There is so much more to Indian food than curry. Indian cuisine is as diverse as it is unique because so many different civilizations and cultures have influenced it. While Indian food varies from region to region and from household to household – most Indian food utilizes healthy vegetables and fragrant spices.

In India, cooking is an art that is handed through generations. Indian food is also extremely popular in the U.S. It has become quite easy to find Indian ingredients in supermarkets and specialty stores. If you have ever wanted to make your own vegan Indian food, there is no better time than now. It’s flavorful, fun to make, and tasty! We’ve got tons of vegan indian food recipes for you to try out!

Here are 15 traditional Indian foods made vegan from our Food Monster App so you can enjoy the amazing flavors of India in your own home:

1. Seitan Vindaloo

Source: Seitan Vindaloo

Vindaloo is known as the spiciest of curries and Cathy Elton‘s Seitan Vindaloo is no exception. In this recipe, meaty seitan is smothered in a spicy and tangy tomato-based curry. This traditional Indian dish is flavorful, affordable, and easy to make. Enjoy wafting in the delicious curry aroma of this fragrant dish!

2. Punjabi Chana Masala

Source: Punjabi Channa Masala

Charanya Ramakrishnan‘s Punjabi Channa Masala stands out from the crowd. Made with a recipe passed down for generations, this is an authentic Punjabi version.

3. Palak ‘Paneer’

Source: Palak “Paneer”

Tofu stands in for dairy cheese to make the paneer in Nikki and Zuzana‘s Palak “Paneer” made with spinach. It has just the right amount of spices to make it incredibly flavorful.

4. Masoor Dal

Source: Masoor Dal

Dal is a thick lentil stew that is a traditional Indian dish. Ramey Newell‘s delicious Masoor Dal is a recipe from Northern India that uses red lentils and lots of warm, fragrant spices.

5. ‘Paneer’ Tikka Masala

Source: “Paneer” Tikka Masala

Tikka masala is a popular North Indian recipe usually made with chicken. In Pavithra Kannan‘s “Paneer” Tikka Masala, tofu is cooked in spices for an incredible vegan version of this authentic dish.

6. Herb Roti: Indian Bread

Source: Herb Roti

Roti are traditional flatbreads made with chickpea flour or besan. Vaishali Honawar‘s Herb Roti with mint, thyme, and sage would be perfect alongside any Indian dish.

7. Malai Kofta: Potato Dumplings in Spiced Tomato Sauce

Source: Malai Kofta

Kofta are meatballs or dumplings usually made with potatoes, cheese and/or meat. In this Malai Kofta by Renee Press, the dumplings are made with potatoes and cashews and cooked in a delicious creamy spiced tomato sauce.

8. Vegetable Biryani

Source: Vegetable Biryani

Biryani is a traditional Indian rice dish. Vaishali Honawar‘s Vegetable Biryani is layered with lots of vegetables, cashews, raisins, and spices. Perfect as an entrée or side dish.

9. South Indian-Style Kurma

Source: South Indian Kurma

Kurma is a South Indian curry dish. Charanya Ramakrishnan‘s recipe for South Indian Kurma has a variety of vegetables flavored with fennel, cumin, and poppy seeds, cashews and shredded coconut for an amazing meal.

10. Aloo Gobi

Source: Aloo Gobi

Rosalie Livingstone‘s Aloo Gobi, an Indian dish of potatoes and cauliflower is a classic. It’s cooked in a flavorful sauce of tomatoes and spices with just a touch of chile.

11. Mint Parathas: Indian Whole Wheat Flatbread

Source: Mint Parathas

Parathas are stuffed flatbreads that can be made with whole wheat or chickpea flour. Rinku Bhattacharya‘s Mint Parathas are flavored with caraway seeds, ginger, cayenne pepper, and fresh mint — so fresh!

12. Kitchari: The Nutritious Ayurvedic Detox Dish

Source: Kitchari

Kitchari is an Ayurvedic dish made of two or more grains, usually basmati rice and dal. It is often used as a detox dish to help with digestion. This version by Akshata Sheelvant has protein-rich quinoa for extra nutrition and flavor.

13. Medhu Vada: Savory Indian Lentil Doughnuts

Source: Medhu Vada

Medu Vadas are a traditional South Indian dish. These savory Medhu Vada by Rinku Bhattacharya can be served as an entrée, side dish, dessert, or snack with a side of chutney for dipping.

14. Khajur Gajar Halwa: Carrot and Date Pudding With Coconut and Cardamom 

Source: Halwa

Winter root vegetables are celebrated in India by making puddings called halwa. Rinku Bhattacharya‘s Halwa is made with coconut milk, almonds, and cardamom for a creamy and luscious dessert.

15. Mango Lassi

Lassi is a North Indian beverage traditionally made with yogurt. Tasting like a cross between a smoothie and a milkshake, Sonya O’Donnell‘s Mango Lassi is made with healthy coconut milk kefir.

The 15 above recipes are just the beginning of all the amazing Indian food you can make. For more tips and recipes, see How to Make Your Own Indian Food at Home.

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