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- Cooking for picky eaters, particularly non-vegetarians, can be challenging. However, certain Indian vegetarian dishes are so flavorful that they can easily win over even the most discerning taste buds.
- Indian cuisine boasts a diverse range of mouth-watering vegetarian dishes. From chickpea curry and garlic-infused lentils to creamy paneer dishes, these meals are truly irresistible.
- The rich spices, textures, and flavours of Indian vegetarian cuisine are every bit as satisfying as their non-vegetarian counterparts.
- To put an end to mealtime complaints, here’s a list of 20 must-try vegetarian Indian dishes that will be loved by all.
1. Chole Bhature
- Chole Bhature, also known as Chana Bhatura, is a popular dish from Punjab, India. It consists of chickpeas simmered in a homemade sauce with classic spices such as cumin, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, and chilli powder, cooked for about 10 minutes. The addition of onions, garlic, and ginger enhances the flavour, while mashing the chickpeas creates a rich, thick stew. This hearty dish pairs beautifully with bhatura, a soft and fluffy fried bread. Perfectly balancing heat and spice, Chole Bhature is typically enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is sometimes served with a refreshing glass of lassi, a yoghurt-based drink.
2. Paneer Tikka
- Paneer Tikka is a beloved and flavorful tandoori snack made with paneer. The paneer is marinated in a creamy yoghurt sauce infused with a variety of spices and aromatic flavours, then skewered and cooked either in the oven or on the stovetop, giving it a delicious smoky flavour. It serves as a fantastic meatless alternative to chicken tikka and other meat dishes. Once cooked, it’s finished with a sprinkle of lemon juice and chaat masala, and is typically served hot alongside a refreshing salad or mint chutney.
3. Dal Makhani
- Dal Makhani is a classic North Indian dish from Punjabi cuisine, made with whole black lentils and kidney beans. The lentils are cooked in a rich blend of tomato puree, herbs, and spices such as garam masala, sabzi masala, and ginger-garlic paste, with generous amounts of butter for added richness. Traditionally, it is slow-cooked overnight in a tandoor, infusing it with a unique smoky flavour. Served with a dollop of fresh butter on top, this indulgent dish is typically enjoyed with naan, boiled rice, and other side dishes as part of a classic Indian vegetarian meal.
4. Baingan Bharta
- Baingan Bharta is a flavorful and versatile dish, enjoyed year-round but particularly loved during the cooler months when fresh eggplants are in season. It’s a comforting and hearty choice for lunch or dinner.
- To prepare Baingan Bharta, grilled eggplant is finely chopped and combined with tomatoes, onions, herbs, and a blend of spices. The eggplant is traditionally grilled over charcoal or direct heat, which imparts a distinct smoky flavour.
- This popular Indian vegetarian dish is commonly served with flatbreads like roti or paratha, along with rice, raita (a yoghurt dip), and a yoghurt-based salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
5. Chilli Paneer
- Chilli Paneer is a popular dish in Indian Chinese cuisine, similar to Chilli Chicken, but made with paneer instead of chicken. First, paneer cubes are coated in flour or batter and deep-fried until they become crispy. Then, they are tossed in a deliciously sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce.
- Chilli Paneer can be served dry as an appetizer or snack, or with gravy alongside steamed rice or noodles. It’s a favourite choice for those who love flavorful, satisfying vegetarian dishes.
6. Pulao
- Vegetable Pulao, also known as Pilaf or Pulav, is a delicious Indian vegetarian rice dish. It features a combination of rice, vegetables, and spices cooked together in a single pot. The preparation begins by sautéing the spices, vegetables, and rice in a blend of oil and clarified butter (ghee).
- Once the mixture is ready, it is cooked in a pressure cooker, much like regular rice. The addition of ingredients like bay leaf, cinnamon, and cloves elevates the flavour, giving the dish a delightful and aromatic taste that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
7. Samosa
- Samosas are a beloved snack in Indian cuisine, available everywhere from street vendors to upscale restaurants. They feature a flaky, crunchy pastry crust made from maida (refined flour), typically filled with a spiced mixture of potatoes and peas cooked with traditional Indian spices.
- These crispy treats are best enjoyed hot, accompanied by your favourite chutney to bring out their full flavour.
8. Dosa
- Dosa, also known as Dosai in Tamil Nadu, is a popular South Indian breakfast or snack. It is a thin pancake or crepe made from a fermented batter of lentils and rice. The batter is prepared using black gram lentils and hulled rice, which are split and ground.
- Dosas are traditionally served hot with coconut chutney and sambar, a spicy lentil soup. The most basic version is the plain dosa, enjoyed with chutney and sambar. For those craving variety, options like masala dosa (filled with spiced potatoes) and rava dosa (made from semolina) are also popular choices.
9. Palak Paneer
- Palak Paneer is a beloved vegetarian dish from northern India. It features cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a rich, spinach-based gravy. The spinach is blanched and blended into a smooth, vibrant green sauce that beautifully coats the soft paneer. A combination of cumin, coriander, and garam masala adds layers of flavour, while tomatoes, onions, and garlic enhance its depth. To create a creamy texture, cream or yoghurt is added to the dish.
- Palak Paneer is commonly served with warm roti, naan, or rice, making it a wholesome and nutritious vegetarian delight that is enjoyed by many.
10. Malai Kofta
- Malai Kofta is a popular Indian vegetarian dish resembling meatballs, typically served with naan and basmati rice. This dish is often reserved for special occasions and is known for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. It is a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide, where it’s prepared with great flavour.
- To make Malai Kofta, a mixture of potatoes, vegetables, paneer cheese, heavy cream, and aromatic spices is shaped into round balls. These koftas are then stuffed with chopped nuts and raisins, deep-fried to a crispy perfection. Finally, they are served in a delectable gravy that elevates their flavour, making every bite a delight.
Conclusion
Indian cuisine presents an enticing variety of vegetarian dishes that cater to every taste, even the most discerning. From the comforting warmth of dal and paneer dishes to the vibrant flavours of vegetable curries and chaats, there’s something to please everyone’s palate. Whether you’re savouring the creamy richness of paneer butter masala or enjoying the crispy textures of samosas and pakoras, these dishes highlight the diversity and depth of Indian vegetarian cooking, making them a must-try for both newcomers and seasoned food lovers alike.
