Indian food is internationally recognized for its exciting palette and veggie-forward cuisine. With hundreds of plant-based recipes to choose from, we have rounded up some of the very best for you to make at home!
Grab your spice jars, steam your rice, and invite your friends over for an Indian dinner they will never forget!
Check out more Asian recipes from Chinese to Japanese and Thai next.
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Best Vegan Indian Recipes
Vegan Tofu Tikka Masala
Impress all of your friends with this tofu tikka masala. Tasting as if it came straight from mom's kitchen, this well-spiced curry is packed with complex flavors and creamy coconut milk. Enjoy with rice for a complete meal!
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Photo credit: makeitdairyfree.com
Vegan Palak Paneer with Curried Tofu
Fill your plate with a vitamin-rich serving of this vibrant palak paneer. A heaping of spinach transforms into a colorful sauce that perfectly baths cubes of spiced tofu. Finish with a drizzle of coconut milk and a warm piece of naan bread.
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Photo credit: minimalistbaker.com
Easy Vegan Korma
The spice list is as long as the ingredients in this creamy braised vegetable recipe. Explore the aromatic wonders of fresh ginger, cumin, masala, and more, all balanced with coconut cream and almond butter!
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Photo credit: www.lazycatkitchen.com
Chickpea Flour Pancakes
Enjoy these versatile and protein-packed chickpea flour pancakes! Spiced with a touch of turmeric and chili flakes, they are a tasty vessel for filling with your favorite veggies and spread!
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Photo credit: hurrythefoodup.com
Vegan Dal Makhani
Perhaps one of the best-known Indian dishes, dal is packed with plant-based protein. Lentils cream together in a stew with kidney beans and tomato coconut broth. Enjoy a comforting bowl with your favorite rice or bread.
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Photo credit: www.connoisseurusveg.com
Flavorful Mango Chutney
This refined-sugar-free condiment is your new favorite condiment. Sweetened wholesomely with dates, raisins, and juicy mangos, it's a gorgeous combination of toothsome, tangy, and spicy! Enjoy as you would any chutney or explore fun uses like cornbread and vegan cheese boards.
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Vegetable Pakora
A fun appetizer or side dish that the whole family will enjoy! These crispy vegetable pakora are made from an assortment of shredded veggies in a chickpea batter and then pan-fried for a reduced oil cooking technique – elevate it with tangy dipping sauce!
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Photo credit: elavegan.com
Kachumber Salad
This Indian-inspired salad is a tasty addition to any meal. Made from roughly chopped veggies seasoned with toasted cumin, green chili, and lime, it's a simple dish that's perfectly spiced – meal-prep friendly!
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Photo credit: www.indianveggiedelight.com
Vegan Barfi
Barfi's come in all shapes and sizes, yet this recipe stands out! Made without dairy, its fudgy texture and complex flavors will have you savoring every sweet bite! Only five ingredients, including cardamom and chopped nuts, create this unique treat.
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Photo credit: holycowvegan.net
Vegan Aloo Matar Samosas
Flakey shortcrust pastry envelopes the spiced potato and pea filling of these addictively crunchy and delicious aloo matar samosas. It is a perfect dish to enjoy for lunch on the go or a handheld snack, enjoy as is, or with an assortment of your favorite chutneys.
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Photo credit: moonrice.net
Red Lentil Curry with Sweet Potatoes
This effortless instant pot red lentil curry is ready in only 30 minutes! Made from easy-to-find, staple ingredients, it's a dish that warms your work week and adds some comfort to the dinner table. Perfect for meal-prep and freezer-friendly!
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Photo credit: cozypeachkitchen.com
Easy Vegan Malai Kofta
This malai kofta is the ideal Indian comfort dish! Potato tofu balls are crispy on the outside and soft in the center. Coated in a rich tomato cashew sauce, this dish tastes even better than your go-to restaurant!
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Photo credit: beextravegant.com
Herbed Olive Oil Parathas
An Indian meal is not complete without a piece of bread. These olive oil parathas infuse olive oil, herbs, and garlic. Each flatbread is masterfully rolled, creating flaky, mouthwatering layers ideal for dipping in your favorite curry!
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Photo credit: wanderingchickpea.com
Vegan Raita (Indian Yogurt Dip)
This cool and refreshing raita yogurt dip is the perfect condiment for a spicy plate of Indian food. Made with plant-based yogurt, herbs, spices, onions, and cucumber, it's interesting on its own and even better spooned alongside your favorite dishes.
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Photo credit: rainbowplantlife.com
Aloo Gobi
Aloo gobi is a beloved Indian main dish that combines tender potatoes, cauliflower, and traditional spices. This fragrant dish is easy to make using accessible ingredients! Ideal for potlucks and family dinners.
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Photo credit: rainbowplantlife.com
Cilantro Chutney
Cilantro chutney is a staple in every Indian home. Made from fresh and vibrant ingredients, it's the perfect companion to samosas, sandwiches, and more. Add some green color to your plate and freshen a heavy meal!
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Photo credit: www.honeywhatscooking.com
Easy Vegan Naan
Put down the takeout menu and challenge your skills with this homemade naan. Surprisingly easy, this classic flatbread will complete your dinner table and make your whole family smile.
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Photo credit: www.noracooks.com
Vegan Biryani With Cauliflower
This biryani is layered with exciting flavors and textures. With steamed and seasoned long brown rice, vegetables, cauliflower, raisins, spinach, and chickpeas, it's a medley of fun ingredients – spiced to perfection!
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Photo credit: pickyeaterblog.com
Baklava Pistachio Lassi
This fun fusion recipe takes an Indian lassi and puts a Middle Eastern spin on it. While not a traditional recipe, this flavorful drink will woo your taste buds. It's delicious and spiked with pistachios, cinnamon, and maple syrup!
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Photo credit: www.veganricha.com
Indian Pumpkin Curry
Simmer your pot and fill your home with pumpkin curry's sweet and aromatic scent. Generous chunks of pumpkin bob in a thick tomato curry, creating a vibrant dish that smells great! Enjoy alone or with a side of rice.
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Photo credit: sinfullyspicy.com
Vegan Rasmalai Cake
This copycat Ras Malai is a plant-based spin on a traditional Bengali dessert. Moist almond and cashew cake is bathed in a cream sauce made from cashew and pistachio. The cream is perfumed with saffron and cardamom, giving it a taste of elegance!
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Photo credit: www.veganricha.com
Almond Flour Badam Katli
This royal treat is a queen among the barfi. Bejeweled in a coat of silver, each diamond piece resembles treasure on the dessert table. Made with a few simple ingredients, including almonds, sugar, and saffron – it's subtle yet divine.
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Photo credit: carveyourcraving.com
Easy Vegan Indian Butter Chickpeas
As the saying goes, "(peanut)-butter makes it better!" These rich peanut "butter" chickpeas are the perfect dish to serve over fluffy steamed rice. Spiced with a blend of aromatic and warm seasonings, each bite is balanced and tasty – meal-prep-friendly!
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Photo credit: monkeyandmekitchenadventures.com
Coconut Chutney
This mildly spiced South-Indian coconut chutney is a creamy condiment that goes great with your favorite recipes, including crispy fermented dosa! It's easy to make and keeps well in the fridge—enjoy!
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Photo credit: ministryofcurry.com
Related Recipes
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Spice up your kitchen with an array of colors and flavors with these exciting vegan Indian recipes. Enjoy dishes including rich tofu masala, savory dal, chutney, and sweet lassi!
Serves 4
Ingredients
Baingan Bharta
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
- 2 medium tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 green chili finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or use a grill. Prick the eggplants with a fork and brush them lightly with oil. Roast or grill them, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft, about 20-30 minutes.
- Once done, allow them to cool, then peel off the skin and mash the flesh with a fork.
- Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them size for a few seconds.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent. Stir in the ginger garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Mix in the chopped tomatoes and green chili. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Add the mashed eggplant to the pan along with turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the eggplant is well incorporated with the spices and has a nice, creamy texture, turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala, fresh cilantro, and lime juice.
- Transfer the Baingan Bharta to a serving dish. Garnish with more fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of green chili to your liking and start with a smaller amount to be safe.
- Serve this side warm with flatbreads or rice.
- Find 24 more vegan Indian recipes in the article above!
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Alena Schowalter is a Certified Vegan Nutritionist who has been a vegetarian since childhood and vegan since 2012. Together with her husband, she founded nutriciously in 2015 and has been guiding thousands of people through different transition stages towards a healthy plant-based diet. She’s received training in the fields of nutrition, music therapy and social work. Alena enjoys discussions around vegan ethics, walks through nature and creating new recipes.
Spice up your kitchen with an array of colors and flavors with these exciting vegan Indian recipes. Enjoy dishes including rich tofu masala, savory dal, chutney, and sweet lassi!