16 Flavorful Vegan Indian Dishes to Elevate Your Menu

Vegan meals have evolved significantly from the uninspiring days of portobello mushroom burgers. Nowadays, vegetarian and vegan dishes are more delicious than ever. While I enjoy a variety of foods, I’m always on the lookout for ways to sneak in more vegetables without feeling overwhelmed by my grocery list. And let’s be honest, who enjoys vegetables that feel like a chore? To help with veggie fatigue, we’ve compiled 16 vegan Indian recipes that are sure to excite your taste buds while packing in nutritional goodness.

Vegan recipes not only offer nourishment but are also fantastic for gatherings, ensuring your guests with dietary preferences feel included. Surprisingly, many of the recipes featured here are simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re practical options to enliven your weeknight dinners. Plus, they’re full of unique flavors and textures. Keep reading for a selection of our top vegan Indian recipes that will bring joy to your dinner planning.

Aloo Tikki Sliders

Why We Love It: Commonly known as spicy potato cutlets, these sliders are a true delight. Aloo tikki is a beloved staple of Indian cuisine, and it’s easy to see why. They satisfy burger cravings without any meat. If you’re looking to add more vegetarian options to your meals or are hosting soon, these sliders are a must-try.

Hero Ingredient: A drizzle of mint chutney takes these sliders to another level. For a thicker sauce, blend it with a bit of avocado or vegan yogurt. Be warned, it’s hard to resist. Pro tip: double the batch—you’ll thank us later.

Vegetable Pakoras

Why We Love It: Our food editor swears these might outshine fries, and I completely agree. These Vegetable Pakoras are irresistibly poppable. The best part? They’re somewhat healthy. Onion, spinach, and red potatoes are dipped in chickpea batter and fried to golden perfection. They’re simply amazing.

Hero Ingredient: A side of mint chutney is the perfect companion for these lightly fried veggies.

Curried Roasted Winter Squash

Why We Love It: This Curried Roasted Winter Squash Soup is a savior for busy weeknights. It begins with a flavorful sauce that lets the caramelized squash shine. Creamy and delicious, it’s a dish you can savor. Plus, it makes great leftovers for the week ahead.

Hero Ingredient: Top it off with crunchy seeds, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of achaar or chili crunch.

Toasted Tandoori Spice Chickpea Grain Bowl

Why We Love It: Revamp your grain bowl with this tandoori-spiced version. Combining chickpeas, farro, steamed kale, and fresh herbs creates a satisfying bowl. Swap tofu or tempeh for halloumi and use coconut oil instead of ghee for a fully vegan dish. It’s a nourishing option for lunch or dinner.

Hero Ingredient: Finish with avocado, cucumber, pickled vegetables, or any dressing you like for a personal touch.

Channa Masala

Why We Love It: This recipe is a family treasure, perfected over generations. Channa Masala is a comforting and nourishing dish. Using an instant pot or pressure cooker makes it a time-saver. It’s almost a one-pot meal ready in about an hour.

Hero Ingredient: If you can’t make your own chaat masala, here’s a great store-bought option.

Sheet Pan Aloo Gobi

Why We Love It: Sheet pan meals are a gift, and this one is no exception. It features roasted cauliflower and Yukon gold potatoes seasoned with aromatic spices and tomato masala. Flavorful and satisfying, it requires only ten minutes of active prep time.

Hero Ingredient: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice enhances all those vibrant flavors.

Samosa Chaat Sweet Potato Fries

Why We Love It: These loaded sweet potato fries are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. Here, they’re topped with all the favorite samosa fillings, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried samosas. Bake a large batch and watch them vanish.

Hero Ingredient: Replace yogurt with coconut cream for a vegan-friendly drizzle that unifies all those delightful flavors.

Masala Corn Salad (Bhutta)

Why We Love It: Skip the corn on the cob and opt for this vibrant corn salad. Featuring charred kernels, red onion, avocado, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, the flavors are vibrant and exciting. Although named bhutta, make sure to use coconut oil instead of butter to keep it vegan.

Hero Ingredient: Garam masala, chaat masala, and red chili powder give this dish its spice. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to leave out the jalapeños.

Kitchari

Why We Love It: This comforting dish is often called “a hug in a bowl.” It’s a nourishing one-pot recipe that’s great for detoxifying, thanks to its Ayurvedic roots, while still feeling indulgent.

Hero Ingredient: Substitute ghee with vegan ghee or coconut oil for a fully plant-based dish.

Rava Dosa (Indian Crepes)

Why We Love It: These Indian crepes are as delicious as they sound and even simpler than their French counterparts. Stuffed with zucchini, summer squash, chickpeas, and cherry tomatoes, they burst with flavor from garlic and ginger, complemented by masala and fresh cilantro. A delightful treat!

Hero Ingredient: Fresh ginger is essential, bringing a punch to the filling.

Vegan Naan

Why We Love It: Forget about mediocre store-bought naan. Making your own vegan naan at home is easy, requiring only seven ingredients. There’s nothing quite like fresh bread for dipping in sauces, making this a must-have.

Hero Ingredient: The garlic “butter” twist in this recipe is outstanding. Prefer it plain? There’s an option for that too.

Chana Masala

Why We Love It: More Chana Masala means more deliciousness. This version includes green chilies, onion, garlic, spices, fresh cilantro, chickpeas, and tomatoes, offering cozy comfort. It’s a simple recipe that requires just one pot and 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

Hero Ingredient: Homemade garam masala and fresh lemon juice elevate this dish.