12 Plant-Based Garam Masala Recipes

Garam masala is a spice blend that is widely used in Indian cuisine. The spices are often toasted before they are ground and many regions in India have different garam masala blends. It’s usually sweet, spicy, and has a curry-like flavor. The blend works in a wide variety of dishes and is very flavorful. So if you’re looking to add some delicious Indian recipes to your weekly roundup, then this is the list for you!

1. Garam Masālā and Pāpad Salad

Source: Garam Masālā and Pāpad Salad

This Garam Masālā and Pāpad Salad by Sheil Shukla gets its Indian flair from garam masālā and roasted pāpad, a crisp lentil cracker that can be found at any Indian grocer (and many international ones). I recommend enjoying this salad during late summer or early fall but don’t feel restricted by the seasons. Add cubes of tofu, chickpeas, or grilled tempeh to make this meal heartier. The creamy dressing, warmed by the spices in garam masālā, is key to this salad. The dressing can also be used in wraps or sandwiches in place of mayo.

2. Garam Masala Chocolate Oat Cookies

Source: Garam Masala Chocolate Oat Cookies

These Garam Masala Chocolate Oat Cookies by Claire Ragozzino are unique and full of flavor! Made with squash puree, rolled oats, warming spices, and chocolate chunks, they’re a hearty and healthy cookie that makes for a great cold-weather snack. Plus, they’re simple to make!

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3. Garam Masala Brussel Sprouts

Source: Garam Masala Brussel Sprouts

A twist on a classic side, these crispy sautéed Garam Masala Brussel Sprouts by Medha Swaminathan are bursting with flavor from popular North Indian spices, featuring garam masala!

4. Garam Masala Eggplant

Source: Garam Masala Eggplant

This recipe for Garam Masala Eggplant by Melina Kutelas is super tasty and incredibly photogenic. The quinoa provides a hearty base of starch that is complemented by the tender roasted eggplant and then finished with the creamy masala sauce. This dish is great for a quick lunch or a fancy dinner.

5. Green Bao With Garam Masala Spiced Chickpea Mash

Source: Green Bao With Garam Masala Spiced Chickpea Mash

These Green Bao With Garam Masala Spiced Chickpea Mash by Anarki “AJ” Tjon Affo are the perfect weekend lunch for when you’re feeling creative. They look tricky but are surprisingly simple to make if you use a food processor to make the dough. The soft, pillowy bao are infused with a pinch of spirulina to make them green, then stuffed with mashed chickpeas stuffed with garam masala. They’re like little clouds filled with deliciousness — who doesn’t want to eat clouds?

6. Garam Masala Veggie Burger

Source: Garam Masala Veggie Burger

Bring some Indian spice into your life with this Garam Masala Veggie Burger by Dora Stone! Chock full of veggies, quinoa, and black beans, this gem is not only flavorful, but it’s also super filling! Enjoy the patties in burger form or feel free to deviate from the recipe and use them as a salad topper or in a wrap.

7. Masala Lentil Salad With Cumin Roasted Carrots

Source: Masala Lentil Salad With Cumin Roasted Carrots

The garam masala in the dressing brings something truly unique to this Masala Lentil Salad by Power Plates. The sweet notes of the Indian spice blend are perfectly balanced by the garlic, ginger, and a bright splash of apple cider vinegar. I add a generous handful of mint to the dish to contrast with the earthiness of the lentils and roasted carrots. The pomegranate molasses isn’t necessary if you don’t have it on hand, but if you do, it’s a wonderful way to add a sweet-and-sour finish to the dish.

8. Healthy Chana Masala

Source: Healthy Chana Masala

Channa or chole masala is a popular vegetarian dish throughout Northern India. This Healthy Chana Masala by Megha Suchak is nutritious, delicious, and easy to make. Chickpeas and tomatoes are simmered with a mixture of garlic, ginger, onion, and traditional Indian spices like cumin, garam masala, coriander, and turmeric.

9. Protein-Rich Veggie and Lentil Dalcha Curry

Source: Protein-Rich Veggie and Lentil Dalcha Curry

Vegetable dalcha curry is a healthy and protein-rich lentil-based curry recipe flavored with garam masala. In this Protein-Rich Veggie and Lentil Dalcha Curry by Preeti Tamilarasan, chickpeas, pigeon peas, cauliflower, onion, and carrots are the main ingredients. It is then tempered with red chilis, garlic, cumin, and curry leaves to create a zesty and fragrant dinner entrée.

10. Toor Dal With Cumin

Source: Toor Dal With Cumin

Toor dal is one of the most popular varieties of dal in India. It is made from toor dal, also known as yellow pigeon peas, that are cooked, broken down, and then seasoned with a blend of garam masala, coriander, fresh chilis for heat, and fried cumin seeds. This Toor Dal With Cumin by Alenoosh Matakupan is a warm, comforting dish that is packed with protein and satisfying for any time of the year, but especially during cold winters.

11. Ginger Garlic Tofu Curry

Source: Ginger Garlic Tofu Curry

Combat your spring and summer allergies by making this creamy coconut-based curry with a touch of turmeric powder and garam masala. This Ginger Garlic Tofu Curry by Preeti Tamilarasan can be made in a short 30 minutes which allows you to enjoy the rich layered flavors and aromas without sweating over the stove.

12. Veggie Cutlets With Flax and Oats

Source: Veggie Cutlets With Flax and Oats

Veggie cutlets like these are best made in bulk – not just because it’s a super fun way to use up bits and pieces of vegetables left behind in the fridge, but also because it freezes well and is there for you when surprise guests visit! These Veggie Cutlets by Tina Dawson are made from a blend of mixed vegetables spiced with chilis, garam masala, and fresh mint. When fried, they get a crisp crust that encases the molten soft vegetables. Smother in a healthy smear of ketchup or chutney and enjoy hot.

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