33 Satisfying Vegan Indian Food Ideas for 2025
Vegan Indian food makes for the ideal breakfast, lunch and dinner. The NHS defines vegan eating succinctly, “a vegan diet is based on plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) and foods made from plants. Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals.”
Thankfully, Indian cuisine offers a great variety of non-animal ingredients. Enjoy these at-home and on-the-go food ideas that don’t compromise on dietary needs. Use this list to spark food prep ideas or prepare out-of-the-box vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes. And take some of these, along with your best Diwali decorations when celebrating the Festival of Lights.
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Easy Vegan Indian Food Recipes
1. Vegan Indian Cooking Classes
Learn to make your own vegan Indian food through online cooking classes or cooking classes near you. You can find cooking classes in Charlotte, cooking classes in Los Angeles and even cooking classes in Pittsburgh.
2. Sweet Potato Bhaji
Sweet Potato Bhaji is a quick vegan Indian food (about 20 minutes) made with tender sweet potatoes sautéed in mustard seeds, curry leaves and turmeric. This sweet and savory stir-fry is lightly spiced and ideal as a side dish or quick snack. Its simplicity and bright flavors make it a delicious, wholesome option.
3. South Indian Style Lemon Quinoa
Here’s an easy twist on the traditional South Indian lemon rice: lemon quinoa. This one-pot vegan meal works well for busy weeknights and keeps you full with protein-rich quinoa. This nutritious dish doesn’t skimp on taste or convenience and takes only 35 minutes to make if you use an instant pot.
4. Jackfruit Tacos with Pickled Onions & Cilantro Chutney
A creative twist on vegan Indian food, these tacos feature spiced jackfruit as a hearty filling. Topped with tangy pickled onions and refreshing cilantro chutney, they deliver a vibrant fusion of Indian and Mexican flavors. With smoky and zesty undertones, this dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
5. Aloo Gobi (Potato & Cauliflower Stir Fry)
This ultra-comforting dish is a go-to vegan food idea. The potatoes and cauliflower soak up the spices beautifully, making it a cozy option for any day of the week.
6. Vegan Instant Pot Chana Masala
Vegan Instant Pot Chana Masala is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s both comforting and versatile. Protein-rich chickpeas are simmered in a spiced tomato-based gravy, infused with bold flavors from garam masala, cumin, turmeric and chili powder. The onions, garlic and ginger form a rich base that enhances the dish’s depth of flavor. You can pair this vegan soul food with rice or warm bread.
7. Instant Pot Sambar
Sambar is a favorite way to bring some tangy, spicy comfort to the table. It’s a lentil-based stew packed with veggies and spices and the Instant Pot makes it so easy.
8. Eggplant and Potato Curry
It’ll take you about 30 minutes to cook this curry (the benefits of not having to wait for proteins to cook.) Eggplant and potato curry combines eggplant and potatoes simmered in a spiced tomato-onion gravy.
This vegan food is flavored with cumin, turmeric and garam masala and pairs well with rice or flatbread. The dish brings out the creamy texture of the vegetables while balancing bold spices. It’s a comforting meal for any dinner.
9. Coconut Rice with Curry Leaves
This fragrant vegan Indian food features fluffy basmati rice infused with creamy coconut milk, aromatic curry leaves and tempered spices like mustard seeds and chilies. It’s light yet flavorful, ideal as a main or side dish. The richness of the coconut balances the earthy spices, creating a satisfying meal.
10. Quick Vegan Tofu Butter Masala
This vegan Indian food reimagines the classic dish with tofu as a substitute for paneer. Cooked in a creamy tomato-based gravy made with cashew cream and aromatic spices, it’s indulgent yet dairy-free. The dish comes together quickly, making it easy for busy nights when you crave something rich and flavorful.
11. Tamarind Quinoa Salad
The Tamarind Quinoa Salad is a flavorful dish that balances tangy and spicy notes. It makes for a quick, healthy meal or side dish. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and aromatic cilantro add bright flavors, while roasted peanuts or seeds bring a delightful crunch.
12. Spinach Moong Dal
Spinach moong dal is a protein-packed vegan Indian food dish combining yellow lentils and fresh spinach. Flavored with garlic, cumin and turmeric, it’s a comforting and nourishing option. The dal has a creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavor, making it a versatile accompaniment to rice or flatbread.
13. Vegan Vegetable Pulao
When you’re looking for something easy and nourishing, just make this pulao. It’s a one-pot dish that’s loaded with vegetables and warm spices, great as a meal or a side. Don’t forget to add cinnamon sticks, cloves and cardamom pods.
14. Indian Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew
You’ll need to set aside 40 minutes for this stew. This vegan Indian food stew blends chickpeas and sweet potatoes in a mildly spiced tomato-based broth. With warming spices like garam masala and cumin, it’s hearty and flavorful for cooler days. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a nourishing and satisfying meal served with rice or bread.
15. Instant Pot Rajma Chawal
Instant pot rajma chawal is a classic North Indian comfort food that combines kidney bean curry (rajma) with steamed basmati rice (chawal). The kidney beans are slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy spiced with garam masala, cumin and chili powder which creates a hearty curry.
16. Vegan Pumpkin Curry with Tofu
This creamy vegan Indian food highlights the rich, sweet flavors of pumpkin paired with tofu for added protein. Cooked with coconut milk, curry leaves and aromatic spices, the dish has a velvety texture and a balance of bold and sweet flavors. It’s a delightful and filling option for weeknight dinners.
17. Instant Pot Jackfruit Curry
Any guests will love the hearty texture of jackfruit in this curry. It’s rich and bursting with the bold spices of Indian cuisine, but this curry isn’t too hard to make so it’s fuss-less.
Use spices like coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala and chili powder to give the dish an authentic flavor.
Authentic Vegan Indian Food Ideas
The best gifts for foodies, besides making these dishes, is a night out at vegan restaurants in NYC or a city near you.
18. Vangi Bath (South Indian Eggplant Rice)
Vangi bath is a traditional South Indian rice dish originating from Karnataka (southwestern India). Its name means "eggplant rice," and this dish comes with sautéed eggplant cooked with tamarind, coconut and spices like curry leaves and mustard seeds. This vegan Indian food was once a staple temple offering and celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage and love for bold, tangy flavors.
19. Chickpea Cauliflower Coconut Curry
This dish blends the North Indian influence of chickpeas with the South Indian staple of coconut milk. Rooted in coastal Indian cuisine, it draws on tropical ingredients and warming spices to create a wholesome vegan Indian food that balances creaminess with spice. It's often associated with family meals and comfort food traditions.
20. Vegan Red Lentil Curry
Red lentil curry, also known as Masoor Dal, is a staple in Indian households. Its history dates back centuries, rooted in Ayurveda, where lentils were prized for their health benefits.
21. Tofu Tikka Masala
Tikka masala, originally a North Indian dish adapted for British palates, features marinated "tikka" pieces in a spiced tomato-cream gravy. The vegan version substitutes tofu for paneer or meat, creating a vegan Indian food inspired by the dish's evolution into a global favorite, blending authenticity with modern dietary preferences.
22. Vegan Palak Paneer with Tofu
Palak paneer, a Punjabi classic, dates back to the agrarian communities of Northern India. Made with spinach (palak) and paneer, the vegan variation replaces paneer with tofu. This vegan Indian food preserves the vibrant spinach gravy and comforting texture of the dish while making it accessible to plant-based diets.
23. Vegan Kerala Avial
Avial is a traditional dish from Kerala, often linked to ancient temple offerings. It’s a medley of mixed vegetables cooked with coconut, curry leaves and tamarind or yogurt. The vegan version uses plant-based yogurt, offering a creamy and tangy take on this classic vegan Indian food with deep cultural significance.
24. Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Curry)
Masoor dal has ancient roots in Indian cuisine, with lentils being a dietary staple for millennia. Known for its quick cooking time, this vegan Indian food embodies simplicity and nourishment. Flavored with turmeric, cumin and coriander, it has been a vital source of protein for generations.
25. Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant Curry)
Baingan bharta, rooted in rural India, traces its origins to traditional tandoor ovens used for roasting vegetables. This vegan Indian food features smoky mashed eggplant cooked with tomatoes, onions and spices. It remains a beloved dish, highlighting the simplicity and depth of flavor in Indian village cuisine.
26. Vegan Dosa Batter & Coconut Chutney
Dosa originates from South India and dates back over 1,500 years. This thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentils is often served with coconut chutney, a refreshing accompaniment made from ground coconut, chilies and curry leaves. It remains a quintessential vegan Indian food for breakfast or snacks.
27. Kadai Mushroom Curry
Kadai mushroom curry derives its name from the "kadai," a wok-like pan traditionally used in Indian cooking. Originating in North India, this dish features mushrooms cooked in a tomato-based gravy spiced with coriander and kasuri methi. This vegan Indian food reflects the adaptability of Indian curries to modern ingredients.
28. Vegan Hyderabadi Biryani
Hyderabadi Biryani has roots in the Mughal empire, blending Persian and Indian culinary traditions. Traditionally made with meat, the vegan version uses vegetables and plant-based proteins. This layered rice dish is flavored with saffron and aromatic spices and remains a luxurious and iconic vegan Indian food.
29. Vegan Dal Tadka
Dal tadka, a North Indian staple, features lentils tempered with ghee, garlic and spices. The vegan version substitutes plant-based oil for ghee, preserving the rich, smoky flavor. This vegan Indian food represents the heart of Indian home cooking, offering warmth and nourishment.
30. Tamarind Rasam
Rasam, a tangy soup from South India, is believed to have originated in Tamil Nadu as a medicinal dish. Tamarind rasam, flavored with tamarind, black pepper and curry leaves, is a classic vegan Indian food that showcases the region’s love for sour and spicy flavors.
31. Vegan Mattar Tofu Paneer
Mattar paneer is a Punjabi favorite and highlights the seasonal abundance of peas (mattar). The vegan version swaps paneer with tofu, offering a creamy tomato-based curry enriched with spices. This vegan Indian food remains a versatile dish, enjoyed with roti or rice during festive meals.
32. Instant Pot Vegetable Korma
Vegetable korma traces its origins to Mughal cuisine, where rich, spiced gravies were a hallmark. This vegan Indian food combines mixed vegetables, coconut milk and nuts for a creamy and aromatic curry. The instant pot adaptation makes this luxurious dish quick and accessible.
33. Vegan Bhindi Masala (Okra Stir Fry)
Bhindi masala, or spiced okra, is a popular dish from North India. Known for its rustic charm, it pairs stir-fried okra with tomatoes, onions and spices. This vegan Indian food reflects the resourceful cooking of Indian households, turning humble ingredients into flavorful meals.
Vegan Indian Food FAQs
What Indian Food Is Typically Vegan?
Clearly, a lot of Indian food is vegan. Just check that your dish is made without yogurt, ghee or meats. Here is a short list of vegan Indian food:
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Idli
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Vada
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Dosa
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Poori
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Pongal
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Upma
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Poha
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Rice idli
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Sambar
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Bisi bele bath
Which Indian Food is Dairy-free?
Tons of Indian food is dairy-free! Indian cuisine is an excellent option for many different dietary restrictions. One of the best food hacks is knowing ahead of time which dishes are dairy-free so you can order confidently, including:
- Tarka Dal
- Saag Aloo
- Aloo Gobi
- Chana Masala
- Vegetable Biryani
- Pakora
Which Curries Are Usually Vegan?
Many Indian curries are naturally vegan or can easily be adapted to fit a plant-based diet. North Indian cuisine, in particular, offers a variety of vegan-friendly options that are both flavorful and wholesome.
Chana masala, a hearty chickpea curry cooked in a spiced tomato sauce, is a popular choice. Aloo gobi, featuring potatoes and cauliflower in a ginger, garlic and turmeric-infused sauce, is another classic vegan dish.
For eggplant lovers, Baingan Bharta delivers smoky mashed eggplant cooked with onions and spices. Other vegan-friendly curries include bhindi masala, made with sautéed okra, spiced cabbage curry and aloo matar, a comforting combination of potatoes and peas simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy.
Is Masala Usually Vegan?
Yes, a basic masala spice blend is typically vegan. It is made from a mix of ground spices such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns. All of these spices are completely plant-based. These aromatic spices form the foundation of many Indian dishes, adding depth and flavor without the need for animal-derived ingredients.
However, it's important to note that some prepared "masala" dishes may include non-vegan ingredients like dairy (such as cream or ghee) or other animal products. For example, dishes like butter masala often incorporate cream, while tikka masala may use yogurt. If you're unsure, always check the ingredients list or ask how the dish was prepared to ensure it aligns with a vegan diet.
Indian cuisine offers a vibrant tapestry of flavors and aromas that make vegan dining a delight. These 33 satisfying vegan Indian food ideas prove that plant-based eating doesn’t have to compromise on taste or variety.
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