You’ll love this collection of vegan Indian recipes! Indian cuisine is one of the most vegan-friendly as well as one of the tastiest! Don’t be intimidated by a long list of spices, the recipes in this collection are easy and accessible to make at home!
Essential Indian spices
Perhaps the most intimidating part of following Indian recipes is the variety of spices that are often called for.
While supermarkets carry a lot of the basic ones, less common spices will require a trip to an Asian or Indian supermarket or to be ordered online.
Spices lose their potency over time so if you’re not sure how often you’ll use them, try to buy the smallest package possible or opt for whole spices, which have a longer shelf life than ground spices, and grind them yourself in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
Below I’ve listed the most basic spices that I personally keep stocked in my pantry which are useful for making a wide variety of Indian recipes.
It is by no means an exhaustive list of Indian spices, but will get you started in the delicious and aromatic world of Indian cuisine!
Garam masala: Garam masala is a spice mix that generally consists of warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, cardamom, coriander and cloves. There is no single garam masala recipe and store-bought garam masala can vary in quality and flavor.
Curry powder: Curry powder is another spice blend that can vary greatly depending on who makes it. It generally contains turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger. Curry powder is not a traditional Indian spice blend, but rather it was invented by the British in the late 1700s. If you don’t have a large spice pantry, curry powder can be used in a pinch to approximate the flavors called for in Indian recipes.
Cumin: Cumin is one of the most common spices used in Indian cuisine. You will find recipes calling for whole cumin seeds, which are fried in oil at the beginning of the recipe, and ground cumin, which is added later on in the cooking process.
Turmeric: Turmeric is what makes curry taste like curry and is what gives curry powder its signature yellow color.
Coriander: Coriander can be used both in its whole form, which are the seeds of the coriander plant, or as a ground spice.
Cardamom: The most common type of cardamom is green, which can be purchased either as whole pods, which are often used to infuse flavor into oil, or as a ground spice. Black cardamom is a different spice and not as commonly called for in recipes.
Mustard seeds: Black mustard seeds are used extensively in Indian cooking. They are treated in a similar way to cumin seeds and fried in oil at the beginning of a recipe to add flavor.
Cinnamon: Whole cinnamon sticks can be used to flavor oil at the beginning of cooking and ground cinnamon can be used to season both savoury and sweet dishes.
Chili powder: Heat can be added to Indian dishes either by fresh chili peppers or chili powder. There are many different kinds of chili powder, depending on the pepper used. Personally, I like Kashmiri chili powder and use it in my vegan butter chicken recipe because it’s not too spicy and adds a lot of color.
Essential Indian ingredients
Now that we’ve covered spices, let’s take a look at some of the basic ingredients that are widely used to create vegan Indian recipes.
Keeping your pantry stocked with these ingredients, as well as the essential list of spices above, will allow you to quickly and and easily whip up an Indian-inspired meal any day of the week!
Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a staple in Indian cuisine and nearly every Indian restaurant will serve chana masala; a curry of chickpeas in tomato sauce and a blend of spices. Chickpeas are also often used as a meat substitute in vegan Indian recipes.
Chickpea flour / Besan: Made from ground chickpeas, chickpea flour is used for pakora fritters and savory pancakes (besan chilla), amongst other things. (It’s also a popular vegan egg replacer for omelettes, etc.)
Lentils: There are many different types of lentils but in my pantry I always have red lentils or yellow split lentils on hand to make dal (dahl) or red lentil curry.
Yogurt: Indian recipes often call for a dairy ingredient called curd to add creaminess, to cool spicy curry, or to make raita. It’s similar to (but not exactly the same as) yogurt. It’s relatively easy to find vegan yogurt nowadays to achieve this purpose or substitute it for a drizzle of coconut milk.
Coconut milk: Creamy coconut-based curries are a staple in South Indian cuisine. Coconut curries are also very popular amongst vegans!
Ginger and garlic: Many (if not most?) Indian recipes start with ginger garlic paste which is nothing more than ginger and garlic mashed together into a paste and bottled. You can use minced ginger and minced garlic in its place.
Chili peppers: Both green and red chili peppers are used extensively in Indian cooking for both heat and flavor. You can choose a pepper variety according to your tolerance for heat.
Rice: Basmati rice is the perfect accompaniment to all types of vegan Indian recipes.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a delicious garnish to a spicy curry and pairs especially well with coconut-based curries.
Diced tomatoes: I always keep a can of diced tomatoes in my pantry for making tomato-based curries. When in season you can also use fresh tomatoes.
Oil: Many Indian recipes start by infusing oil with spices. For that, a neutral-flavoured oil such as sunflower oil is a better choice than, say, olive oil.
Tofu: Okay, this is not an Indian ingredient but it is widely used in vegan Indian recipes as a replacement for paneer, which is a type of cheese.
Limes: A squeeze of lime juice is a delicious way to brighten and finish Indian dishes.
Cashews: Cashews can be used as a garnish or they can be blended into a curry sauce. Cashew cream can also be a dairy-free replacement in recipes that call for curd (yogurt).
FAQs
Indian food is great for vegetarians but vegans need to watch out for dairy. Milk, cheese, butter and yogurt are all used heavily. Even vegetable dishes that appear to be vegan on the menu can be cooked in ghee (clarified butter), although oil is usually used because it is cheaper. Just be sure to ask if the dish contains ghee or any other dairy product.
Some popular Indian dishes that are usually vegan are samosas, pakoras, chana masala, aloo gobi, dal, dosas, papadums, bhindi masala, aloo matar, and dum aloo.
Naan is usually not suitable for vegans because the dough contains yoghurt and it is brushed with ghee (clarified butter). If dining out you may be able to request vegan naan by calling the restaurant ahead. If dining at home there are some vegan naan bread options in larger supermarkets or there are many vegan naan recipes available online.
No, ghee is not vegan because it is made from dairy-based butter.
Vegan Indian Cookbooks
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
While this collection of over 75 vegan Indian recipes features some of the most well-known and popular Indian recipes made vegan, if you’re wanting to explore vegan Indian cuisine more in depth, consider picking up one of these vegan Indian cookbooks.
Vegan Richa's Indian Kitchen: Traditional and Creative Recipes for the Home Cook by Richa Hingle features restaurant-quality dishes that are easy to make in your own kitchen. You'll find delicious dals to rich curries, flat breads, savory breakfasts, snacks, desserts and much more.
Heavenly Vegan Dals & Curries: Exciting New Dishes From an Indian Girl's Kitchen Abroad by Yakhee Yadav features versatile recipes perfectly suited to becoming delicious, inexpensive meals with minimal effort. Each recipe is bursting with the robust authentic flavor of Indian cooking and packed with nutrient-rich ingredients.
The Essential Vegan Indian Cookbook: 100 Home-Style Classics and Restaurant Favorites by Priya Lakshminarayan is an essential guide for cooking up traditional plant-based delicacies and restaurant classics with a vegan twist. Create authentic Indian food at home with expert guidance and mouthwatering recipes.
Instant Pot Vegan Indian Cookbook: 80 Quick and Easy Plant-Based Favorites by Meena Agarwal features recipes made with basic supermarket ingredients that are super quick to make in an Instant Pot.
Vegan Indian Cooking: 140 Simple and Healthy Vegan Recipes by Anupy Singla emphasizes whole foods and features recipes from across the Indian subcontinent. Singla is an expert in simplifying and developing custom spice blends that help make Indian cooking accessible to everyone.
Main Dishes
This vegan butter chicken recipe uses authentic Indian butter chicken spices to make a delicious and fragrant restaurant-style sauce that can be served over your favourite plant-based protein.
This is the best chickpea spinach curry recipe made with simple ingredients, basic pantry spices and it only takes 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner!
Enjoy gourmet restaurant-style Indian food at home with this Vegan Palak Tofu Paneer! A fragrant, creamy spinach curry made healthier with tofu instead of cheese. An easy yet impressive vegan Indian dinner!
This curried okra recipe, or bhindi masala, is a simple semi-dry curry featuring fried okra in a fragrantly-spiced tomato-based sauce. You’ll need just a few ingredients, a selection of Indian spices and about 20 minutes to get this vegan okra curry on the table.
This spinach curry is easy, healthy, and loaded with flavour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this vegan curry is ready in less than 30 minutes.
This spicy vegan potato curry is full on with flavour and easy to make with pantry staples. Fried potatoes are simmered in a spicy and savory tomato-cashew sauce infused with delicious, aromatic Indian spices. You'll be surprised by how tasty the humble potato can be!
This vegan red lentil curry recipe is super flavourful and easy to make with a short list of ingredients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner because it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
One of the world's most enjoyed curries, a good old curry house jalfrezi recipe. Did you know that the spicy and flavourful jalfrezi has now knocked the tikka masala off its throne as Britain’s favourite curry? True story. Frankly, once you’ve tasted the BOSH! plant-based jalfrezi you’ll understand why.A great Friday night dinner idea to be enjoyed with friends.
Aloo Gobi is a classic Indian main dish or side that marries perfectly tender potatoes and cauliflower with a blend of spices, aromatics, and tomatoes. It’s deeply nourishing and comforting, easy to make, and budget-friendly!
Vegan chickpea curry is an easy and flavourful tomato-based curry great for a weeknight dinner. Adjust the spice level to your preference with this recipe and feel free to add in other greens and veggies like kale, spinach or broccoli for a healthy and satisfying meal!
This vegan pumpkin curry with chickpeas and kale is delicious and creamy with a spiced coconut milk base. Filling and comforting, this pumpkin curry is easy to prepare and delicious all year round!
Chickpea Tikka Masala – Dinner is on with this flavorful & saucy Indian-inspired vegan tikka masala recipe! It’s lusciously creamy and easy to make right at home in one pan with simple ingredients!
Masoor tadka dal is a delicious Indian lentil curry made with red lentils. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and healthy as well as naturally vegan and gluten free!
This delectable Indian Vegetable Korma recipe is loaded with potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, peas, and green beans and is ready in 40 minutes. Make sure you have plenty of naan to dip in the creamy coconut sauce!
This beetroot curry is deliciously creamy, sweet, savoury and a touch spicy all at the same time. Made with coconut milk, a couple of simple spices and served with rice, these easy curried beets make a great vegan or vegetarian side or main dish.
Spicy fire roasted eggplant mash, Baingan Bharta is best enjoyed with roti or parathas. This Punjabi Baingan Bharta recipe uses minimal spices for the best results! Vegan & gluten-free.
Dal makhani is an urad dal and kidney bean butter curry and this vegan version of the popular Indian dish is absolutely mouth watering and delicious!
Vegan Malai Kofta: Indian Dumplings in Curry Tomato Cream Sauce
Potato and tofu-ricotta dumplings are fried or baked until crispy on the outside and soft inside, then served with a flavorful curried tomato cream sauce. Enjoy with some Indian flatbread or basmati rice.
Cauliflower Tikka Masala is a creamy vegan gravy recipe made with cauliflower and Indian spices. This vegetable tikka masala is a budget-friendly comfort meal that can be made in 30 minutes.
This is a simple recipe but the resulting dish is very alluring with its sweet and spicy sauce. It can easily be made soy-free. For variation: Use chickpeas, tempeh or vegetables.
Punjabi Jeera Aloo is one of the easiest recipes to prepare, especially when there is a lack of time. It is a flavourful, delicious and irresistible dish of baby potatoes and cumin seeds. Here is how to make it at home.
With a whole range of aromatic spices, these potatoes really pack a punch. Stir through spinach and scatter with chilli and serve. What's more, this speedy Indian side dish is vegan, dairy- and gluten-free, so everyone can get involved.
The perfect midweek vegan dinner, this bhaji comes packed with chestnut mushrooms, garlic, cumin and coriander. Serve with warm, fluffy naans for mopping all those juices up.
This Tofu Matar Masala or Tofu and Green Peas curry is a vegan version of the classic and very famous Indian dish - "Matar Paneer"
An easy Instant Pot recipe for a traditional Indian red kidney beans curry called Rajma. This popular comfort food can be made with dry or canned beans and is best enjoyed with steamed basmati rice in a dish called Rajma Chawal, or fresh homemade roti.
Have my vegetarian 20-Minute Aloo Methi curry on the table faster than it takes to order a takeaway! This Indian potato and fenugreek leaf curry, also know as Aloo Methi ki Sabji is a weeknight staple in my home alongside soft roti.
When my son Bodhi asks me for "Paabhaji", I know he means this vegan Keema Pau Bhaji. It's a combination of 7 vegetables and plant-based soy mince served with fluffy bread buns, or Pau.
Using only a handful of super-basic ingredients that you may already have on hand, this recipe makes a lovely and easy-to-make plant-based vegan curry that’s ready to enjoy in about 30 quick minutes!
Flavour bomb incoming! The ultimate Vegetable Manchurian recipe with crispy dumplings in a hot & garlicky Indo-Chinese sauce. Easy recipe & AMAZING results.
You can make it with pretty much any veg you have in the fridge and it tastes like a restaurant-quality Kadai dish. The flavour comes from the coriander seed, fennel seed and black peppercorn Kadai masala. It’s the star of the show.
Rice Dishes
This Indian-style vegetable rice pilaf is a great one-pot meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This dish is super adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand and makes a satisfying plant-based main or a tasty side dish!
Fragrant Jeera rice is one of the simplest flavored rice recipes! Basmati rice is flavored with cumin seeds, and other aromatic spices to create a lovely side dish that compliments curries, dhal, or any Indian dish. This is a side that is cooked in all Indian homes and can be found on most Indian restaurants’ menus.
Veg Pulao or Vegetable Pulao Recipe - A healthy, comforting and mildly spiced one pot rice dish that is easy to cook and absolutely delicious. A melange of mixed vegetables, spices and aromatic rice - a perfect comfort meal to relish on.
Aromatic and flavorful restaurant style Vegetable Biryani! This fragrant biryani is packed with veggies, spices, herbs and nuts and is an explosion of flavors in every bite!
Fragrant, turmeric-infused, Indian Fried Rice full of healthy veggies that can be made in under 30 minutes. Vegetarian, Gluten-free, and Vegan adaptable, it is a fast and easy weeknight meal- great for using up leftover rice or stray veggies in the fridge.
Tawa Pulao is a popular street food dish from Mumbai that can be easily made at home using fresh vegetables, leftover or pre-cooked rice, Pav Bhaji masala, and other spices. If you want to make your own Tawa Pulao, you've come to the right place. Our recipe is vegan and naturally gluten-free.
A great alternative to regular boiled or steamed rice, this pilau rice uses whole spices and fried onions to create a flavourful side dish that's vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Learn how to make the perfect fluffy Basmati Rice, every single time! This is the simplest way you can make it in a pot, no Instant Pot or rice cooker needed, with just a few easy techniques and 20 minutes.
Appetizers and Snacks
This vegan samosa recipe is a quick and easy version of traditional potato samosas with mango chutney. Save time and lighten up your samosas by wrapping them with phyllo dough and baking instead of frying. You get all the flavours of a samosa but without the grease and in half the time!
Crispy, flaky Samosa is the perfect appetizer for any celebration. Filled with a spicy potato filling, this Samosa is also vegan!
To make vegetable fritters irresistible … make Pakora!! These are Indian vegetable patties, spiced and fried until golden and crispy. They can be made with virtually any vegetable, so use this pakora recipe as a springboard to do your own variations.
Crispy and addictive, papadums are an Indian snack that is also the perfect complement to any meal. They’re delicious when eaten alone, with chutneys, or with other dipping sauces. Learn how to make them from scratch at home.
Aloo tikki, which translates roughly to "potato patties," are typically eaten as a snack and are often sold by street vendors.
Masala vada are South Indian style deep fried lentil fritters. Traditionally they are made with lentils, usually split peas (chana dal) and sometimes in combination with urad dal. Spinach Chana Masala Vada are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. These are great to serve hot for friends and family during festival season.
One of the most popular Indian street foods – Pani Puri is a fried crispy puri filled with lip-smacking potato masala and loaded with flavorful water! Whether you are an adult or a child, you will never get tired of eating this. It is seriously addictive!
Tikkā is a traditional northern Indian dish involving marinated protein or vegetables cooked in a tandoor, or clay oven, but no need for specialized cooking equipment in this plant-based take.
Crispy, light, savoury and absolutely moreish – these Crispy Onion Bhajis are a must make! Thinly sliced onions are mixed and coated in a chickpea flour batter then dropped into a frying pan of hot oil and cooked until crisp.
With a spiced vegetable center and crisp exterior, Potato Pakora is satisfying in both flavor and texture. Enjoy it while it’s hot and fresh! Serve with a dipping sauce for a delicious, traditional Indian appetizer or side dish.
Besan Chilla or Cheela is savoury gram flour crepe. Basically, it is an omelette for vegans and vegetarians. I love making besan chilla for our breakfast, as it is very easy to make and can be ready in under 15 minutes.
Breads
This vegan garlic naan is soft, chewy, and full of garlic flavour. Serve it with your favorite Indian curry for a restaurant-style meal at home!
Easy vegan naan- soft, fluffy flatbread perfect for serving alongside Indian inspired dishes or even using as a wrap or pizza crust. Only 7 ingredients and easy to make!
The ultimate guide to homemade roti, a whole wheat, unleavened Indian flatbread to scoop up curries and sabzis with.
Chef Rohit Ghai shares his recipe for aloo paratha, potato-stuffed flatbreads. Delicious for breakfast, or as part of an Indian feast.
This Quick Vegan Paratha is inspired by an Indian staple and perfect for any meals. All you need is 5 minutes to prep the batter!
A quick and easy recipe for warm, soft, lightly charred chapati. Ready in 40 minutes, I love to make these whilst my curry is bubbling away. The perfect vessel for mopping up that curry sauce.
Carrots & Sweet Potato Stuffed Paratha Recipe is a nutritious paratha recipe stuffed with carrots and sweet potatoes as the name suggests, combined with simple masalas, making it a great breakfast option.
Delightfully crispy on the outside and chewy in the center, nothing beats a dosa for the best of South Indian street food! Made from rice and lentils, dosas are naturally gluten free and vegan and pair deliciously with both savory and sweet fillings.
Fried whole wheat flour bread with mild spices, a double layer and hollow middle. It’s Indian comfort food in a nutshell and a must-learn recipe if you’re looking to expand your repertoire of Indian bread beyond that of roti, naan and paratha.
Can you believe the dough for my Soft Spinach Roti (chapati) is enriched with a whole bag of spinach? Popeye would be proud! Pack a healthy portion of leafy greens into your meal with this easy recipe the whole family will love.
Sweets and Desserts
This 5-ingredient lassi smoothie combines frozen ripe mango, creamy coconut milk, tangy coconut yogurt, lime juice, and optional maple syrup to sweeten.
No baking powder, baking soda, yoghurt or yeast. This Perfect Vegan Jalebi calls upon the process of fermentation to do all the hard work.
Vegan Gulab Jamun is an Indian dessert to die for. These gulab jamuns come together in a jiffy, using bread and cashew cream, but they are so delicious, no one can tell they are divinely dairy-free.
This delicious carrot halwa is made without any added sugar! It's flavored with cardamom and made creamy using coconut milk.
Burfi, also called barfi, is an original Indian dessert similar to fudge. It belongs popular Indian sweets which are united under the name mithai. My vegan Badam Burfi is made with ground almonds or almond flour, vegan butter, sugar & a touch of saffron.
Kheer is delicious, comforting, and so easy to make, and this vegan version is no exception, substituting the dairy with a delicious combination of coconut and almond milk. The end result is a decadent rice pudding topped with fragrant saffron, cardamom, and chopped pistachios. Yum!
Salads, Chutneys and Condiments
Raita is a cooling yogurt-based Indian sauce with cucumber and mint. This vegan version is quick and easy to make and tastes just like the original!
Our readers RAVE about this mango chutney recipe! Fresh, vibrant, and absolutely BURSTING with flavor, you’re going to love this versatile and wonderfully delicious condiment!
Tomato chutney is not only great for its versatility and delicious flavour, but it’s also great because it’s so easy to make.
Fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed! That's how I would describe Cilantro Chutney, an extremely popular dipping sauce from the Indian subcontinent. This irresistible mildly-spiced sauce is made from fresh cilantro, green chilies, ginger, lime juice, and seasoned with salt, cumin, and a touch of sugar.
Sweet Tamarind Chutney aka Imli Chutney made with tamarind, jaggery and spices.
This is a staple chutney used in India for all kinds of chaats!
Kachumbar is a simple Chopped salad with onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and a salt, pepper/cayenne, lemon dressing. Serve as a side with Indian curries, or as a dip with chips, or over burgers.
Make this delicious Carrot Salad for a simple and light side dish. You can make this Indian salad recipe two ways, both of which are absolutely delectable!
Aloo Chana Chaat or Potato Chickpea Salad is a sweet, spicy and tangy - all in one recipe that can be served as a starter or even had as an evening snack.
Chana Chaat Recipe is a light and refreshing Indian salad that's perfect for summers. This chana chaat recipe is very easy and can be easily adapted with different ingredients.
This Mango Pickle or Aam Ka Achar is a recipe which is sour and makes for the tastiest accompaniment with any Indian meal because of the choicest of spices that are used to make it.
Leave a Reply