There are lots of vegetarian recipes in Indian cuisine. Whether you want to stick to traditional dishes or quick dishes, there are plenty of options. From light, healthy home-cooked meals to hearty meals to enjoy at the weekend, there are plenty of recipes to choose from. If you’re looking for some tasty vegetarian recipes to try this year for your dinners, then take a look at our top 20 Indian vegetarian recipes below!
- Paneer Butter Masala

A popular North Indian recipe. This recipe includes soft cubes of paneer in a creamy tomato sauce. The paneer is cooked in butter, cream, kasuri methi and lots of delicious spices. This can be served with naan, roti or jeera rice.
- Vegetable Pulao
This is an easy one-pot meal. The recipe includes basmati rice, carrots, beans, peas and whole spices. This is a light and healthy recipe. Serve with cucumber raita or curd.
- Dal Tadka
This is a comforting Indian favourite. This recipe includes lentils and is cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic and a mixture of spicy spices including cumin, dried red chilli and ghee. Serve with steamed rice or chapati.
- Palak Paneer
This recipe includes fresh spinach purée, soft cubes of paneer and Indian spices. This is a tasty recipe to include some leafy greens. This can be served with roti, paratha or jeera rice.
- Chole Masala
A hearty recipe from Punjab. This recipe includes chickpeas in an onion and tomato sauce. This is a rich recipe with lots of protein in it. Serve with rice, chapati or bhature.
- Vegetable Khichdi
This is a great recipe to include if you want something simple. This includes rice, moong dal and vegetables. The ingredients are cooked with turmeric and mild spices. This is an easy recipe to make. Serve with curd, papad or pickle.
- Aloo Gobi
This is a traditional dry curry. This recipe includes potatoes and cauliflower. The dish is cooked with turmeric, cumin, coriander and other spices. This is an easy recipe to make. Serve with chapati or dal rice.
- Masala Dosa
This South Indian recipe is a popular favourite. This recipe includes a crispy dosa made from fermented rice and lentils. The dosa is filled with spiced potato masala. Serve with coconut chutney and sambar.
- Vegetable Biryani
This recipe is full of vegetables, herbs, yoghurt and spices. This is a great recipe to include if you want something special but meat-free. Serve with raita or salan.
- Matar Paneer
This recipe includes green peas and paneer cooked in a lightly spiced tomato sauce. This is a healthy and tasty recipe. Serve with naan, roti or rice.
- Besan Chilla
This is an easy and healthy recipe. This recipe includes a savoury pancake made from gram flour, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilli and coriander. Serve with mint chutney or curd.
- Rajma Chawal
This is a classic North Indian comfort meal. The kidney beans are slow-cooked in a spiced onion-tomato sauce. This is a filling meal full of flavour. Serve with steamed rice.
- Vegetable Hakka Noodles
This Indo-Chinese recipe is perfect. Boil the noodles and toss with cabbage, carrots, capsicum, spring onions and sauces. Serve with chilli paneer or vegetable manchurian.
- Moong Dal Dosa (Pesarattu)
This South Indian recipe is high in protein. This recipe includes soaked and ground green gram. It doesn’t need to be left to ferment like traditional dosa batter. Serve with ginger chutney.
- Baingan Bharta
This recipe includes roasted eggplants. Once soft, peel and mash with onions, tomatoes, garlic and spices. This has a smoky taste, making it a tasty addition to your meal. Serve with chapati or paratha.
- Vegetable Paratha
These are versatile recipes. This recipe includes grated cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, paneer or mixed vegetables inside the paratha. Cook with a little ghee. Serve with curd, pickle or chutney.
- Kadhi Pakora (with rice)
This recipe is a traditional North Indian recipe. This recipe includes yoghurt, gram flour and spices. Cook some onion pakoras and add them to the curry. This recipe has a tangy taste. Serve with steamed rice.
- Paneer Bhurji
This is an easy recipe. This recipe includes paneer, which is crumbled and cooked with onions, tomatoes, capsicum and spices. It is an easy recipe to cook compared to many traditional curries. Serve with roti or toast.
- Vegetable Uttapam
This recipe includes a soft savoury pancake using dosa batter. Top with chopped onions, tomatoes, capsicum and coriander. Serve with sambar and coconut chutney.
- Stuffed Capsicum
This recipe is a great way to add some variety to a simple vegetable recipe. Stuff some bell peppers with mashed potatoes, paneer, peas and spices. Cook in the oven or covered pan until tender.
Top Tips For Healthy Vegetarian Meals
When making a healthy vegetarian recipe, it is a good idea to include protein, carbs, vegetables and healthy fats. Here are some quick tips.
Include protein: Paneer, lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, soy or curd.
Include vegetables: Seasonal vegetables and leafy greens.
Wholegrain: Try to include wholegrain ingredients such as whole wheat roti, brown rice or millets.
Not too oily: Avoid using too much oil or ghee when cooking normal meals.
Variety: Include a good mix of rice-based meals, rotis, dals, vegetable curries and one-pot meals.
Conclusion
There are lots of vegetarian recipes in Indian cuisine. These recipes will add lots of variety, ingredients and cooking methods to your meals this year. They will help you create satisfying vegetarian meals. Choose a recipe that suits your taste, what you have on hand and how long you have to cook. You’ll have a variety of tasty home-cooked meals throughout the week.