Plant-based eating isn't just an ephemeral trend—it's a conscious lifestyle choice embraced by millions around the world. And when it comes to flavour-packed, wholesome, and diverse plant-based food, few cuisines rival the vibrancy of Indian cooking. Indian cuisine offers a treasure trove of dishes that are naturally vegan or easily adaptable to suit a plant-based diet.

Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just exploring meals without meat, the world of Vegan Indian recipes opens the door to satisfying your palate with aromatic spices, seasonal vegetables, legumes, and grains. From comforting curries to sizzling stir-fries, and fragrant rice to handmade flatbreads, plant-based Indian dinner ideas can elevate your weeknight meals into soul-nourishing experiences.

With Foodism, let’s dive into some truly delicious and healthy plant-based Indian recipes that are ideal for dinner - and entirely dairy-free, meat-free, and loaded with bold, comforting flavours.

1. Vegan Chana Masala Recipe (Plant-Based Chickpea Curry)

Vegan Chana Masala is a beloved classic in vegan Indian recipes, made with protein-packed chickpeas simmered in a tomato-onion gravy and a medley of warm spices.

Ingredients for vegan chana masala:

• 1.5 cups boiled chickpeas (or 1 can, rinsed)
• 2 tbsp oil or water
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander to garnish

Instructions to make vegan chana masala:

1. Heat oil or water. Sauté cumin seeds, onions, and ginger-garlic paste.
2. Add tomato puree and spices. Cook until the oil separates.
3. Add chickpeas and ½ cup water. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Garnish your vegan chana masala with coriander and serve with rice or roti.

Pro Tip: For a richer vegan chana masala, mash a few chickpeas while cooking to thicken the gravy naturally—no cream needed!

2. Vegan Palak Tofu (Spinach Tofu Curry)

Vegan Palak Tofu is a plant-based take on Palak Paneer. This plant-based Indian dinner uses tofu instead of paneer and coconut cream instead of dairy.

Ingredients for vegan palak tofu:

• 200g tofu (pan-fried)
• 2 cups spinach (blanched and blended)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp coconut milk
• 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt, oil, garlic, and ginger

Instructions to make vegan palak tofu:

1. Sauté onion, ginger, and garlic. Add tomatoes and cook down.
2. Add spinach puree, coconut milk, and spices. Simmer.
3. Add tofu cubes. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
4. Your vegan palak tofu is ready.

Pro Tip: Freeze tofu, then thaw and press for a firmer, meatier bite—perfect for soaking up the spinach gravy.

3. Vegan Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)

Vegan Rajma Masala is a staple plant-based food in Indian households. It’s hearty, comforting, and rich in plant protein.

Ingredients for vegan rajma masala:

• 1.5 cups cooked rajma (kidney beans)
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, 2 tomatoes
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp each - cumin seeds, turmeric, chilli powder, and garam masala
• Salt and water

Instructions to make vegan rajma masala:

1. Sauté cumin seeds, onions, and ginger-garlic paste.
2. Add tomato puree and spices. Cook well.
3. Add kidney beans and 1 cup of water. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Enjoy your vegan rajma masala.

Pro Tip: Let rajma sit covered for 15 minutes after cooking to deepen the flavours. Serve with brown basmati rice for a complete plant-based Indian meal.

4. Vegan Bhindi Masala (Okra Stir-Fry)

Vegan Bhindi Masala is a dry-style sabzi using fresh okra, ideal for weeknight plant-based Indian dinners.

Ingredients for vegan bhindi masala:

• 2 cups okra, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin, turmeric, coriander powder
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions to make vegan bhindi masala:

1. Wash okra, dry thoroughly. Sauté in oil until no longer slimy.
2. Add onion, tomato, and spices. Stir-fry until cooked.
3. Your delicious vegan bhindi masala is ready.

Pro Tip: Always dry okra completely to avoid sliminess. Use an iron skillet for the best texture.

5. Vegan Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant Mash)

Vegan Baingan Bharta is a smoky mashed eggplant dish loved in North India, and it’s naturally one of the best plant-based Indian recipes.

Ingredients for vegan baigan bharta:

• 1 large eggplant (roasted)
• 1 onion, 2 tomatoes, 1 green chilli
• 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp turmeric, garlic, and ginger
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions to make vegan baigan bharta:

1. Roast eggplant until charred. Cool, peel, and mash.
2. Sauté spices with onion, chilli, garlic, and tomatoes.
3. Add eggplant and mix. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Your hot and delicious all-time favourite vegan baigan bharta is ready. 

Pro Tip: Roast eggplant on an open flame for authentic smoky flavour. Serve with jowar or bajra roti for a healthy twist.

6. Vegan Vegetable Pulao (Indian Spiced Rice with Vegetables)

Vegan Vegetable Pulao is a one-pot plant-based Indian rice dish loaded with veggies and aromatic spices.

Ingredients for vegan vegetable pulao:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
• Whole spices: bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, cumin
• Salt, oil

Instructions to make vegan vegetable pulao:

1. Sauté whole spices and vegetables in oil.
2. Add rice and water. Cook for 15 minutes.
3. Enjoy your vegan vegetable pulao with vegan curd/yoghurt

Pro Tip: Add a few drops of lemon juice to keep rice grains separate and enhance flavour.

7. Vegan Tofu Tikka Masala

Vegan Tofu Tikka Masala is a bold, creamy curry made with grilled tofu chunks simmered in a spiced tomato-cashew gravy.

Ingredients for vegan tofu tikka masala:

• 200g tofu, cubed
• 1 cup tomato puree
• ¼ cup cashew paste
• 1 onion, garlic, ginger
• Spices: turmeric, cumin, paprika, garam masala
• Coconut cream (optional)

Instructions to make vegan tofu tikka masala:

1. Marinate tofu in spices and pan-sear.
2. Cook onion, tomato, cashew paste, and spices.
3. Add tofu and simmer in the masala.

Pro Tip: Use an air fryer or grill for extra-charred tofu that mimics paneer tikka texture.

8. Vegan Khichdi (Lentil-Rice Porridge)

Vegan Khichdi is the ultimate comfort food and one of the easiest plant-based Indian dinner ideas.

Ingredients for vegan khichdi:

• ½ cup yellow moong dal
• ½ cup rice
• 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• Salt and water

Instructions to make vegan khichdi:

1. Rinse the dal and rice. Cook with spices and 3 cups of water.
2. Simmer until soft and porridge-like. 
3. Enjoy your vegan khichdi in a desi way.

Pro Tip: Add spinach, carrots, or peas to turn your vegan khichdi into a nutrient-packed bowl. Pair with a dollop of vegan yoghurt.

9. Vegan Aloo Gobi (Potato & Cauliflower Stir-Fry)

Vegan Aloo Gobi is a dry curry made with potatoes and cauliflower, flavoured with turmeric, cumin, and fresh coriander.

Ingredients for vegan aloo gobi:

• 2 potatoes, 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 onion, garlic, and green chilli
• 1 tsp cumin, turmeric, garam masala
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions to make vegan aloo gobi:

1. Heat oil, sauté cumin and onions.
2. Add potatoes and cauliflower with spices. Cover and cook.
3. Yes, your favourite aloo gobhi can now be vegan! Enjoy vegan aloo gobhi hot with rotis. 

Pro Tip: Roast the potatoes and cauliflower separately before mixing for a crispy texture.

10. Vegan Tadka Dal (Spiced Lentils with Tempering)

Vegan Tadka Dal is simple yet deeply flavorful, made with yellow lentils and topped with spiced oil tempering.

Ingredients for vegan dal tadka:

• 1 cup toor dal or moong dal
• 2 cups water
• 1 tomato, green chilli, turmeric, and salt
• For tempering: cumin, mustard seeds, garlic, dry red chilli and 1 tsp oil

Instructions to make vegan dal tadka:

1. Cook dal with tomato, chilli, and turmeric.
2. Prepare the tadka separately. Add to the dal and simmer.
3. Your vegan dal tadka is ready to be enjoyed hot with rice or roti. 

Pro Tip: Always add tadka just before serving for maximum aroma and flavour. Oil blends like mustard or sesame for a traditional plant-based touch.

These plant-based Indian dinner recipes prove that going vegan doesn’t mean giving up flavour, variety, or tradition. For more such recipes, download the Foodism App now!