Indian cuisine is bursting with flavors, textures, and aromas that make it an absolute delight to cook and eat.
If you’re looking to dive into Indian food with a vegan twist with your family, we’ve got a full lineup of classic recipes you can make right in your own kitchen.
These recipes are simple to follow, authentic in taste, and completely plant-based.
Let’s get started!
Classic Indian Curries, Veganized
Indian curries are the heart of the cuisine—bold, warming, and packed with spices. Here are some classic recipes made vegan so everyone can enjoy them.
1. Paneer Makhani (Vegan Tofu Makhani)
If you love creamy, rich curries, paneer makhani is a must-try. Traditionally made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), this vegan version swaps it for firm tofu. The tofu soaks up the deliciously spiced tomato gravy, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect with rice or naan.
- Ingredients: Tofu, oil, onion, tomato puree, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, coconut milk, salt.
- Method: Sauté onion and ginger-garlic paste in oil. Add tomato puree, spices, and salt, cooking until the sauce thickens. Stir in coconut milk and tofu, and simmer until warm.
2. Salna Curry
Salna is a hidden gem from South India. It is a rich, lightly sweet curry with a unique flavor thanks to tomatoes and coconut milk. It’s a great choice when you’re craving something beyond the usual. Enjoy this with rice or your favorite flatbread to make sure you don’t miss a drop of that delicious gravy.
- Ingredients: Oil, onion, tomatoes, coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, salt.
- Method: Sauté onion, add tomatoes, and cook until soft. Add curry powder, turmeric, salt, and coconut milk, and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Matar Paneer (Vegan Tofu and Peas Curry)
This one’s a favorite for a reason! Matar paneer brings together peas and soft paneer in a creamy sauce. With tofu as our vegan substitute, this dish is still every bit as satisfying and rich in flavor, with a gentle sweetness from the peas and a mildly spiced tomato base.
- Ingredients: Tofu, peas, onion, tomatoes, oil, garam masala, turmeric, cumin seeds, salt.
- Method: Sauté onion and cumin seeds; add spices, tomato puree, tofu, and peas. Simmer until well combined.
4. Subzi Dal
Subzi dal is a wholesome, nutritious dal made with mixed vegetables and lentils. It’s the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and easy to make. This one-pot dish combines all your veggies with a base of split yellow moong dal, so you get a little of everything in each bite.
- Ingredients: Mixed vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, beans), split yellow moong dal, onion, tomato, turmeric, cumin seeds, salt.
- Method: Combine all ingredients in a pot, add water, bring to a boil, and simmer until everything is tender.
5. Chana Masala
Chana masala is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, filling dishes that don’t skimp on flavor. It’s made with chickpeas in a spiced tomato sauce, giving it a satisfying richness with a hint of tang.
This dish is packed with protein and spices, making it the perfect side—or even a main dish—if you’re looking for something substantial. Scoop it up with naan or pile it over rice for a comforting meal.
- Ingredients: Chickpeas, onion, tomatoes, oil, ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric, salt, fresh coriander.
- Method: Sauté cumin seeds in oil, then add onions and ginger-garlic paste until golden. Mix in the tomato puree and spices, cook until thickened, and add chickpeas. Simmer for about 15 minutes, garnish with coriander, and enjoy!
Hearty Indian Sides
No Indian dinner is complete without some sides! These dishes are great for adding balance and variety to your meal, and they’re super easy to make.
6. Aloo Gobi
Aloo gobi combines potatoes and cauliflower with spices, making a tasty side that pairs beautifully with any curry. It’s a cozy dish with a mild, warming flavor that’s simple to throw together but tastes like you spent all day cooking.
- Ingredients: Potatoes, cauliflower, onion, tomatoes, cumin seeds, turmeric, salt, and oil.
- Method: Sauté cumin seeds and onions, add potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and spices, and cook until everything is tender.
7. Baingan Bharta (Smoky Mashed Eggplant)
Baingan bharta is a classic, lighter side that brings a smoky, savory flavor to your plate. Roasting the eggplant gives it a rich, slightly charred taste, which pairs perfectly with a mix of onions, tomatoes, and a few spices. It’s simple but adds an incredible depth of flavor alongside any curry or rice dish.
- Ingredients: Eggplant, onion, tomato, oil, ginger-garlic paste, green chili, cumin seeds, salt, fresh coriander.
- Method: Roast the eggplant until soft, then peel and mash. Sauté cumin seeds, onions, green chili, and ginger-garlic paste until golden. Add tomatoes, cook until soft, then mix in the mashed eggplant. Garnish with fresh coriander.
Flavorful Indian Rice Dishes
Indian rice dishes are more than just a base—they bring their own flavors to the table. Here are a few that are easy to make and complement any main dish.
8. Chitranna Rice
Chitranna is a South Indian rice dish with peanuts, curry leaves, and lemon. This nutty, tangy rice adds a burst of flavor to any meal and is great on its own or alongside a hearty curry.
- Ingredients: Cooked rice, oil, mustard seeds, peanuts, turmeric, salt, lemon juice.
- Method: Heat oil, add mustard seeds, turmeric, and peanuts. Toss with cooked rice, salt, and lemon juice.
9. Coconut Rice
Light and fluffy with a hint of natural sweetness, coconut rice is perfect for balancing spicier dishes. It’s easy to make and brings a gentle tropical vibe to your plate, pairing well with all kinds of curries.
- Ingredients: Rice, coconut milk, water, salt.
- Method: Combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook until rice is tender.
10. Jeera Rice
Jeera rice, or cumin rice, is an aromatic rice dish with a warm, earthy flavor. It’s simple, flavorful, and goes with almost any curry, making it a staple for Indian dinners.
- Ingredients: Basmati rice, water, cumin seeds, salt, oil.
- Method: Sauté cumin seeds in oil, add rice, salt, and water. Cover and cook until fluffy.
Indian Flatbreads and Accompaniments
Finish your meal with these classic Indian flatbreads and sides. They add extra flavor and texture, making each bite even better.
11. Raita
Raita is a refreshing yogurt-based side, perfect for cooling down spicier dishes. This vegan version uses coconut yogurt, making it creamy and light.
- Ingredients: Coconut yogurt, grated cucumber, cumin powder, salt, fresh mint.
- Method: Mix yogurt, cucumber, cumin, salt, and mint. Chill and serve.
12. Mango Pachadi
This sweet and tangy mango chutney adds a pop of flavor to any dish. With ripe mango, mustard seeds, and a touch of chili, it’s the perfect contrast to savory curries.
- Ingredients: Ripe mango (diced), mustard seeds, green chili, oil, salt.
- Method: Sauté mustard seeds and chili in oil, then add mango and salt. Cook until soft.
13. Paratha
Paratha is a flaky, layered flatbread that’s ideal for scooping up curries. This vegan version is easy to make and works as a hearty side to any saucy dish.
- Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, water, salt, oil.
- Method: Combine flour, salt, and water to make a dough. Roll into rounds and cook on a hot pan with oil until golden.
14. Papad
Papads are thin, crispy wafers that add a delightful crunch to any meal. Made from lentil flour, they’re great for snacking or as a side to mop up sauces.
- Ingredients: Ready-made papadums.
- Method: Fry or roast papadums as per package instructions. Serve as a crispy side.
Final Thoughts
These vegan adaptations of Indian classics bring all the flavors you love while keeping it plant-based.
With everything from cozy curries and rice dishes to refreshing sides and flatbreads, you can put together a complete Indian feast right at home.
So gather your ingredients, follow our easy steps, and enjoy the tastes of India tonight.
