7 Popular And Delicious Indian Vegan Recipes For Your Kids
7 Popular And Delicious Indian Vegan Recipes For Your Kids
This blog is a collection of 7 delicious and popular vegan Indian recipes from the plant-based internet.
This list includes something for everyone, whether you're searching for a delicious curry to dazzle your visitors, an airy or chewy bread to fulfill your carb needs, or a spicy chutney to pour over everything!
1. Vegan Raita
Raita is made with full-fat, unsweetened yogurt (if you try using Greek yogurt in raita, every Indian aunty I know will give you a disapproving glance). Naturally, my raita version is vegan and made with plant-based yogurt.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Medium cucumber: ¼, unpeeled
- Unsweetened non-dairy yogurt: 1 cup
- Garlic: 1 clove, crushed
- Fresh ginger: 1- inch, grated or finely minced
- Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped
- Fresh mint leaves: ¼ cup, chopped
- Lime juice: ½
- Ground cumin: ½ teaspoon
- Garam masala: ½ teaspoon
- Kosher salt: ¼ teaspoon, plus more to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or Indian red chilli powder
Method
- Using a box grater, shred the cucumber. Squeeze off as much moisture as possible by wrapping the grated cucumber in several paper towels or a clean dishtowel.
- Toss the grated cucumber with the non-dairy yogurt in a mixing basin. Combine the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl. To blend, stir everything together thoroughly. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
2. Sweet And Spicy Lemon Pickles
Make tasty, quick, sweet, spicy lemon pickles in the Instant Pot. Irresistible quick lemon pickles made with Meyer and Persian lemons that go well with rice and paratha.
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Total time: 60 minutes | Servings: 25
Ingredients
- Lemons: 4 medium-sized
- Water: ½ cup
- Gingelly oil: 5 tablespoons, divided
- Red chilli powder: 1½ tablespoons
- Turmeric powder: ¼ teaspoon
- Mustard seed powder: ½ tablespoon
- Sea salt: 1 tablespoon or to taste
- Jaggery: ⅓ to ½ cup or as required
- Mustard seeds: 2 teaspoons
- Fenugreek seeds: 1½ teaspoons
- Asafoetida: ½ teaspoon
Method
- Trim the lemon's edges and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Remove as many seeds as you can and discard them.
- 2 tablespoons oil, evenly distributed in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Coat the bottom of the inner pot with oil in an even layer. Add the sliced lemons now.
- Next, add the red chilli powder, mustard seed powder, turmeric powder, and salt. There's no need to mix the 12 cups of water in. Close the Instant Pot now.
- Ascertain that the sealing ring is in place and that the vent is in a sealed position—Cook for 20 minutes at high pressure in a pressure cooker. Allow the pressure to dissipate naturally. Mix everything in the instant pot.
- Add the jaggery to the IP in sauté mode. Mix everything and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. To prevent splashing, partially cover the IP with a lid. So that the pickle doesn't get trapped at the bottom, mix in between. The pickle will thicken gradually and thicken even more as it cools.
- If you enjoy pickle brine, cook it for only 7 to 8 minutes. Mix pickle pulao/rice with the pickle brine or spicy brine paratha with wheat flour. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil to a separate tempering pan. Add the mustard, fenugreek, and Hing to the heated oil. Allow mustard seeds to sputter. Turn off the light. Allow it to cool fully before transferring it to an airtight container.
3. Vegan Walnut Chutney
Indian rice crepes, dosas, cakes, and even idlis go nicely with this spicy vegan walnut chutney. This chutney also works well as a spread over pitas, sandwiches, and wraps.
Do you want to know more? Here's how to make spicy walnut chutney with California walnuts.
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Total time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6
Ingredients To Roast
- Raw walnuts: 1 cup
- Black gram lentil: ⅓ cup, split and skinned
- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
Ingredients To Blend
- Vegan yogurt: ¾ cup
- Frozen shredded coconut: 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Green chillies: 7-8
- Ginger: ½ inch, peeled and cut
- Sea salt to taste
Ingredients To Temper
- Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon
- Black mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Curry leaves: 3-5 (optional)
- Dried red chillies: 2-4
- Cayenne pepper powder: ¼ teaspoon
Method
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or pan to 350°F and add the ingredients mentioned under the “to roast” category.
- Add ½ tablespoon of oil and lightly toast the walnuts first, then the lentils, and finally the cumin seeds.
- When the nuts, lentils, and seeds are gently browned, remove them from the fire and place them in a blender jar. Allow time for them to cool.
- Add the yogurt, chiles, salt, ginger, and 12 cups of water to the blender jar. Twelve cups of water in this chutney works because I want a runny chutney. If you don't want a runny chutney, cut back on the water or leave it out entirely.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all of the ingredients.
- Heat the remaining oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds, dried red chillies, and curry leaves. Allow the seeds to sputter and the chillies to darken for a few minutes. Turn off the heat and add the cayenne pepper powder.
- Pour the mixture over the chutney now.
- Chutney can be served with idli, Dosa, cakes, or other food.
4. Mixed Vegetable Pakora
Mixed Vegetable Pakora is a South Indian-style vegetable fritter. They're addictive, fragrant, crispy, and a tasty snack. Serve with a cup of tea or chutney.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Besan or gram flour: ½ cup
- Rice flour: ¼ cup
- Green chillies: 3, chopped
- Mint or coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons
- Garam masala powder: ¼ to ½ teaspoon
- Carom seeds or ajwain: ½ teaspoons
- Mixed veggies: 2.5 to 3 cups
- Medium carrots: 1 (~¾ cup), julienned
- Capsicum (bell peppers): ¼ cup
- Cabbage: 1 cup, shredded
- Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- French beans: 6, julienned
- Spinach: 1 cup, chopped (optional)
- Sea salt as needed
Method
- Wash the veggies and thinly slice them into 2-inch slices.
- Combine them with ginger, garlic, chillies, salt, green chilli, garam masala, mint, or other herbs in a mixing bowl.
- To release moisture, properly combine all ingredients and gently squeeze. Allow for 10 minutes. In a mixing dish, combine the gram flour and ajwain.
- Adjust the salt as needed. To make the dough, add a few teaspoons of water if required. To make a firm dough, properly combine all of the ingredients. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place a little dough to test whether the oil is hot enough. The dough for the pakoras must rise without over-browning. It's the perfect temperature. After slightly flattening the dough, carefully drop little parts of it. Please refrain from bothering me for the time being.
- Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until lightly browned.
- Finish cooking the pakora dough in batches.
- Serve the veggie pakora hot with masala chai or green chutney.
5. Instant Pot Indian Spiced Red Lentil Sweet Potato Soup
This creamy Instant Pot Indian spiced red lentil sweet potato soup is made with red lentils and sweet potatoes. It is naturally creamy and made very easy with the Instant Pot.
This healthy yet hearty supper will give you all the cozy vibes, thanks to warming spices like garam masala and turmeric.
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Coconut oil (or oil of choice): 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1½ tablespoons, freshly grated or minced
- Serrano pepper: 1 diced
- Garam masala: 2 teaspoons
- Curry powder: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Ground turmeric: ½ teaspoon
- Sweet potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cut into large dice
- Red lentils: 1 cup, rinsed until the water runs clear
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Sea salt: 1¼ teaspoons or more to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Maple syrup: 1-2 teaspoons
- For serving: coconut yogurt, fresh cilantro, and flatbread or rice (optional)
Method
- Heat the coconut oil in your Instant Pot using the Sauté mode. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion and simmer for 3-4 minutes or until it is somewhat softened.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, serrano pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder (if using), cumin, and turmeric for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- To deglaze the pot, pour the vegetable broth and scrape off any browned bits on the bottom with a wooden spoon or scraper. Combine the lentils, sweet potatoes, sea salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir them together to incorporate all of the ingredients. Choose the Cancel option. Close the Instant Pot's lid and seal it. Cook for 10 minutes on high pressure using the Pressure Cook (or Manual, depending on your model).
- Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release once the 10-minute timer has expired before switching the pressure release valve from Sealing to Venting. Stir the soup in the Instant Pot after it has been opened—season with salt and pepper to taste. To balance the acidity, you may wish to add additional salt or a teaspoon or two of maple syrup or sugar.
- Top with coconut yogurt and fresh cilantro after the soup has cooled slightly. Serve with flatbread or rice, if desired.
6. Samosa Recipe
Follow this simple samosa recipe to make crispy and flaky samosas with melt-in-your-mouth filling at home any time of year when you're craving these delightful nibbles.
With mint chutney, dates chutney, or tomato ketchup/sauce, this vegetarian/vegan samosa recipe can be served as an appetizer, snack, or finger food.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour or Maida: 2 cups
- Sea salt: ½ teaspoon
- Oil of your choice: ¼ cup
- Water: ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons
Ingredients For The Potato Peas Filling Or Aloo Matar Filling
- Potatoes: 4 medium
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Coriander seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Saunf or Fennel seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
- Green chillies: 2, chopped
- Green peas (fresh or frozen): ¾ cup
- Garam masala, Tandoori masala or Curry powder: ½ teaspoon
- Chaat masala or Amchur Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Red chile powder: ½ teaspoon
- Sea salt: ½ to ¾ teaspoon or to taste
- Coriander leaves or cilantro: 1 tablespoon, chopped
Method
- Combine flour and salt in a mixing dish. Add the oil in small increments and stir with your fingertips. Rub the flour into the oil until it is completely absorbed. Pressing a portion of the mixture between your palms should keep its shape rather than collapse.
- Now, gradually add the water, mixing until everything joins together and a stiff dough forms. This dough will resemble pie dough. Do not pour in all of the water at once. Add ¼ cup at first, then 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Allow the dough to rest for 30 to 45 minutes after covering it.
- Potatoes can be boiled in various ways (stovetop, pressure cooker, instant pot, or microwave). I usually put a trivet in a pressure cooker with enough water to cover it, then add the potatoes (with skins) and pressure cook for 3 to 4 whistles. Peel the boiled potatoes, coarsely chop them if necessary, and set them aside after the natural pressure release.
- Add oil, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and Hing to a skillet and cook until everything sizzles. Add the ginger and green chillies and cook for another 30 to 1 minute. Add the potatoes, green peas, garam masala, chaat masala, red chile powder, salt, and coriander leaves and mash well with a potato masher. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- After the dough has rested, divide it into 8 balls. Cover the others with one dough ball at a time. Take one dough ball at a time and cover the others. To make a slurry, combine water and a tiny amount of flour in a small bowl. When making samosas, this slurry is utilized as an adhesive. Roll them into an oval form and cut them in the middle to make two halves.
- It may pull back as you cut it, so carefully roll each area again if necessary. Apply the slurry to half of the cut part's side and half of the oval's side. Bring the sliced part's ends together and pinch to form a cone. Fill the samosas halfway with the filling. Pinch the edges together at the end. If necessary, trim any excess dough from the ends.
- Your first samosa has been prepared. Carry on with the rest of the dough in the same manner. Cover the loaded samosas until you're ready to fry them. Heat the oil for frying in a pan over medium heat. Drop a tiny scrap of dough into the oil to see whether it's hot; it should sizzle slightly and rise to the surface.
- Depending on the size of the pan, drop 3 to 4 filled samosas into the heated oil. Do not flip or disturb them immediately after dropping them in the oil. Flip them after a minute or two, once they've firmed up, and fry them on medium heat until the outer cover is browned and crispy on all sides, flipping halfway through. Carry on in the same manner for the remaining items.
- With sweet chutney, mint chutney, tomato ketchup, and a hot cup of tea, chai, or coffee, enjoy the fried samosas.
7. Tofu Tikka Masala
Tofu chunks are marinated in a homemade spice combination and creamy yogurt, then grilled until charred and covered in a rich tomato-onion sauce in this Tofu Tikka Masala. It's a vegan version of chicken tikka masala and one of the most delectable Indian recipes ever!
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Blocks of extra firm tofu: 2 (400g)
- Unsweetened thick, creamy vegan yogurt: 1 cup
- Garlic: 3 cloves, crushed with a press or grated
- Fresh ginger: ½ inch, grated or minced
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Grapeseed oil: 1½ tablespoons
- Kosher salt: 1½ teaspoons
- Cumin seeds: 1½ teaspoons
- Coriander seeds: 4 teaspoons
- Black peppercorns: 30
- Cardamom pods: 6
- Cinnamon sticks: 2 (2 to 3inch)
- Fenugreek leaves: ½ tablespoons
- Indian red chile powder: 1½ teaspoons
- Ground turmeric: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Ground ginger: 1 teaspoon
- Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
- Grapeseed oil or other high-heat oil: 3 tablespoons
- Cumin seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Dried red chillies: 6
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1½ inches, minced or grated
- Serrano pepper: 1 diced
- Ground turmeric: ½ teaspoon
- Indian red chile powder: 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander: ½ teaspoon
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Tomatoes: 1 pound, diced
- Cilantro: 1 cup, stems finely chopped and leaves chopped
- Water: 3 tablespoons
- Kosher salt: 1½ teaspoons
- Garam masala: 1 tablespoon
- Fenugreek leaves: 2 tablespoons
- Full-fat coconut milk: 1- 400 ml can
- Vegan butter: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
Method
- Make use of a tofu press. Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel or several layers of paper towels and weigh it down with a heavy cookbook or a large plate loaded with a couple of cans of beans. Tofu should be pressed for 20 to 30 minutes. Tear the tofu into small pieces with your hands and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Melt the butter in a small or medium frying pan over medium heat. Add them whole when the spices are heated (cumin and coriander seeds, cloves, peppercorns, cardamom seeds, cinnamon sticks, and fenugreek leaves).
- 2½ to 3½ minutes, stirring the pan regularly until they are extremely aromatic and toasted and the lighter seeds have browned. Allow the seeds to cool after removing them from the pan.
- When cool, transfer to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and grind until finely powdered. Pour into a mixing basin and stir in the ground spices (Indian red chile powder, turmeric, paprika, nutmeg, and ginger).
- Combine the spice combination, yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, oil, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the tofu pieces and carefully cover all the crevices with your hands, careful not to mash it.
- Refrigerate, covered, for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
- When baking the tofu, position an oven rack 6 inches away from the heat source (usually, the second rack). Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet on the rack.
- Transfer the skillet to the stove or a potholder once it is hot. Increase the temperature of the broiler to high.
- Pour in just enough oil to lightly coat the pan's bottom. Remove the extra marinade from the tofu and place it in the pan. It'll be crammed into the pan rather tightly.
- Return the pan to the second oven rack and broil for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tofu is cooked through and browned in areas on top. In a deep 12-inch sauté pan, heat the 3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds to the pan after it's hot and cook for 1 minute, turning the pan constantly. Cook for another 30 seconds with the dried chiles, often turning to avoid scorching.
- Cook occasionally, stirring until the onions are golden brown for about 6 to 8 minutes (if the onions start browning too quickly, lower the heat to medium).
- To prevent the onions from browning too much, add a few water splashes, garlic, ginger, sliced serrano pepper, and turmeric, and simmer for 1 minute, tossing regularly. Combine the red chilli powder, coriander, and tomato paste in a mixing bowl. For 30 to 60 seconds, stirring often. Cook, occasionally stirring, until the tomatoes have broken down and softened about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in the cilantro stems, 3 tablespoons of water, and 12 teaspoons of kosher salt (save the leaves for garnish). Bring to a low simmer, covered.
- Simmer the masala for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring, until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove and discard the dried red chiles. Combine the coconut milk, garam masala, and vegan butter in a large mixing bowl. Crush the fenugreek leaves in your hand and add to the masala to release the scent.
- Slightly increase the heat and stir until everything is mixed and the butter has melted. You can puree the masala with an immersion blender with a smoother texture. Toss in the baked tofu, thinly cut serrano peppers (if used for a spicy kick!), and lemon juice.
- Cook for 2 minutes, then toss the tofu with the sauce. Taste and add a pinch of sugar (14 to 12 teaspoons) if it's too acidic. Finish with a flourish.
- Season the masala with salt to taste, and garnish with cilantro leaves. Tofu tikka masala can be served with rice or Indian flatbread.
Conclusion
Much of the fantastic vegan cuisine in India is nutritious. Many curries are high in protein because they are cooked with lentils and beans, while others are packed with healthful veggies.
The wide use of spices and herbs is one of the healthiest aspects of Indian cuisine. Try these popular Indian vegan recipes. Let us know if you have any queries.
I trust you enjoyed this article about the 7 Popular And Delicious Indian Vegan Recipes For Your Kids. Please stay tuned for more blog posts to come shortly. Take care!
JeannetteZ
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