Top 10 plant-based cuisine in India

INDIA has a rich and diverse plant-based cuisine, with a variety of delicious and healthy options. Here are 10 easy and delicious plant-based recipes that you can try:

Chana Masala – A classic Indian dish made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices. Serve with rice or naan bread.

Chana Masala is a classic Indian dish made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices. It’s easy to make and delicious, and can be served with rice or naan bread. Here’s a simple recipe for Chana Masala:

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chickpeas

2 tablespoons oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1 can diced tomatoes

Salt to taste

Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden brown.Add cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the pan and cook for a minute.Add canned diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until the mixture is slightly thickened.Add cooked chickpeas to the pan and stir well. Add water if needed.Simmer the Chana Masala for 10-15 minutes or until the chickpeas are cooked through.Season with salt to taste.Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Chana Masala!

Aloo Gobi – A flavorful dish made with potatoes, cauliflower, and spices. Serve with rice or roti bread.Aloo Gobi is a popular vegetarian dish from India, made with potatoes, cauliflower, and a variety of spices. It is easy to make and can be served with rice or roti bread. Here’s a simple recipe for Aloo Gobi:

Ingredients:

2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets

2 tablespoons oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 onion, chopped

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

Salt to taste

Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.Add grated ginger and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute.Add the cubed potatoes and cauliflower florets to the pan and stir well.Add coriander, cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder to the pan and mix well.Add salt to taste and stir again.Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or roti bread.Enjoy your delicious and healthy Aloo Gobi!

Palak Paneer – A popular dish made with spinach and paneer (a type of Indian cheese). Substitute tofu for paneer to make it vegan.Palak Paneer is a popular vegetarian dish from North India, made with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It’s a healthy and delicious dish that is easy to make at home. Here’s a simple recipe for Palak Paneer:

Ingredients:

250 grams paneer, cubed

500 grams spinach leaves, washed and chopped

2 tablespoons oil

1 onion, chopped

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 green chilies, chopped

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon ground coriander

Salt to taste

Water as needed

Instructions:Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chilies to the pan and sauté for another minute.Add chopped spinach leaves to the pan and stir well.Add garam masala, ground coriander, and salt to taste. Mix well and let it cook for 5-7 minutes.Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.Return the mixture to the pan and add cubed paneer. Add water as needed to adjust the consistency.Simmer the Palak Paneer for 10-15 minutes or until the paneer is cooked through.Garnish with cream or chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.Enjoy your delicious and healthy Palak Paneer!

Baingan Bharta – A smoky and spicy dish made with roasted eggplant and spices. Serve with roti or paratha bread.Baingan Bharta is a popular vegetarian dish from North India, made with roasted eggplant and a variety of spices. It’s a delicious and healthy dish that can be served with roti bread or rice. Here’s a simple recipe for Baingan Bharta:

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant

2 tablespoons oil

1 onion, chopped

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 green chili, chopped

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:Preheat your oven to 200°C. Pierce the eggplant with a fork in a few places and place it on a baking sheet. Roast the eggplant for 45-50 minutes or until it’s tender.Once the eggplant is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Peel off the skin and mash the eggplant using a fork.Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chili to the pan and sauté for another minute.Add coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt to the pan and mix well.Add mashed eggplant to the pan and mix well.Cook the Baingan Bharta for 5-7 minutes or until it’s heated through.Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with roti bread or rice.Enjoy your delicious and healthy Baingan Bharta!

Dal Makhani – A rich and creamy lentil dish made with kidney beans and black lentils. Serve with rice or naan bread.Dal Makhani is a rich and creamy vegetarian dish from North India, made with black lentils and kidney beans. It’s a popular dish that is often served at special occasions or restaurants. Here’s a simple recipe for Dal Makhani:

Ingredients:

1 cup black lentils (also known as urad dal), soaked overnight

1/4 cup kidney beans, soaked overnight

2 tablespoons oil or ghee

1 onion, chopped

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 green chilies, chopped

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1 cup tomato puree

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons cream

Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:Rinse the soaked lentils and kidney beans and add them to a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water. Cook for 10-12 whistles or until they’re soft and tender.Heat oil or ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chilies to the pan and sauté for another minute.Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt to the pan and mix well.Add tomato puree to the pan and mix well. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes or until the oil separates.Add the cooked lentils and kidney beans to the pan and mix well.Add cream to the pan and mix well. Cook the Dal Makhani for another 5-7 minutes or until it’s heated through.Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.Enjoy your delicious and creamy Dal Makhani!

Vegetable Biryani – A fragrant rice dish made with vegetables, spices, and herbs. Serve with raita (yogurt dip) and papadum (crispy Indian crackers).Vegetable Biryani is a popular Indian dish that’s made with fragrant basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. Here’s a simple recipe for Vegetable Biryani:

Ingredients:

2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes

2 tablespoons oil or ghee

1 onion, sliced

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 green chili, chopped

1 cinnamon stick

2-3 cloves

2-3 cardamom pods

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, potatoes, and cauliflower)

2 cups water

Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:Drain the soaked rice and set it aside.Heat oil or ghee in a large pot or deep pan. Add sliced onions and sauté until they’re golden brown.Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chili to the pot and sauté for another minute.Add cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, bay leaf, and cumin seeds to the pot and sauté for a minute.Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt to the pot and mix well.Add mixed vegetables to the pot and sauté for a few minutes.Add the drained rice to the pot and mix well with the vegetables.Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil.Lower the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let the biryani cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the water has evaporated.Turn off the heat and let the biryani sit covered for 5-10 minutes.Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with raita or yogurt on the side.Enjoy your delicious and aromatic Vegetable Biryani!

Aloo Tikki – A crispy and spicy potato patty, served with chutney (dipping sauce).Aloo Tikki is a popular Indian street food that’s made with mashed potatoes and a blend of spices. Here’s a simple recipe for Aloo Tikki:

Ingredients:

4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves

Oil for frying

Instructions:In a large bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, bread crumbs, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and chopped fresh coriander leaves. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.Divide the potato mixture into small portions and shape them into flat patties.Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.Once the oil is hot, carefully place the aloo tikki in the pan and fry them until they are golden brown on both sides.Remove the aloo tikki from the pan and place them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt on the side.Enjoy your crispy and delicious Aloo Tikki!

Chole Bhature – A popular North Indian dish made with spicy chickpeas and deep-fried bread.Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish that consists of spicy chickpeas (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). Here’s a simple recipe for Chole Bhature:

Ingredients:

For Chole:

2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight

1 onion, chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

2 green chilies, chopped

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons oil

Water as needed

For Bhature:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup plain yogurt

Oil for frying

Instructions:

For Chole:In a pressure cooker, add soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, chopped tomatoes, chopped green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, salt, and 2 cups of water.Cook on medium heat until the chickpeas are tender and the mixture has thickened. If using a regular pot, cook for about 45 minutes or until the chickpeas are tender.Once cooked, mash some of the chickpeas with a spoon to thicken the gravy. Add more water if needed to adjust the consistency.In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add a pinch of cumin seeds. Add this tempering to the chickpeas and mix well.

For Bhature:In a large bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.Add plain yogurt and mix well. Knead the mixture into a smooth dough.Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.Heat oil for frying in a deep pan over medium heat.Divide the dough into small portions and roll them out into small discs.Carefully place the discs in the hot oil and fry them until they’re puffed up and golden brown on both sides.Remove the bhature from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.Serve hot with the prepared chole, sliced onions, and lemon wedges.Enjoy your delicious and filling Chole Bhature!

Samosas – Triangular pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas, served with chutney.Samosas are a popular Indian snack that consists of a crispy, fried outer layer filled with a spicy and savory potato mixture. Here’s a simple recipe for samosas:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup water

For the filling:

3 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed

1 onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

1 green chili, finely chopped

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/4 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

Oil for frying

Instructions:In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well until the mixture is crumbly.Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth, pliable dough.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add cumin seeds. Once the cumin seeds start to sizzle, add chopped onion, green chili, and grated ginger. Saute until the onions turn translucent.Add green peas, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt to the pan. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.Add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the filling is dry and well combined.Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.Cut the circle in half and form a cone shape by sealing the straight edge of the semi-circle with water.Fill the cone with the prepared potato mixture, leaving some space at the top.

Apply water to the open edges of the cone and seal it to form a triangular-shaped samosa.Heat oil for frying in a deep pan over medium heat.Carefully place the samosas in the hot oil and fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides.Remove the samosas from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.Serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.Enjoy your delicious and crispy samosas!

Masala Chai – A popular Indian tea made with black tea, spices, and milk. Serve hot with a snack.Masala chai is a popular Indian tea made with a blend of spices and milk. Here’s a simple recipe to make masala chai at home:

Ingredients:

2 cups water

2 tea bags or 2 teaspoons of loose tea leaves

1 cinnamon stick

4-5 cardamom pods, lightly crushed

4-5 black peppercorns, lightly crushed

1-2 slices of fresh ginger

1/2 cup milk

2 teaspoons honey (optional)

Instructions:In a saucepan, add water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, black peppercorns, and ginger slices. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the water is infused with the flavors of the spices.Add tea bags or loose tea leaves to the pan and let it brew for 2-3 minutes.Add milk to the pan and bring it to a boil.Add honey if desired and stir well.Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer and serve hot.Enjoy your aromatic and flavorful masala chai!

These plant-based recipes are not only delicious but also healthy and nutritious. They are perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking for healthy and flavorful Indian cuisine.