27 Vegetarian Indian Foods That Will Make You Forget Meat in 2025

Vegetarian Indian food​ offers a treasure trove of delicious options that can make you forget all about meat. I mean, what could be better than cozying up with a hearty curry on a chilly evening? Of course, vegetarian Indian food​ is more than just curries and includes a wide variety of dishes such as dosas, biryanis and satisfying chaats. The cuisine is famous for its incredible blend of spices, diverse flavors and aromatic ingredients that come together to create some really mouthwatering dishes. These vegetarian Indian food recipes prove that vegetarian food can be just as exciting and delicious as any meat-based meal (if not more so).

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• Easy Vegetarian Indian Food Recipes
• Vegetarian Indian Recipes for Dinner
• 10 Minute Vegetarian Indian Recipes
• Vegetarian Indian Food​ FAQs

Easy Vegetarian Indian Food Recipes

1. Samosas

Samosas are a classic snack that never disappoints and they’re delicious with tangy tamarind chutney or mint yogurt dip. While you can make them with all types of fillings, nothing beats a delicious, nutritious vegetable filling of spiced mashed potatoes and peas seasoned with coriander, ginger and garlic. You can fry this flavorful appetizer until golden or bake it for a lighter option.

2. Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy, protein-packed snack alternative that works well for game nights, movie marathons and casual get-togethers. Alternatively, you can use them as a topping for soups and salads, and incidentally, they’re quick and easy to make. Simply rinse and dry a can of chickpeas, toss them in olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp. While they’re hot, season them with curry powder, paprika or another spice of your choice.

3. Malai Kofta

Malai kofta is made with tender, golden balls of mashed potato, paneer and veggies swimming in a creamy, spiced tomato-cashew sauce. While the crisp potato balls are positively scrumptious vegetarian Indian food​s, the sauce is the real star of the show. You make it by blending tomatoes, nuts and spices then cook until thickened. You can serve it with naan or steamed rice for a rich, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

4. Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)

Kheer is a comforting dessert with a creamy texture that’s not too sweet. You make it by simmering basmati rice or vermicelli pasta in milk with a bit of heavy cream, then add sugar as it thickens. Enhance the flavor with cardamom, cinnamon or vanilla and top it with chopped nuts or raisins. You can serve this warm or chilled for a delightful end to any meal.

5. Indian Spiced Potato Wedges

This is one of those easy vegetarian Indian food recipes that can be enjoyed as a snack, a side dish or even a standalone treat. Starchy potatoes work best, cut into wedges and coated in a mix of Indian spices like turmeric, cayenne and garam masala. Add a touch of ginger and garlic for depth of flavor, as well as dried herbs like basil or oregano. Once baked to perfection, the wedges come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

6. Egg-free Potato Frittata

This plant-based frittata is as versatile as it is flavorful. Soft potatoes and tender leeks form the base, which is sautéed with warming spices like turmeric and cumin, while a chickpea flour batter ties everything together. Once baked, the frittata is golden on the outside, soft in the center and packed with flavor. This is a great vegetarian Indian food​ recipe to make ahead for busy days or you can serve it warm with a fresh green salad. You can do the same thing when crafting vegetable pancakes for your best vegetarian Chinese food. To elevate your frittata-making skills, consider exploring cooking classes near you or try out online cooking classes for additional inspiration and tips.

7. Carrot Ginger Soup

Ginger is one of the most commonly used ingredients in vegetarian Indian food recipes and in this soup dish, it’s combined with naturally sweet carrots to create a meal that is refreshing yet warming at the same time. The base starts with sautéed onions, garlic and spices like cumin and red pepper flakes. The soup is blended to a velvety smooth texture, and you can add a hint of coconut cream or a splash of apple cider vinegar to elevate the flavor.

8. Cheesy Aloo Paratha

Aloo paratha is a classic Indian flatbread stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes, but you can take it to the next level by adding melted cheese. The potato filling is flavored with curry leaves and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a warm and savory stuffing. Rolled into soft dough and cooked in ghee, each paratha is crispy on the outside and soft inside. 

9. Paneer Butter Masala

Rich, creamy paneer butter masala is yet another example of vegetarian Indian food​ that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and it’s relatively simple to create. Cube up some fresh paneer and sear it in a hot pan until golden, while simmering pureed tomatoes, butter, cream  and a pinch of garam masala in a separate pot. Toss the paneer into the sauce, let it soak up all that buttery goodness and serve with warm naan or rice.

Vegetarian Indian Recipes for Dinner

10. Tomato Curry Rice and Legumes

Tomato curry rice is a wonderful way to make use of leftover rice and lentils. Simply take strained tomatoes and sautée them with curry powder until they’re nice and aromatic, then mix them with your grains and legumes for a hearty combination. A hint of water keeps the mixture from sticking as it warms through. Garnish with fresh coriander or chili flakes for a finishing touch, and serve it as a standalone meal or prepare it as a quick side for grilled dishes.

11. Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable biryani is an aromatic, layered vegetarian Indian food​ dish that combines basmati rice with tender vegetables and a medley of warming spices. The rice is lightly cooked and flavored with cinnamon and cardamom, while the vegetables are sautéed in a spice mix that includes turmeric, cumin and garam masala, then simmered until perfectly tender. Layers of rice, spiced vegetables, golden fried onions and soft potatoes are assembled and baked to perfection. The result is a beautifully balanced dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served with raita.

12. Tofu Tikka Masala

If you’re looking for vegetarian Indian recipes for dinner that offer a unique twist to classic Indian flavors, this tofu tikka masala fits the bill. It’s made with marinated tofu seasoned with a blend of yogurt, garlic, ginger and traditional spices. Then you have a tikka sauce that’s prepared with sautéed onions, garlic and ginger, with an infusion of garam masala, cumin and coriander. Once your sauce has the right sauce consistency, toss in the baked tofu and you have a dish that’s both hearty and deeply flavorful.

13. Cauliflower Curry

This versatile cauliflower curry is a medley of vibrant vegetables — cauliflower, peppers, green beans and potatoes — brought together in a creamy, aromatic coconut-based sauce. The vegetables are gently simmered until tender yet crisp, creating a one-pot meal that’s hearty, flavorful and ideal for pairing with rice or flatbread. It’s one of the most popular vegetarian Indian food recipes for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

14. Indian Dal Tadka 

Dal tadka is a humble yet deeply flavorful dish of yellow lentils tempered with aromatic spices like cumin, curry leaves and asafoetida. The tempering process infuses the dal with layers of flavor and you can further elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Traditionally served with basmati rice or naan, dal tadka is a staple of Indian home cooking and one of the top vegetarian Indian food​ dishes for busy moms.

15. Aloo Gobi

Aloo gobi is a classic vegetarian Indian food​ dish of roasted cauliflower and potatoes in a fragrant spiced gravy. The vegetables are lightly charred in the oven to develop a hint of smokiness, while the gravy — made with cumin, turmeric and coriander — is simmered with onions, garlic and ginger. Tossed together, the golden-hued vegetables soak up the spices, creating a flavorful vegetarian Indian food​ dish that pairs beautifully with naan, roti or a simple bowl of steamed rice.

16. Eggplant Curry

Vegetarian Indian recipes for dinner don’t get more comforting than this bold eggplant curry. Here, you’ve got a tender, roasted eggplant in a luscious, spiced coconut sauce enhanced with a mix of curry powder, cumin and turmeric. Finished with garam masala and a garnish of cilantro, this curry offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors and is delicious with basmati rice or naan.

17. Navratan Korma

Navratan Korma, meaning "nine jewels," is a luxurious vegetarian curry with a creamy base made from a blend of onions, ginger and warming spices like turmeric and cumin. This goes over a medley of potatoes, carrots, cauliflower and bell peppers. You can add green peas and sautéed tofu for a satisfying protein boost, while optional extras like dried fenugreek leaves or pomegranate seeds showcase the versatility of ingredients in vegetarian Indian food​.

18. Sukhi Aloo Sabzi 

Here we have one of the most delightful Hindu vegetarian dishes that you can make at home. Sukhi aloo sabzi is a simple, dry potato curry packed with aromatic spices and fresh coriander, making it perfect for meals at home or on the go. Boiling the potatoes in advance not only saves cooking time but also retains their nutritional value.

19. Sweet Potato Curry

Sweet potato curry is a satisfying and wholesome dish that pairs hearty sweet potatoes and chickpeas with a creamy, spiced coconut milk broth. The result is an appetizing curry that feels indulgent yet light. It can be served over steamed rice or with crusty bread for a satisfying vegan Indian food​ dinner.

10 Minute Vegetarian Indian Recipes

20. Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka is a beloved vegetarian Indian food​ appetizer that strikes the perfect balance between smoky, spicy and creamy flavors. Cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), onions, tomatoes and bell peppers are marinated in a tangy yogurt base infused with aromatic spices. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor, this dish can be easily recreated in an oven or on a stovetop grill for the same charred, smoky essence. Enjoy paneer tikka fresh off the skewers with cooling cilantro mint chutney, some lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra zing. For a modern twist, tuck the tikka pieces into a wrap or pita bread with lettuce and chutney — it’s one of the best 10-minute vegetarian Indian recipes for when you’re in a hurry.

21. Mushroom Bhaji

Mushroom bhaji is one of those 10-minute vegetarian Indian recipes that work really well as a hearty side. Button mushrooms are the star of this recipe, sautéed with a base of onions, green chilies and garlic, then simmered with fragrant spices like cumin, turmeric and smoked paprika. Add a dollop of tomato paste and you’ll have a lightly spiced, earthy sauce that clings to the tender mushrooms.

22. Chana Saag

Chana saag is a delicious combination of protein-rich chickpeas and spinach in a warmly spiced curry. The vegetarian Indian food​ begins with a fragrant base of onions, garlic and ginger, cooked with cumin, garam masala and turmeric, then simmered with juicy tomatoes. Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the curry, creating a creamy satisfying texture without any dairy.

23. Bombay Potatoes

Bombay potatoes are a spicy take on humble baby potatoes and a great vegan Indian food​ option to serve at your next dinner party. Golden potatoes are tossed with a medley of Indian spices like cumin, turmeric and garam masala, then pan-fried to perfection to create a crispy vegetarian Indian food​ dish bursting with flavor. Serve them with flaky parathas or stuff them into wraps for an on-the-go meal.

24. Aloo Tikki

Aloo tikki is a classic Indian potato patty that can be elevated with the addition of sweet corn, green peas and grated carrots — staples in the most delicious vegetarian Mexican food. These crispy, golden patties are flavored with aromatic spices like garam masala and chaat masala and then shallow-fried to achieve the perfect crunch. Serve your tikkis with a side of tangy tamarind chutney and spicy mint chutney, or stack them in a burger bun with lettuce, onion and ketchup for a fun fusion snack.

25. Bhel Puri

When it comes to easy vegetarian Indian food recipes, bhel puri is a popular choice. This vegetarian Indian food​ recipe is quick to assemble and endlessly customizable. It’s essentially a crunchy, tangy and slightly sweet medley of puffed rice, tortilla strips, boiled potatoes and vibrant chutneys. The key lies in balancing the sweet tamarind chutney, the spicy cilantro-mint chutney, and the crunch from sev and roasted puffed rice to create a dish that is bursting with flavor and texture.

26. Malai Kofta

Malai kofta is a vegetarian Indian food​ dish that’s made from potatoes, cheese and mixed vegetables that are lightly fried to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior. The fried koftas are then enveloped in a luscious sauce made from cashews, onions and tomatoes, and garnished with a drizzle of cream and fresh coriander. This vegetarian Indian food​ dish pairs beautifully with naan or parathas, but you can also balance its richness with a crisp cucumber raita or tangy lemon rice.

27. Vegetable Pakora Recipe

Vegetable pakora is a crunchy, golden snack made from gram flour (besan) and your choice of fresh vegetables. These fritters are easy to customize and perfect for pairing with a hot cup of tea. Serve them with mint chutney, tamarind chutney or ketchup and enjoy a pleasant burst of flavors and textures.

Vegetarian Indian Food​ FAQs

What is a popular vegetarian Indian dish?

Aloo gobi is a quintessential vegetarian Indian food​ that showcases the culinary genius of Hindu vegetarian dishes. It exemplifies the art of vegetable cooking where each ingredient is treated with precision and elevated through traditional spice blends.

What is an Indian vegetarian meal?

A vegetarian Indian food​ meal is typically made up of a combination of legumes, seasonal vegetables, roti or rice as a staple and cooling yogurt, as well as an array of accompaniments like chutneys, pickles and crispy papads. This thoughtful combination ensures a complete nutritional profile that provides you with proteins, carbohydrates and essential nutrients.

Is Indian vegetarian food healthy?

Filled with fiber-rich vegetables, protein-dense lentils and a wide variety of whole grains, vegetarian Indian food​ offers a comprehensive approach to nutrition. The intricate use of spices adds complex health-promoting compounds to the mix, making Hindu vegetarian dishes not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious.

These vegetarian Indian food​ dishes showcase the beauty of Indian flavors and the versatility of everyday ingredients. There’s an option for every taste and occasion, whether you’re looking to incorporate more nutritious vegan Indian food into your diet or simply want to try something new for dinner.

For even more fun vegetarian ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!