18 Indian Vegetarian Recipes for an Authentic Experience

India is a country with a big love for food, especially vegetarian food. You'll find that over 30% of Indians follow a vegetarian diet, which is a really big number. This means they don't eat meat, and instead, they eat yummy fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods.

If you want to taste the real India, you have to try their vegetarian recipes. These recipes are full of spices, colors, and flavors that will make your tongue happy. Try these 18 authentic Indian vegetarian recipes to experience the delicious world of Indian food.

1. Delicious Veg Biryani Recipes

Delicious and flavorful Veg Biryani, a popular Indian dish made with mix of vegetables and basmati rice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
4. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
5. Add mixed vegetables, grated carrot, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder, and stir well.
6. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
7. Add the soaked rice to the pan and stir gently.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
9. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

2. Homemade Paneer Tikka Masala

Creamy and flavorful, Homemade Paneer Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish.

Ingredients

• 250 gm paneer
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 large onions
• 2 large tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Cut the paneer into small cubes and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, ghee, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and mix well to coat.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
5. Heat 1/2 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Remove the paneer from the marinade and cook until golden brown on all sides.
7. Remove the paneer from the oil and set aside.
8. In the same oil, add the onions and cook until they are lightly browned.
9. Add the tomatoes and garlic to the skillet and cook until the tomatoes are soft.
10. Stir in 1/2 cup of water and bring to a boil.
11. Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked paneer to the skillet.
12. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
13. Garnish with cilantro and serve over basmati rice or with naan bread.

3. Authentic Chana Masala Curry

Authentic Chana Masala Curry is a popular North Indian dish made with chickpeas in a rich tomato-based curry.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas
• 2 medium onions
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 inch ginger
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until they are lightly browned.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.
5. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add chickpeas, salt, and tomato puree, and stir well.
7. Add 1 cup of water and bring the curry to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the curry for 10-15 minutes.
9. Stir in butter until it is fully incorporated.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over basmati rice or with naan bread.

4. Easy Saag Paneer Recipe

Creamy Saag Paneer is a popular Indian dish made with spinach and paneer cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 package paneer cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the garam masala and cumin, and stir to combine.
4. Add the fresh spinach to the pan, and cook until wilted.
5. Cut the paneer cheese into small cubes and add to the pan, stirring gently to combine with the spinach mixture.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and heavy cream until smooth.
7. Add the cream mixture to the pan, and stir to combine.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
9. Season with salt to taste, then serve hot.

5. Indian-Style Vegetable Korma

Mild and creamy Indian-Style Vegetable Korma made with mixed vegetables and spices.

Ingredients

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until they start to tenderize.
4. Add the vegetable broth, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt, and stir well.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the plain yogurt and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions, if desired.

6. Hearty Rajma Masala Stew

A spicy and flavorful North Indian stew made with kidney beans.

Ingredients

• 1 cup kidney beans
• 2 medium onions
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 inch ginger
• 2 cups water
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Soak the kidney beans in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the kidney beans, then transfer them to a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water.
3. Cook the kidney beans until they are tender, then set them aside.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
5. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent.
6. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft.
8. Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder, and cook for 1 minute.
9. Add the cooked kidney beans, salt, and 1 cup of water to the pan, and stir well.
10. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
11. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

7. Spicy Baingan Bharta Dish

Spicy Baingan Bharta is a popular Indian eggplant dish.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Roast the eggplants over an open flame or in the oven until the skin is charred and blistered.
2. Peel the skin off the eggplants and mash the flesh in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's translucent.
5. Add the garlic and ginger paste and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder and cook for 1 minute.
7. Add the mashed eggplant and salt to taste, and stir well.
8. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and flavorful.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with roti or rice.

8. Classic Mattar Paneer Recipe

Creamy Mattar Paneer is a classic Indian dish made with paneer and peas.

Ingredients

• 250 grams paneer
• 1 cup peas
• 2 medium onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Cut the paneer into small cubes and set aside.
2. Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
4. Add chopped onions and cook until they are translucent.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Add chopped tomato and cook until it is soft.
7. Add peas, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt.
8. Cook for 5 minutes or until the peas are tender.
9. Add the paneer cubes and stir gently.
10. Reduce heat to low and add cream.
11. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

9. Fluffy Basmati Rice Preparation

Fluffy Basmati Rice is a simple and flavorful Indian side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
2. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. Heat the ghee or oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add the drained rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with the ghee or oil.
5. Add the water and salt to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

10. Tasty Gobhi Aloo Curry

Delicious and spicy Gobhi Aloo Curry made with cauliflower and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 large cauliflower
• 2 large potatoes
• 2 medium onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium ginger
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent.
3. Add grated ginger and minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft.
5. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder and mix well.
6. Add cauliflower and potatoes, and mix well with the spice mixture.
7. Add salt to taste and 1 cup of water, and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.

11. Fragrant Vegetable Biryani Rice

Fragrant Vegetable Biryani Rice is a flavorful and aromatic Indian dish made with basmati rice and mixed vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat ghee in a large pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent.
4. Add garlic, carrot, and mixed vegetables, and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder, and stir well.
6. Add the soaked rice and stir gently to combine with the vegetables and spices.
7. Add water and salt, and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.

12. Creamy Palak Paneer Recipe

Creamy Palak Paneer is a popular Indian dish made with spinach and paneer.

Ingredients

• 250 grams paneer
• 2 cups fresh spinach puree
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. Add spinach puree, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt, and stir well.
5. Add paneer cubes and stir gently to combine.
6. In a small bowl, mix flour and water to make a smooth paste.
7. Add the paste to the spinach mixture and stir well.
8. Reduce heat to low and add cream, stirring continuously.
9. Add garam masala and stir well.
10. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

13. Crispy Onion Bhajis Recipe

Crispy Onion Bhajis are a popular Indian appetizer made with onions and spices.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion
• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Finely chop the onion and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chickpea flour, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
3. Add the chopped onion, lemon juice, and water to the bowl and mix well.
4. Add the baking soda and mix until a thick batter forms.
5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
6. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the batter into the hot oil.
7. Fry the bhajis until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove the bhajis from the oil and drain on paper towels.
9. Serve the Crispy Onion Bhajis hot with a side of chutney or raita.

14. Traditional Dal Makhani Recipe

Dal Makhani is a popular Indian lentil dish made with black lentils and kidney beans.

Ingredients

• 1 cup black lentils
• 1 cup kidney beans
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 can tomato puree
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the black lentils and kidney beans, then soak them in water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain and boil the lentils and beans in 2 cups of water until they are tender.
3. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric, and red chili powder, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Add the cooked lentils and beans to the pan and stir well.
7. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.

15. Savory Mutter Paneer Curry

Creamy Mutter Paneer Curry is a popular Indian dish made with paneer and peas.

Ingredients

• 250 gm paneer
• 1 cup peas
• 2 medium onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups water
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. Add chopped tomato and cook until it turns soft.
5. Add peas, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add paneer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Add water and bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low and add butter and garam masala.
9. Simmer the curry for 10-15 minutes or until the paneer is cooked.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

16. Indian-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers

Vibrant bell peppers filled with flavorful Indian spices and rice.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup black chickpeas
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a pan, heat oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add cumin powder, garam masala, turmeric, and chickpeas, and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked rice and season with salt.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture and top with their lids.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions.

17. Exotic Baingan Ka Bharta Recipe

Exotic Baingan Ka Bharta is a popular Indian dish made with roasted eggplant and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 medium onions
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the eggplants for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is tender.
2. Let the eggplants cool, then peel and mash them in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds.
4. Add chopped onions and cook until they are translucent.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Add chopped tomato and cook until it's soft and mashed.
7. Add the mashed eggplant, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan.
8. Mix well and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with roti or rice.

18. Simple Saag Aloo Curry Recipe

Simple Saag Aloo Curry is a spicy mustard green curry with potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of mustard greens
• 2 medium-sized potatoes
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons of butter

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add cumin seeds.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute.
4. Add the mustard greens and cook until they wilt.
5. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt, and stir well.
6. Add the diced potatoes and stir to combine with the spice mixture.
7. Add 1/2 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through.
9. Stir in the butter until it melts and serves hot with naan or rice.

Conclusion

You've made it through the list, and ironically, you're probably hungrier than ever. Don't worry, it's a good kind of hungry - the kind that'll drive you to try these 18 Indian vegetarian recipes. You'll master Veg Biryani, Paneer Tikka Masala, and more, and your taste buds will thank you - or blamed you, for the new cravings.