onions, tomatoes, and ginger garlic paste, resulting in a flavorful and wholesome gravy.
The paneer absorbs the flavors of the curry, offering a delightful contrast to the earthy spinach.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a classic Indian vegetarian dish that showcases the delightful combination of cauliflower and potatoes.
This simple dish is prepared by stir frying cauliflower florets and potatoes with a medley of spices, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
The vegetables are cooked until tender yet retaining their texture, while the spices infuse a tantalizing aroma and taste.
Aloo Gobi is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish with rotis or rice, or even as a main course accompanied by raita and pickles.
Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta is a delectable vegetarian delight that consists of deep fried potato and cheese dumplings served in rich and creamy gravy.
The koftas are made by combining mashed potatoes, grated paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and a variety of aromatic spices.
They are then shaped into balls and fried until golden brown and crispy. The luscious gravy is prepared by simmering a blend of tomatoes, and onions.
The koftas are gently immersed in this velvety sauce, allowing them to soak up the flavors and become melt in your mouth tender.
Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka is a popular vegetarian appetizer that features marinated cottage cheese skewers cooked to perfection.
The paneer cubes are marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and tangy lemon juice, which helps tenderize the cheese and infuse it with flavors.
The marinated paneer is then threaded onto skewers along with colorful bell peppers, onions, and other vegetables.
These skewers are grilled or baked until the paneer turns golden and slightly charred, imparting a smoky and irresistible taste.
Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is a creamy and aromatic lentil dish that originates from the Punjab region of India.
It is made using a combination of black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma) cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices.
The lentils are simmered for hours on low heat, allowing them to develop a rich and creamy texture.
The addition of butter and cream towards the end adds a luxurious touch to the dish, resulting in a velvety smooth consistency and a burst of flavors.
Baingan Bharta
Baingan Bharta is a smoky and flavorful eggplant dish that is popular in Indian cuisine.
The dish involves roasting eggplants over an open flame or baking them until the skin is charred and the flesh is tender.
The charred eggplants are then mashed and cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger.
This combination of ingredients gives Baingan Bharta a unique and robust flavor profile.
Vegetable Biryani
Vegetable Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is synonymous with Indian cuisine.
This beloved one-pot meal combines aromatic basmati rice with a medley of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, beans, and potatoes, along with other spices.
The rice is first partially cooked, and then layered with the cooked vegetables, fried onions, and garnishes like saffron strands and mint leaves.
The layers are then steamed together, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to become fluffy and aromatic.
Aloo Paratha
Aloo Paratha is a popular stuffed bread in Indian cuisine that is enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It consists of a whole wheat flatbread stuffed with a spiced mashed potato filling.
The dough is made by combining whole wheat flour, water, and a pinch of salt, which is then rolled out into a circle.
The potato filling is prepared by mashing boiled potatoes and mixing them with spices, such as cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
Aloo Paratha is often served with a dollop of butter, yogurt, or pickles, making it a wholesome and comforting meal option loved by people of all ages.
Rajma Masala
Rajma Masala is a flavorful and hearty dish made with red kidney beans. They are cooked in rich tomato based gravy.
The kidney beans are simmered with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and an array of spices.
The slow cooking process allows the beans to absorb the flavors and become tender, while the spices add depth to the dish.
Rajma Masala is often served with steamed rice, known as rajma chawal, and is a popular comfort food in North Indian households.
Veg Pulao
Veg Pulao is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is loved by everyone.
It is prepared by cooking basmati rice with an assortment of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, beans, and bell peppers, along with aromatic spices.
The rice and vegetables are cooked together in a seasoned broth, allowing the flavors to infuse and the rice to become fluffy and perfectly cooked.
Veg Pulao is often garnished with fried onions, roasted cashews, and fresh cilantro, which adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Masoor Dal
Masoor Dal, also known as red lentil curry, is a comforting and protein rich dish commonly enjoyed in Indian households.
The red lentils are cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic, until they become soft and creamy.
Masoor Dal is often tempered with ghee or oil infused with cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies, adding an aromatic touch to the dish.
You can serve it with steamed rice or rotis, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option for vegetarians.
Pani Puri
Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is a popular snack that is loved for its tangy flavor.
It consists of crispy hollow puris that are filled with a tangy and spicy water known as “pani.”
The pani is made with a combination of tamarind, mint, coriander, chaat masala, and other spices, resulting in a tantalizing and refreshing taste.
The puris are filled with a mixture of boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and spicy chutneys, creating a delightful explosion of flavors with each bite.
Gobi Manchurian
Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo Chinese dish that showcases crispy cauliflower florets coated in a tangy and spicy sauce.
The cauliflower florets are dipped in a batter made from flour, cornstarch, and a blend of spices, before being deep fried until golden and crispy.
The cauliflower is tossed in a sauce made from ginger, garlic, soy sauce, ketchup, and chili sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors sweet & tangy.
Gobi Manchurian is often garnished with spring onions and served as an appetizer or as a side dish with fried rice or noodles.
Vegetable Cutlet
Vegetable Cutlet is a delicious and crispy snack that is perfect for tea time or as an appetizer.
These cutlets are made by combining mashed potatoes with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, beans, peas, and bell peppers.
The mixture is seasoned with spices and shaped into patties. The patties are coated in breadcrumbs and shallow-fried until golden and crispy.
Vegetable Cutlets are often served with ketchup or mint chutney, and they make a delightful addition to parties and gatherings.
Bhindi Masala
Bhindi Masala is a flavorful and spiced dish that highlights the unique taste and texture of okra, also known as lady’s finger.
The okra is stir fried with onions, tomatoes, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
The dish is characterized by the slimy texture of the okra, which is balanced by the tanginess of the tomatoes and the warmth of the spices.
Bhindi Masala can be enjoyed as a side dish with rotis or rice, and it adds a pop of vibrant green color to any meal.
Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki is a beloved street food snack that consists of crispy and flavorful potato patties.
The patties are made by mashing boiled potatoes and mixing them with a variety of spices, such as cumin, coriander, ginger, and green chilies.
Aloo Tikki is often served with a combination of chutneys, such as tamarind and mint, along with yogurt and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
It is a popular choice during festivals and gatherings, and its addictive taste and satisfying texture make it a favorite among people of all ages.
Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a delightful and flavorful street food dish that originated in the bustling streets of Mumbai.
It consists of a spiced and tangy vegetable curry, known as bhaji, served with soft buttered pav buns.
The bhaji is made by cooking a mixture of mashed vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, carrots, and bell peppers, with a blend of spices.
The curry is simmered until the flavors meld together, resulting in a vibrant and aromatic dish.
Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala, also known as Paneer Makhani, is a rich and creamy dish.
It showcases paneer (cottage cheese) cubes cooked in a luscious tomato and cashew based gravy.
The gravy is prepared by simmering a blend of onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices until they become soft and blend together.
Cashew paste and cream are added to create a silky texture, while the paneer absorbs the flavors, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Paneer Butter Masala is often served with naan bread or jeera rice, and its decadent taste and vibrant color make it a favorite in vegetarian cuisine.
Vegetable Korma
Vegetable Korma is a rich and flavorful dish that features a combination of vegetables cooked in a creamy sauce.
The vegetables, such as carrots, beans, cauliflower, and peas, are simmered in gravy made with onions, tomatoes, yogurt, garam masala, and turmeric.
The addition of cashew paste or coconut milk lends a creamy and luxurious texture to the dish.
Vegetable Korma is often garnished with toasted almonds or fresh cilantro, adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal. This dish pairs well with
Veg Momos
Veg momos are an absolute culinary delight that has captured the soul and taste buds of everyone around the world.
These delectable dumplings have surged in popularity in recent years, and it’s not difficult to understand why.
With their delicate exterior, encasing a medley of finely chopped vegetables, veg momos offer a symphony of flavors and aromas that are irresistible.
Masala Dosa
Masala dosa is a beloved South Indian dish that has become a favorite among food enthusiasts around the world.
This iconic dish consists of a thin, crispy rice and lentil crepe, generously filled with a spiced potato filling.
The dosa’s golden brown exterior, achieved through pan frying, provides a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft and flavorful potato masala inside.
Mushroom Masala
Mushroom masala is a vegetarian delight that showcases the earthy and meaty flavors of mushrooms in a rich and aromatic gravy.
This tantalizing dish combines the natural umami taste of mushrooms with a blend of spices, creating a robust and flavorful experience.
The tender mushrooms, sautéed to perfection, absorb the flavors of the masala, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and comforting.
Veg Seekh Kebab
Veg seekh kebab is a delightful twist on the traditional kebab, transforming it into a vegetarian friendly culinary masterpiece.
These succulent and flavorful kebabs are made using a mixture of minced vegetables, herbs, and spices, molded onto skewers and grilled to perfection.
The combination of finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, onions, and peas, bound together with aromatic spices.
It yields a kebab that is both visually appealing and bursting with taste.
Aloo Baingan
Aloo Baingan is a classic Indian dish that brings together the humble potato (aloo) and the flavorful eggplant (baingan) in a union of taste and texture.
This vegetarian delight showcases the versatility of these two ingredients, creating a dish that is both comforting and delicious.
The soft and creamy potatoes, combined with the tender and slightly smoky eggplant, make for a delightful combination.
It is further enhanced by the array of spices used in its preparation.
Paneer Bhurji
Paneer Bhurji is a dish that will instantly tantalize your taste buds!
Made with crumbled paneer and a blend of aromatic spices, onions, and tomatoes, it’s a true gem of Indian cuisine.
The rich texture combined with the unique flavors makes it a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Whether you enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish, Paneer Bhurji is sure to leave you craving for more!
Spinach Pakora
Get ready to experience a crispy and delicious treat with Spinach Pakora!
These delectable fritters are made by dipping fresh spinach leaves in a flavorful chickpea batter and frying them to perfection. The result?
A mouthwatering combination of crunchy exterior and tender spinach inside. Spinach Pakora is a fantastic choice to satisfy your cravings.
You can pair them with your favorite chutney for an extra burst of flavor!
Tofu Tikka Masala
Get ready to be stunned by the tantalizing flavors of Tofu Tikka Masala. This vegan delight takes the traditional Tikka Masala to a whole new level.
Marinated tofu, grilled to perfection, is simmered in a rich and creamy tomato based sauce, infused with aromatic spices.
The result is a fine blend of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re a vegan or just want a new culinary experience, Tofu Tikka Masala is a must try!
Chana Masala
Get started on the flavorful journey with Chana Masala! Don’t be surprised if you want it again after a few seconds!
This aromatic dish features tender chickpeas cooked in a tantalizing blend of spices, onions, and tomatoes.
The rich and robust flavors of this classic Indian curry will leave you utterly satisfied.
Whether you pair it with fluffy rice or crispy naan bread, this is a vegetarian delight that will add a spicy twist to your dining experience.
Malai Paneer Tikka
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Malai Paneer Tikka!
This delectable appetizer features succulent cubes of paneer marinated in a luscious blend of cream, yogurt, and spices.
Grilled to perfection, each skewer is a symphony of smoky and creamy flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Whether you have to host a dinner or want to treat yourself, Malai Paneer Tikka is a good choice to impress your guests and heighten up dining experience.
Vegetable Jalfrezi
Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed journey with Vegetable Jalfrezi!
This vibrant and aromatic dish combines an assortment of fresh vegetables, stir fried to perfection in a tantalizing blend of spices and tangy tomato sauce.
The result is a colorful medley of flavors that will leave you dreaming about it.
Whether you’re like spicy food or just want to add excitement to your meals, Vegetable Jalfrezi is the perfect choice!
Matar Paneer
Matar Paneer is a beloved classic that brings together the sweetness of green peas and the creamy richness of paneer cheese.
This delightful combination is cooked in a luscious tomato-based gravy, infused with aromatic spices, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Each bite of Matar Paneer is a burst of spicethat will make you fall in love with the Indian cuisine.
Whether enjoyed with naan bread or steamed rice, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser and a must try for all the paneer lovers out there!
Veggie Pizza
Calling all pizza lovers! Get ready to indulge in the ultimate veggie delight with Veggie Pizza.
Picture a crispy thin crust topped with a generous assortment of colorful vegetables, like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and more.
Baked to perfection with gooey cheese and fragrant herbs, each bite of this pizza is a burst of freshness and flavors.
Mix Vegetable Curry
Looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal? Look no further than Mix Vegetable Curry! Get ready to dive into a bowl full of goodness!
This vibrant dish brings together a variety of seasonal vegetables, cooked to perfection in a flavorful blend of spices and aromatic herbs.
Whether you enjoy it with steamed rice or warm roti, Mix Vegetable Curry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by vegans and vegetarians.
Gajar Ka Halwa
This traditional Indian dessert takes humble carrots and transforms them into a rich and decadent treat.
Grated carrots are slow-cooked in ghee (clarified butter) until they release their natural sweetness.
Infused with cardamom, garnished with nuts, and served warm, Gajar Ka Halwa is a celebration of flavors and textures.
Whether you enjoy it during festive occasions or as a comforting dessert, this sweet symphony will leave you craving for more!
Aloo Samosa
Get ready to experience the ultimate snack-time delight with Aloo Samosa!
These triangular pastries are filled with a mixture of potatoes, peas, and aromatic spices.
Deep-fried to golden perfection, each bite of Samosa is a perfect balance of crispy exterior and flavorful filling.
Whether you enjoy it with tangy tamarind chutney or mint sauce, Samosa is a go to snack for every occasion.
So, grab a plateful of these savory snacks and let your taste buds have a good time!
Indian Butternut Squash Curry
This delectable dish showcases the sweetness of butternut squash combined with a harmonious blend of spices, coconut milk, and aromatic herbs.
The result is a creamy and comforting curry that will warm your soul.
Whether you pair it with rice or flaky naan bread, this curry is a perfect choice for those seeking a vegetarian option that’s packed with flavor and nourishment.
Get ready to savor the lusciousness of Indian Butternut Squash Curry!
Methi Paratha
Treat yourself to the aromatic delight of Methi Paratha! These flaky Indian flatbreads are made by incorporating fresh fenugreek leaves into the dough.
The earthy bitterness of fenugreek adds a unique flavor profile to these parathas, making them an irresistible choice for breakfast or a hearty meal.
Whether you enjoy them with a dollop of butter, a side of tangy pickle, or a cooling yogurt dip, Methi Paratha is a wholesome way to start your day.
Veg Spring Rolls
These crispy delights feature multiple fresh vegetables, like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, wrapped in thin sheets of pastry and deep fried to perfection.
Each bite offers a delightful combination of crunchy texture and vibrant flavors.
Whether you dip them in sweet chili sauce or soy sauce, Veg Spring Rolls are a popular appetizer that adds a burst of freshness to any meal or gathering.
So, get your hands on these crispy rolls and let your taste buds rejoice!
Aloo Jeera
Aloo Jeera, a classic Indian side dish, will accentuate your meal to the next level!
This simple yet flavorful dish features potatoes cooked with cumin seeds, aromatic spices, and a hint of tanginess.
The result is a tantalizing blend of textures and flavors that perfectly complements any main course.
Whether you enjoy it with fluffy rice, warm roti, or as a filling for sandwiches, Aloo Jeera is a versatile and delicious addition to your dining experience.
So, savor the magic of potatoes and jeera (cumin)!
Final Thoughts
Many people think that following the Indian vegetarian recipes are too difficult to follow, but it’s actually not the case.
All the Indian vegetarian recipes from this article are beginner friendly and will be a gift for people who are trying to reduce meat consumption.
Indian cuisine is actually considered a best friend for people who are bidding farewell to unhealthy eating.
These recipes are prepared with native Indian spices, which results in extremely flavorful meals. So, it’s time to stop depending on salads!
