There's something incredibly cozy and satisfying about Indian food. If you haven't taken an adventure into the flavors of India, you are seriously missing out. The spices are warming and the ingredients are wholesome and healthy. Plus many curry dishes are naturally vegetarian, making them very easy to make plant based. This is a collection of my favorite inspired vegan Indian recipes to make your Autumn and Winter cozier and more delicious.
What is Curry?
The word curry is used to describe a delicious dish that contains meat, vegetables or beans simmered in a flavorful sauce seasoned with a unique blend of spices like turmeric, coriander, garam masala, cumin, ginger and garlic. Curry dishes are warming, flavorful and cozy and have a distinct and intoxicating fragrance.
Curry powder is also the name of a spice blend that you can buy to make your cooking easier. While curry powder is not traditionally used in Indian cooking, it was developed in Britain to bring Indian flavor to many dishes without needing a whole spice arsenal to do it. Typically curry powder spice is a blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili and fenugreek but can contain others as well. Curry has a vibrant yellow color and warming flavor.
The origins of curry date back centuries to the Indian subcontinent where warming, stewed and heavily spiced dishes were the norm. But the term "curry" was popularized by the British after colonization. Because of trade, colonization and immigration, curry has become a global phenomenon. Countries such as Japan, Thailand and Jamaica as well as others have their own adaptations and versions of these warming dishes.
High Protein Rajma Recipe: Kidney Bean Curry with Tofu
This richly spiced curry kidney beans dish is cozy, filling and supremely warming. It is quite similar to a Southwestern Chili with its deep tomato flavor but instead of chili powder this is dominated by Indian flavors like curry powder, ginger, and cumin seeds. Our Rajma recipe is complemented by high protein tofu which bumps up the nutrition and satisfaction!
Why you'll love Indian Food
- Healthy and full of whole foods and vegetables
- Filling and budget friendly
- Easily adaptable according to tastes and what is available
- Warming and cozy dishes perfect for Fall and Winter
- Quick and easy to cook
- Balanced meals, high in fiber and plant-based protein
- Smells incredible while cooking
- Great for meal prep. Cook a large batch and reheat for days
Vegan Chickpea Coconut Curry
This is my "OG" curry recipe that was one of the first recipes to put me on the (social media) map, so to speak. Chickpea Coconut Curry is easy and quick to make, tastes incredible, and makes a filling and healthy dinner that is the perfect weeknight recipe. Served with basmati rice and extra roasted veggies, this will be your new favorite. I still get messages from loved ones about this incredibly delicious curry.
Disclaimer:
I am not from India and I don't not have any Indian in my genetics (but maybe in a past life). These recipes are not traditional, they are my inspired take on Indian cooking. I was not the inventor of many of these dishes, rather I have enjoyed them in Indian restaurants and was inspired to recreate them plant-based at home and share with you.
Easy Saag Chole
This delicious curry of chickpeas and greens is so aromatic, creamy, dreamy and silky textured. Easy Saag Chole is the perfect beginner recipe because it's simple to make, comes together quickly and it tastes amazing. The combo of beans and greens is a powerful pair, making this both a nutritious and filling curry recipe.
Spicy Secrets: If you want to be a master of Indian cooking, having a full spice drawer is ideal. Spices to have on hand are Turmeric, Cumin Seeds, Black Mustard Seeds, Ground Cumin, Garam Masala, Ground Coriander, Cardamom, Cayenne pepper, Cinnamon, and Cloves. Of course there are others as well but these are what I use in most of my recipes. If you prefer to simplify your cooking use a prepared Curry powder instead which can replace some of those individual spices
Easy Chickpea Eggplant Potato Curry
This easy curry recipe is packed with protein and fiber. The eggplant, chickpeas, spinach and potatoes are swimming in a lush curry gravy that is aromatic and decadently creamy. Serve this Chickpea Eggplant and Potato curry with basmati rice for a hearty and healthy meal.
Tips for Making the Best Curries
- Take your time, curry is all about layering flavors
- Use fresh ginger and garlic, the intense flavor is worth the extra effort
- Be careful with the spices. Go easy on the cayenne, garam masala and mustard seeds because the spice level can go from mildly spiced to extreme fire in the blink of an eye. Be conscious of your heat tolerance and spice accordingly. If you prefer mild, use a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon or a just a pinch instead until your palette adjusts.
Vegan Tofu Saag Paneer
The iconic Indian dish saag paneer is a vegetarian dish made with paneer cheese and tender greens stewed with aromatic and pungeant spices. To veganize the dish, we replace the paneer with tofu which has a very similar mouthfeel and texture to paneer. You will love this budget friendly and protein packed curry dish.
Baingan Bharta
This richly spiced and saucy dish is made with smoky roasted eggplant stewed with onion, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and Indian spices. It is aromatic, comforting and has a silky texture that feels decadent. Served with basmati rice or naan bread, Baingan Bharta is a favorite of Indian food lovers worldwide.
Curry Tofu Salad
This dish is not exactly a curry or traditionally Indian. But it does feature roasted veggies and tofu generously seasoned with curry powder. Once all is spiced, cooked and cooled, it is drizzled with a dressing made from tahini combined with turmeric and lemon. This is a deeply satisfying, protein rich and flavorful salad bowl.
Curry Cauliflower with Minted Yogurt Sauce
This Indian spiced roasted cauliflower is not your regular boring side dish. It's bursting with aromatic curry flavors and you will love shockingly creamy vegan yogurt sauce. This insanely delicious vegetable dish is easy to make and ready in about 30 minutes.
Spicy Vegan Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry
This is a heavily spiced and fiery curry that is warming and perfect for chilly days. It relies heavily on crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, cumin seeds and garam masala for a warmth that creeps up on you. This one comes together in 30 minutes or less for the perfect spicy weeknight meal.
Spicy Curry Lentils
This Spicy Curry Lentils is another fiery Indian spiced dish. This one is deeply satisfying, comforting and warming, and it's full of plant-based protein and iron. You will give this easy recipe bonus points for its simplicity.
Vegan Turmeric Cauliflower Bowls
Here we have another recipe that is not "exactly" Indian but has been inspired by the cuisine. This is a the quickest and easiest meal that is full of veggies couscous and a delicious tahini drizzle. It's mildly spiced with golden hued turmeric, coriander, smoked paprika and cumin.
Vegan Potato and Chickpea Curry
This richly spiced and super saucy vegan curry is one of my favorites. Chickpeas and potatoes swim in a veritable river of mildly spicy Indian gravy. Served with rice and cucumber salad it makes an incredible vegan meal.
Vegan Butter Chicken With Jackfruit
Butter Chicken is an iconic vegan dish. We have been inspired to veganize it using jackfruit which mimics the texture of chicken and added chickpeas for protein. Potatoes make this an extra filling and satisfying vegan Indian recipe.
Curry Chickpea and Pecan Salad
This is a delicious twist of curry chicken salad that I developed for The American Pecan Promotion Board. It is light and fresh, with a bright curry flavor. This recipe is the perfect sandwich filling or topping for greens when you want something flavorful, healthy and satisfying.
Creamy Vegan Cucumber Salad
This cooling cucumber and yogurt salad is the perfect side for any spicy curry dish. We love the fresh, light and tangy flavors and the fresh mint and cilantro bring it all together.
Other Delicious Vegan Recipe Collections
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Amy Brown
I used to make a mushroom and frozen pea curry from your site that is no longer there. Do you still have that recipe?
Sara Tercero
Hi Amy, I never had a mushroom and pea curry on my website. I have very few mushroom recipes, as my husband hates them. I posted a curry mushroom dish on instagram like 5 years ago but I can't seem to locate that one. Are you sure it was my recipe?