Indian Vegetarian Recipes - The Plant Based School (2024)

Indian cooking is renowned for its rich spices, diverse flavors, and aromatic ingredients that create a symphony of deliciousness.

Our selection of Indian recipes is designed to be approachable, ensuring that you can recreate Indian (and Indian–inspired) flavors in the comfort of your own home.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure filled with nutritious ingredients, bold spices, and the joy of creating good meals for you and your family.

Note: Not all recipes on this list are authentic as you would see them in India, but every recipe will expressly state if it’s an interpretation of a recipe.

1. Vegetable curry

We start this list with the rich flavors of a 30–minute vegetable curry, a quick and effortless vegetarian and Indian–inspired dinner combining vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices.

This one–pot curry is perfect for busy evenings or meal prep when you crave something aromatic and satiating without the fuss.

2. Aloo gobi

There’s something comfortingabout a warm, spicy, and flavor-packedbowl of Indian potato and cauliflower curry.

This aloo gobi recipe is theessence of Indian home cooking(in this case, Northern India, Punjab, and up to Pakistan), where simple ingredients combine to create a satisfying dish.

Serve it with fresh cilantro, lemon, basmati rice, or roti bread.

3. Tofu tikka masala

Tofu tikka masalais a vegetarian and vegan recipe inspired by the famous Indianchicken tikka masala.

It’s made with slightly chewy marinated andoven-baked tofu piecescooked in a rich, creamy, and aromatictomato-based sauce.

4. Chana saag

Chana saagis an easy and nutritiousIndian curry with chickpeas, spinach, and tomatoessimmered with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander.

It’s adelicious and fulfillingrecipe you can serve with basmati rice or breads like roti or naan. It’s excellent for aweeknight vegetarian dinner and meal prep.

5. Chickpea curry

Thischickpea curryis acreamy and flavorful Indian-inspired dishthat combines chickpeas’ wholesome nuttiness with coconut milk’s luscious creaminess.

We developed this vegetarian chickpea curry so you can make it witheasy-to-find ingredientsinless than 30 minuteswithout compromising flavor and texture.

6. Chana masala

This one’s aneasy vegetarian one-pot recipeyou can make in30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick and healthy dinner ormeal-preppingas it gets better as it sits in the fridge.

Chana Masala (channay, chole masala, chhole masala, or chole) is an excellent way toinvite Indian flavorsand aromas into your kitchen with a tasty,healthymealthat willnourish your body and soul.

7. Curry lentil soup

Our curry lentil soup is anIndian-inspired recipewhere the lentils are simmered in a rich tomato sauce enriched with spices and vegetables.

If you love healthy soups with plant–based protein, you will enjoy this 30-minute meal.

8. Creamy potato curry

This potato (aloo curry) is acreamy, warm, and comforting dishinspired by southwestern Indian cuisine, where vegetables are simmered in a richcoconut-based sauce.

For a healthy and satisfying dinner, serve withwarm naanorbasmati rice.

9. Potato frittata

An egg–free potato frittata with an Indian twist combines the heartiness of spiced potatoes with a flavorful chickpea flour batter.

This savory, protein–rich dish offers a delightful alternative to traditional frittatas and a satisfying option for those seeking a vegan Indian–inspired meal.

10. Naan bread

Naan is a beloved Indian leavened flatbread made from flour and water (sometimes yogurt) and showcases a perfect blend of chewiness and fluffiness.

Typically baked in a tandoor or hot oven, naan develops a delightful char on its surface, enhancing its distinct flavor.

When served warm, this versatile bread complements many Indian dishes and is a delicious vessel for scooping up flavorful curries and sauces.

11. Eggplant curry

This roasted eggplant curry is made with aclassic Indian flavor baseof onion, garlic, ginger, and a combination of spices to add beautiful colors and bold flavors.

The charred and tender eggplant pairs perfectly with nutty chickpeas in a creamy sauce. It’s an excellent way for the whole family to try Indian flavors.

12. Lentil curry

Our lentil curryis anIndian-inspireddahl withsplit red lentilscooked in a rich, savory sauce with fragrant spices,coconut milk, and canned tomatoes.

It’s atasty, nutritious, and satisfying meatless meal, perfect for those who love rich and harmonious South Asian flavors.

13. Roasted curry chickpeas

Roasted chickpeasare a simple and delicious way to add a healthy crunch tosoups, salads, and other dishes.

They are packed with flavor and nutrition, with a good amount ofplant protein, and pair well with many Indian–inspired dishes.

14. Red lentils with tadka

Split red lentils, often referred to as red lentils, are adelicious,protein-rich, quick-cooking legumeexcellent forsoups, stews, curries, and dal.

Add flavor to your red lentils with Indian cooking techniques andtemper them(combine them)with a hot oil or butter-based liquid(tadka) infused with spices and herbs.

15. Sweet potato curry

Sweet potato curryis an easy one-pot recipe where sweet potatoes are simmered in anIndian-inspired curryuntil they arecreamy,tender, and aromatic.

You can put this vegetarian curry in one pot withlittle effort, and it’ll be ready in about30 minutes.The taste isbold and well-balanced.

16. Cauliflower curry

Our cauliflower curryis an Indian-inspired recipe in which tender cauliflower florets simmer in a rich, aromatic tomato and coconut milk sauce.

You cancustomize the intensityof this curry by adding more or less spices. Our recipe is mild, suitable for most palates, and an excellent starting point.

17. Lentil vegetable soup with turmeric

Here’s a delicious vegetarianlentilvegetablesoupwith a rich and hearty tomato base and nourishinggreen or brown lentils.

Add potatoes and cook them untilbeautifully tenderand infused with turmeric flavor. Lentils and turmeric are an excellent match, so we are happy to strongly recommend this satiating soup.

18. Tofu curry

Thistofu curry recipe with roasted caulifloweris vegan, usingtofu cubes instead of meat. The South Asian cuisines of India and Nepal inspired this dish.

We use spices such ascurry powder, turmeric, and black pepperto recreate those warm Indian flavors that make curries irresistible.

19. Vegan butter chicken

Butter chickenor murgh makhani is anIndian dish from New Delhiand is now famous worldwide.

Our vegan butter chicken, tofu butter chicken, or butter tofu, tries to stay as close as possible to theoriginal Indian recipe. The sauce ismilky andcreamy, packed with flavors from thespices,tangyfrom the yogurt,and freshfrom the lemon.

20. Carrot ginger soup

Carrot ginger soupis an excellent recipe to turn humble carrots left in the bottom drawer of your fridge into soup superstars.

This simple yet elegant and tasty recipeis easy to put together and the perfect appetizer for holiday meals and family dinners.

21. Vegan curry with bell pepper

Ours is Indian-inspired, which starts with arich flavor base of onion,garlic,ginger, andspices.

Like most curry recipes,this one is forgiving and easy to adapt. You can use our spices recommendation or change the recipe using what you have in your pantry.

We recommend usingfirm tofu for the “meat”of this recipe. Here, we cook the tofu in the oven or an air fryer before adding to the curry.

22. Pickled red onions

Pickled red onions in Indian cuisine add tangy and vibrant flavor to various dishes.

Marinated in a blend of spices, vinegar, and salt, these pickled onions offer a zesty accompaniment, elevating the taste of chaats and wraps as a delightful side dish to Indian meals.

23. Pumpkin curry

Pumpkin currycombinestenderpumpkinpieceswithnutritious chickpeasand arich,creamy,aromatictomato and coconut-based sauce.

The recipe iseasy to make in one potin 30 to 40 minutes. Comforting and with a perfect balance ofsweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors, it’s ideal for avegetarian weeknight dinnerwith friends and family.

24. Basmati rice

Basmati rice, renowned for its fragrant aroma and long grains, is a staple ingredient in countless Indian vegetarian recipes.

Whether steamed as a side dish or the foundation for biryanis and pilafs, its fluffy texture and subtle nutty flavor enhance other vegetarian creations in Indian cuisine.

25. Roti flatbread

Roti is a staple in Indian cuisine and is a traditional unleavened flatbread made from whole wheat flour.

We knead it into a soft, pliable dough, roll it into thin circles, and cook on a cast iron skillet and open flame.

This versatile bread complements various Indian dishes, serving as a wholesome accompaniment to curries or acting as a vessel for delicious fillings.

26. Navratan korma

Navratan Kormais the perfect dish to empty your fridge, freezer, and pantry.

It’sdelicious all around, one of our favorite curries to date, andexcellent for a family dinnerandmeal prep.

Here,we simplify the original Indian recipefor you so you canmake it in your kitchenwith little effort.

How to store Indian vegetarian recipes

• Make ahead:These Indian recipes are lovely to make ahead and keep in the fridge. They are perfect for meal prep because their flavor improves one or two days after making them. If you plan to use these recipes for meal prep, we advise slightly undercooking the veggies.
• Refrigerator:keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for four days.
• Freezer:let these recipes cool down completely, then transfer them to a freezer-friendly container and freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Thaw & reheat:defrost them in the fridge over several hours, or pop them in the microwave for a few minutes. Reheat in the microwave or on a pot on the stove. If it is too dense, add a dash of water.