Indian Cuisine is one of the oldest and richest vegetarian cuisines, with delicious flavours. Indian dishes can be very spicy and yet very tempting to try. When Leticia came to India for the first time, it was difficult for her to eat these vegetarian Indian dishes in all 3 meals of the day. Indian cuisine is that it varies from one region to the other in terms of and the way it is prepared. We have picked our favourite 7 vegetarian Indian dishes that we can’t resist and can have any time.
If you are planning to visit India soon. Then, please do check out our complete guide about India. It will help you to plan better. And to be prepared for Indian culture shock and much more. In India, a big portion of the population is completely vegetarian. Hence, they have a wide variety of vegetarian Indian dishes. So let’s go and learn more about these mouth-watering dishes.
Here is the list of 7 Vegetarian Indian Dishes
Paneer Butter Masala
This is Leticia’s favourite. She loves it so much, that she can eat this almost every time she eats outside. To know how the names of Indian food is done, you can check this article. Paneer Butter Masala is made with fresh white cheese, in a yellow-orange spiced gravy. It is one of the most popular north Indian dishes. Hence, you can easily find in most restaurants, with a slight variation in the colour and taste. As it contains fresh cheese, along with cream it is not as spicy as other north Indian dishes.
You can enjoy it with some Garlic or plain naan ( Indian Bread) or with chapati. If you want to prepare this dish at home, it is easy to make. With few variations, you can definitely make your own version of Paneer Butter Masala and enjoy.
Our favourite recipe of Paneer butter masala is this one.
Pao Bhaji
Pao Bhaji is made with Pao which means bread buns, and Bhaji is a common name for veggies or cooked vegetables. Traditionally, it is very popular in Mumbai but is enjoyed across India. The vegetables that are usually added to pav bhaji are cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, peas, capsicum and french beans and tomatoes. If any of these veggies are not available, it’s fine. But, with more veggies, it’s healthier. Usually, it’s a bit red-yellow but again, depending on the number of veggies, the colour can be different.
Raw finely chopped onions on top of the bhaji with some butter, add extra yumminess to the bhaji when served. Pao is usually served toasted on the pan with some butter or raw.
In my home, when my mom makes this, I end up eating 7-8 pieces of Pao in one go. Can’t help, it’s extremely delicious. Real Bombay style Pao bhaji can be very spicy. So, if you are trying for the first time, eat a few pieces and ask the cook to keep it at zero spice level.
Masala Dosa
Dosa is the king of south Indian food. Made with rice and Lentils ( Chana Dal) in the proportion of 3:1. Masala Dosa is served with coconut chutney ( sauce) and Sambhar. It has stuffing inside of boiled potatoes with some Indian masala.
Usually, Dosa served in Indian restaurants are very big in size, in a triangle shape or a big pipe-like shape. Sambhar is made with lentils and some Indian veggies. Because of the south-Indian spices, it has a strong flavourful aroma. Coconut chutney tastes so delicious with sweet-savoury taste. As a result, also helps to cut out the spiciness from the whole meal.
Dosa can be made with various raw materials, some of them even without rice. You must try this, as it is not as spicy as other indian dishes but very rich in Indian curry flavours.
Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta is like vegetarian meatball dumpling in spicy Indian gravy. In this, Malai means cream and Kofta are fried dumplings. they are made up of mashed potatoes, a mix of veggies and paneer. It is also very popular when it comes to dining in restaurants. Some recipes of Malai kofta uses cashew paste in the gravy which makes the gravy thicker and also less spicy. Malai Kofta is usually enjoyed with some butter naan or tandoori roti ( Indian bread).
The tanginess of tomatoes, and a strong flavour of onion and garlic, makes it very aromatic and mouth-watering.
I am sure by now you must be feeling hungry and wanting to try it already. To make you feel more tempted, check out the image below.
Garlic Naan
We love Garlic Naan. And if it is Garlic cheese naan, then it is even better. It is a typical Indian bread. To make garlic naan, you need white flour and garlic and a tandoor ( Indian oven ). When we go out in Jaipur, we often eat it. As it tastes good with almost all vegetarian Indian dishes.
You will be able to find garlic naan in all good restaurants. The crunchy garlic flakes on the naan, makes the food taste even better.
Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is loved by everyone in India. From restaurants to weddings, you will find Dal makhani very easily. It has to be in your “must-try vegetarian Indian dishes” list. And, I am sure you won’t be disappointed. Urad Dal (a type of lentils) and red kidney beans, along with some butter and Indian spices. Surely, Dal Makhani can give you the foodgasm you were craving for. Haha!
Dal Makhani with Garlic naan or stuffed naan, it the best combination for your Indian dinner. If you want to check out the recipe of home-made dal makhani, please visit this link.
Rajma Chawal
Chawal means rice and Rajma means red beans. So it kind of is a staple Indian dish. But, with Indian spices and the preparation method makes it a must-try in India. In my house, it’s our favourite Sunday brunch meal.
You can check our recipe, if you want to make it at your home. It is not a very difficult recipe. But, I am sure once you try making it Indian style, you will fall in love with it. It is traditionally north Indian dish. Very healthy as it is rich in protein, prepared in onion and tomatoes gravy.
Rajma or red beans in India are usually soaked over night, before cooking. In cooking Rajma, Indians use a typical kitchen masala, also known as Garam Masala. Most curries of India requires Garam Masala.
With this, our favourites list is over, but the craving for Indian food is not. If you think we missed some dish from India, that you think should be there. Also, please share your experience in comments and let us know.
Also, if you like our list and you want to save this list for yourself, do pin the image below on your Indian Food board, or Must-Try Recipes, or Vegetarian Food on Pinterest.
