20 Plant-Based Indian Dishes for Every Home Cook

These vegan Indian recipes bring authentic flavors to your kitchen without any dairy or meat. Each dish uses traditional spices and techniques that create rich, satisfying meals.

From creamy curries to crispy appetizers, these plant-based versions deliver all the bold tastes you love about Indian cuisine.

01. Creamy Vegan Potato Chickpea Curry

This version uses potatoes, tomatoes, and chickpeas in a rich curry sauce. The creamy base works perfectly over rice or quinoa.

Adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or corn makes this dish even heartier. The sauce absorbs all the spice flavors beautifully.

Perfect for meal prep since flavors improve overnight. Takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

02. Simple Red Lentil Curry

Red lentils break down during cooking to create a naturally thick, creamy curry base. This method needs no added thickeners or cream.

The lentils absorb spices quickly and cook faster than other varieties. Basmati rice or flatbread makes the perfect accompaniment.

Great for beginners since red lentils are very forgiving. Ready in just 20 minutes with pantry staples.

03. Northern Indian Eggplant Bhurtha

This traditional dish starts with broiled eggplant that gets tender and smoky. The eggplant then simmers in spiced tomato sauce.

Broiling first adds depth of flavor that you can’t get from just sautéing. The tomato base balances the rich eggplant perfectly.

Takes more time but creates authentic restaurant-style results. Many reviewers say this becomes their favorite Indian dish.

04. Dairy-Free Vegan Naan Bread

This version uses coconut oil and vegan yogurt instead of traditional ghee and dairy. The result tastes just as rich and tender.

The coconut oil creates flaky layers while vegan yogurt adds tang. These secret ingredients make the dough incredibly soft.

Perfect for serving alongside any curry dish. Takes about an hour including rising time for the dough.

05. Aromatic Spiced Basmati Rice

This method transforms plain basmati rice with whole spices and aromatics. The rice cooks up fluffy and fragrant every time.

Toasting the spices first releases their essential oils for maximum flavor. This technique prevents gummy or sticky rice.

Great for cooks who struggle with rice preparation. Creates restaurant-quality results that impress every time.

06. Spiced Potato Patties Chole Aloo

These crispy potato patties use lots of spices for authentic Indian flavor. The long ingredient list creates complex, layered taste.

Pan-frying gives them golden, crunchy exteriors while keeping centers tender. The spice blend makes each bite incredibly flavorful.

Perfect as appetizers for parties or main dishes for two people. Takes about 45 minutes including potato prep time.

07. Coconut Cauliflower Lentil Curry

Red lentils and coconut milk create an incredibly creamy, dairy-free sauce. Cauliflower adds texture and soaks up all the flavors.

This method works with whatever vegetables you have on hand. The coconut milk base stays rich without any dairy products.

Great for using up leftover vegetables in your fridge. Takes about 25 minutes and feeds a crowd easily.

08. Fiery Jalapeño Dahl

This spicy lentil dish gets its heat from fresh jalapeños mixed throughout. The peppers add both flavor and serious kick.

The jalapeños cook down slightly but still provide plenty of heat. This version balances spice with creamy lentil texture perfectly.

Perfect complement to milder Indian dishes that need extra heat. Easy to adjust spice level by using fewer peppers.

09. Spicy Tofu Vindaloo

This version uses firm tofu instead of traditional meat in the fiery vindaloo sauce. The tofu absorbs all the bold, spicy flavors.

Marinating the tofu first helps it soak up the tangy, hot sauce. The prep work is easier than it looks.

Perfect for those who love very spicy food. Takes about 40 minutes but creates complex, restaurant-style results.

10. Mixed Vegetable Biryani

Fluffy basmati rice cooks with mixed vegetables and aromatic spices in this classic dish. Works perfectly as main course or side.

Layering the rice and vegetables creates distinct flavors in each bite. Fresh curry leaves add authentic taste if available.

Great for special occasions since it looks impressive on the table. Takes about an hour but feeds many people.

11. Quick Chickpea Samosas

This version uses puff pastry instead of traditional samosa dough for easier preparation. Curried chickpeas make the perfect filling.

Store-bought puff pastry saves time while still creating crispy, flaky results. The chickpea filling stays creamy and spiced.

Perfect appetizer that impresses guests without lots of work. Takes 30 minutes using convenient shortcuts.

12. Coconut Aloo Gobi

This version adds creamy coconut milk to the traditional dry cauliflower and potato curry. The coconut creates a richer, saucier dish.

The coconut milk balances the spices and makes everything more tender. You can adjust cayenne for milder heat levels.

Great for those who prefer saucier curries over dry versions. Takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.

13. Golden Turmeric Tomato Rice

Fresh tomatoes and ginger transform plain rice into something special in this colorful dish. Turmeric creates a beautiful golden color.

The tomatoes break down slightly to create a light, flavorful coating. Fresh ginger adds brightness and warmth throughout.

Perfect when you want something more interesting than plain rice. Takes just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

14. Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad

This traditional kachumbar salad uses fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and simple seasonings. The crisp vegetables provide cooling contrast to spicy dishes.

The fresh ingredients stay crunchy and light against rich, heavy curries. Simple lime dressing keeps flavors bright and clean.

Perfect for balancing out spicy meals that need lighter elements. Takes just 5 minutes to prepare fresh.

15. Crispy Curry Spiced Potato Fries

These Indian-spiced potatoes get crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Curry spices create complex, warming flavors throughout.

Roasting at high heat creates the perfect crispy texture without deep frying. The spice coating caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

Great appetizer or side dish that works with tamarind chutney. Takes about 45 minutes including roasting time.

16. Black Chickpea Potato Curry

Black chickpeas have firmer texture and earthier flavor than regular chickpeas in this curry. You can find them at Indian grocery stores.

The darker beans hold their shape better during long cooking. Potatoes add heartiness and help absorb the spiced sauce.

Perfect for trying something different from regular chickpea curries. Takes longer cooking time but creates unique flavors.

17. Spiced Okra Vendakka

This version uses fresh okra cooked with traditional Indian spices until tender. Indian grocery stores often have better prices on okra.

Proper cooking technique prevents the okra from getting slimy or tough. The spices complement okra’s natural earthy flavor perfectly.

Great way to use okra if you’re looking for creative preparations. Takes about 25 minutes with simple techniques.

18. Classic Chana Masala

This traditional chickpea curry works perfectly with puri bread or rice. The rich, spiced sauce makes chickpeas incredibly flavorful.

The masala spice blend creates complex layers of flavor in every bite. Tomatoes add acidity that balances the rich spices.

Perfect comfort food that satisfies completely without meat. Takes about 30 minutes using canned chickpeas for convenience.

19. Fresh Cilantro Green Chutney

This bright green chutney uses fresh cilantro as the base ingredient. A food processor makes preparation incredibly quick and easy.

The fresh herbs create vibrant color and clean, bright flavors. This condiment complements rich, heavy dishes perfectly.

Essential accompaniment for any Indian meal spread. Takes just 5 minutes in the food processor from start to finish.

20. Easy Store-Bought Spice Chickpeas

This version uses pre-made chana masala spice mix for incredibly easy preparation. Indian grocery stores carry these convenient spice blends.

The store-bought mix creates authentic flavors without measuring individual spices. Fresh cilantro adds color and brightness on top.

Perfect for busy weeknights when you want Indian flavors fast. Takes just 15 minutes with minimal ingredient prep required.

Final Thoughts

These plant-based Indian recipes prove you don’t need meat or dairy for authentic, satisfying flavors. Each dish brings traditional techniques and spices to modern kitchens.

Start with easier recipes like the red lentil curry, then work up to more complex dishes as your confidence grows.