Simple Indian Vegetarian Recipes for Dinner

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If you are looking for the healthiest meal to eat for dinner, Indian vegetarian recipes can be the answer. The Indian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and a wide range of vegetarian dishes that cater to every palate. For many households in India, vegetarianism is more than just a dietary choice—it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in culture and tradition. From spicy curries to soothing rice dishes, Indian vegetarian dinner recipes offer both variety and nutrition.

One of the best things about Indian vegetarian cooking is how simple it can be to prepare hearty meals with basic ingredients. Using pantry staples like lentils, rice, vegetables, and spices, you can whip up dishes that are not only delicious but also wholesome. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, Indian vegetarian recipes offer something for everyone.

This guide will explore simple, quick, and delectable Indian vegetarian recipes that are perfect for dinner. We’ll include options for curries, rice dishes, flatbreads, and more—ensuring there’s something to suit your taste and schedule.

Simple Indian Vegetarian Recipes for Dinner

Indian vegetarian dinners are a wonderful blend of flavor, nutrition, and variety. They often rely on simple techniques and accessible ingredients, making them perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely evenings. Below, we’ll delve into some staple categories of Indian dishes that are easy to prepare and utterly satisfying.

Classic Indian Curries

Curries are at the heart of Indian cuisine. These rich, flavorful gravies are often paired with rice or flatbreads, creating a wholesome and filling meal. Let’s explore some classic vegetarian curries you can try for dinner.

Paneer Butter Masala

  • Description: Paneer Butter Masala is a creamy tomato-based curry made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), butter, and aromatic spices.
  • Ingredients: Paneer, tomatoes, cream, butter, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, and red chili powder.
  • Steps:
    1. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in butter until soft.
    2. Add pureed tomatoes, spices, and let it simmer.
    3. Stir in cream and cubed paneer.
    4. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or roti.

Chana Masala

  • Description: A protein-packed dish made with chickpeas in a spicy tomato-based gravy.
  • Ingredients: Boiled chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, garam masala, cumin, and coriander powder.
  • Steps:
    1. Fry onions, ginger, and garlic until golden.
    2. Add chopped tomatoes and spices; cook until oil separates.
    3. Mix in boiled chickpeas and simmer.
    4. Garnish with lemon juice and serve with steamed rice or puris.

Aloo Gobi

  • Description: A dry curry made with potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi), flavored with turmeric and spices.
  • Ingredients: Potatoes, cauliflower, mustard seeds, turmeric, and green chilies.
  • Steps:
    1. Heat oil and splutter mustard seeds.
    2. Add diced potatoes, cauliflower, and spices.
    3. Cover and cook on low heat until vegetables are tender.
    4. Serve with chapati or rice.

Traditional Indian Rice Dishes

Rice is a staple in Indian households and a versatile base for many quick and hearty vegetarian dinner recipes. These recipes are perfect for dinner and can be paired with curries, chutneys, or yogurt.

Vegetable Pulao

  • Description: A fragrant rice dish cooked with mixed vegetables and spices.
  • Ingredients: Basmati rice, mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans), whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf), and mint leaves.
  • Steps:
    1. Sauté spices in ghee until aromatic.
    2. Add chopped vegetables and sauté briefly.
    3. Mix in washed rice and water; cook until rice is tender.
    4. Garnish with fried onions and serve with raita.

Lemon Rice

  • Description: A tangy and refreshing rice dish flavored with lemon juice, curry leaves, and peanuts.
  • Ingredients: Cooked rice, lemon juice, green chilies, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts.
  • Steps:
    1. Heat oil and splutter mustard seeds.
    2. Add curry leaves, green chilies, and peanuts.
    3. Mix in cooked rice and lemon juice.
    4. Serve with papad or yogurt.

Curd Rice

  • Description: A simple South Indian dish made with rice and yogurt, perfect for a light dinner.
  • Ingredients: Cooked rice, yogurt, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and ginger.
  • Steps:
    1. Mash cooked rice and mix with yogurt.
    2. Temper mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated ginger in oil.
    3. Pour the tempering over the rice-yogurt mixture.
    4. Chill and serve with a pickle or chutney.

Flatbreads and Accompaniments

No Indian dinner is complete without flatbreads to scoop up curries or sides to enhance the main course. The following are some Indian vegetarian dinner recipes that are simple, delicious, and perfect for rounding out your vegetarian meal.

Easy Indian Flatbreads

Roti (Chapati)

  • Description: Roti, or chapati, is a soft and thin whole wheat flatbread that pairs beautifully with any curry or vegetable dish.
  • Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, water, and salt.
  • Steps:
    1. Mix flour and salt, gradually adding water to form a soft dough.
    2. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes, cover, and let rest for 20 minutes.
    3. Divide the dough into small balls, roll them into thin circles, and cook on a hot skillet until golden brown.
    4. Brush with ghee for extra flavor, and serve warm with any curry.

Paratha

  • Description: Paratha is a slightly thicker flatbread that can be plain or stuffed with spiced fillings like potatoes, paneer, or spinach.
  • Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, water, and oil for plain parathas; optional fillings like mashed potatoes or paneer for stuffed parathas.
  • Steps:
    1. Prepare dough as for roti. For stuffed parathas, mix the desired filling with spices and herbs.
    2. Roll out a small dough ball, place the filling in the center, and fold it up.
    3. Roll the stuffed dough into a circle and cook on a skillet with oil until golden.
    4. Serve with yogurt, pickle, or chutney.

Naan

  • Description: Naan is a leavened flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor but easily made at home on a skillet.
  • Ingredients: All-purpose flour, yogurt, yeast, and milk.
  • Steps:
    1. Combine flour, yeast, and yogurt to form a dough; let it rise for 1–2 hours.
    2. Divide into balls, roll out, and cook on a hot skillet or bake in an oven.
    3. Brush with butter or garlic for extra flavor.
    4. Serve with creamy curries like Paneer Butter Masala.

Quick and Tasty Accompaniments

Mint Chutney

  • Description: A tangy and refreshing chutney made with fresh mint leaves, yogurt, and spices.
  • Ingredients: Mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, yogurt, and lemon juice.
  • Steps:
    1. Blend mint, coriander, chilies, and lemon juice into a fine paste.
    2. Mix with yogurt for a creamy texture.
    3. Serve with parathas or as a dip for snacks like samosas.

Raita

  • Description: Raita is a cooling yogurt-based side dish often mixed with grated vegetables or spices.
  • Ingredients: Yogurt, cucumber, carrots, cumin powder, and salt.
  • Steps:
    1. Whisk yogurt until smooth and mix with grated cucumber or carrots.
    2. Add cumin powder, salt, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
    3. Serve chilled alongside spicy dishes.

Pickles (Achaar)

  • Description: Indian pickles add a tangy and spicy punch to meals and require minimal effort for quick versions.
  • Ingredients: Mango or lemon, mustard seeds, red chili powder, salt, and oil.
  • Steps:
    1. Toss diced mangoes or lemons with salt and spices.
    2. Heat oil and add mustard seeds; pour this tempering over the mixture.
    3. Let it sit for a few hours before serving as a side.

Quick Lentil and Bean Dishes

Lentils and beans are very important in Indian vegetarian cooking, offering a rich source of protein, fiber, and flavor. Whether you prefer creamy dals or hearty bean stews, these dishes are perfect for a nutritious and satisfying dish. Here are some quick Indian vegetarian dinner recipes to try.

Dal Tadka

  • Description: Dal Tadka is a popular lentil dish flavored with a tempered mix of spices and ghee, making it both aromatic and comforting.
  • Ingredients: Yellow lentils (toor dal or moong dal), onions, tomatoes, ghee, cumin seeds, garlic, and dried red chilies.
  • Steps:
    1. Rinse lentils and cook them in a pressure cooker or pot with water, turmeric, and salt until soft.
    2. In a small pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds, garlic, and dried chilies.
    3. Pour this tempering (tadka) over the cooked lentils.
    4. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with rice or roti.

Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Curry)

  • Description: Masoor Dal is a quick-cooking red lentil curry, ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Ingredients: Red lentils, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, cumin, and garam masala.
  • Steps:
    1. Wash and cook red lentils with water, salt, and turmeric.
    2. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until golden.
    3. Add chopped tomatoes and spices; cook until soft.
    4. Combine the cooked lentils with the tomato mixture and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
    5. Serve with steamed rice or flatbreads.

Rajma (Kidney Bean Curry)

  • Description: Rajma is a hearty kidney bean curry cooked in a tomato-onion base, making it a favorite comfort food in Indian homes.
  • Ingredients: Boiled kidney beans, onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, and coriander powder.
  • Steps:
    1. Soak and boil kidney beans (or use canned for convenience).
    2. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until caramelized.
    3. Add pureed tomatoes, spices, and cook until oil separates.
    4. Stir in the boiled beans and simmer until thick.
    5. Serve with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.

Black Dal (Dal Makhani)

  • Description: Dal Makhani is a creamy black lentil dish enriched with butter and cream, often enjoyed on special occasions.
  • Ingredients: Black lentils (urad dal), kidney beans, cream, butter, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes.
  • Steps:
    1. Soak black lentils and kidney beans overnight and cook until soft.
    2. Sauté garlic, ginger, and tomatoes in butter until fragrant.
    3. Add cooked lentils and beans, along with spices and cream.
    4. Simmer on low heat for a rich, creamy texture.
    5. Serve with naan or paratha for a decadent dinner.

Moong Dal Cheela (Lentil Pancakes)

  • Description: Moong Dal Cheela is a savory pancake made with ground yellow lentils, spices, and vegetables, offering a light yet filling dinner option.
  • Ingredients: Yellow moong dal, green chilies, ginger, and chopped vegetables (optional).
  • Steps:
    1. Soak moong dal for a few hours and grind it into a smooth batter with ginger and chilies.
    2. Add salt, spices, and finely chopped vegetables to the batter.
    3. Heat a skillet, spread a ladle of batter, and cook until golden on both sides.
    4. Serve with mint chutney or tomato ketchup.

Lentil and bean dishes are not only flavorful but also quick to prepare, making them a go-to option for a wholesome dinner.

Street-Food Inspired Dinners

Indian street food is a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and aromas. While typically enjoyed as snacks or fast food, many street-food-inspired dishes can be turned into into hearty Indian vegetarian dinner recipes. These recipes bring the excitement of street food to your dining table.

Pav Bhaji

  • Description: Pav Bhaji is a flavorful mashed vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls (pav). It’s a quick and satisfying dinner option for the whole family.
  • Ingredients: Potatoes, green peas, tomatoes, onions, capsicum, pav bhaji masala, butter, and pav bread.
  • Steps:
    1. Boil and mash potatoes, peas, and other vegetables.
    2. In a large pan, sauté onions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant.
    3. Add tomatoes, pav bhaji masala, and mashed vegetables; cook until thick and flavorful.
    4. Toast pav bread with butter and serve alongside the bhaji with a squeeze of lemon and chopped onions.

Chole Bhature

  • Description: Chole Bhature is a classic combination of spicy chickpea curry (chole) and deep-fried bread (bhature). It’s a rich, indulgent dinner that’s also a street-food favorite.
  • Ingredients: Boiled chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, spices (chole masala), and dough for bhature.
  • Steps:
    1. Cook chickpeas with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and spices to make the chole.
    2. Prepare dough with all-purpose flour, yogurt, and a pinch of baking soda; let it rest for an hour.
    3. Roll the dough into circles and deep fry until puffed and golden.
    4. Serve hot with chole, pickles, and yogurt.

Vegetable Frankie (Wraps)

  • Description: A popular street food, vegetable frankies are wraps filled with spiced vegetable stuffing, making them an excellent grab-and-go dinner.
  • Ingredients: Whole wheat or all-purpose flour for wraps, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, spices, and green chutney.
  • Steps:
    1. Knead a soft dough for wraps and let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
    2. Sauté a mix of boiled and grated vegetables with spices like garam masala and chili powder.
    3. Roll out the wraps, cook them on a skillet, and spread green chutney on them.
    4. Place the vegetable filling in the center, roll tightly, and serve.

Dabeli

  • Description: A street-food favorite from Gujarat, dabeli is a spiced potato filling served in a bun, garnished with peanuts, pomegranate, and sev (crispy noodles).
  • Ingredients: Potatoes, dabeli masala, pav bread, tamarind chutney, peanuts, and pomegranate seeds.
  • Steps:
    1. Mix boiled and mashed potatoes with dabeli masala and tamarind chutney.
    2. Spread the potato mixture on a bun and sprinkle with peanuts, sev, and pomegranate seeds.
    3. Toast the filled buns with butter and serve warm.

Pani Puri (Golgappa)

  • Description: Pani Puri is a fun, bite-sized snack that can double as a light dinner. It involves crispy puris filled with spiced water, tamarind chutney, and mashed potatoes.
  • Ingredients: Puris (store-bought or homemade), tamarind chutney, spicy mint water, boiled potatoes, and black chickpeas.
  • Steps:
    1. Mix boiled potatoes and chickpeas with chaat masala and salt.
    2. Prepare tamarind chutney and spicy mint water separately.
    3. Crack open the puris, stuff them with the potato mixture, and fill with mint water and chutney.
    4. Serve immediately for a burst of flavors.

Masala Dosa

  • Description: A thin, crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with a spiced potato mixture, Masala Dosa is a South Indian staple with a street-food twist.
  • Ingredients: Rice, urad dal, potatoes, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and coconut chutney.
  • Steps:
    1. Soak and grind rice and urad dal to make a batter; let it ferment overnight.
    2. Cook the batter on a hot skillet to form dosas.
    3. Prepare a spiced potato filling by sautéing boiled potatoes with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric.
    4. Fill the dosa with the potato mixture and serve with coconut chutney and sambar.

These street-food-inspired dishes are perfect for adding a playful twist to your dinner table.

Simple and Healthy Soups and Salads

Soups and salads are light yet nourishing dinner options that can be enjoyed on their own or as accompaniments to other dishes. In Indian cuisine, they often feature vibrant flavors, fresh vegetables, and a touch of spices, making them both satisfying and healthy.

Tomato Shorba

  • Description: Tomato Shorba is a spiced tomato soup that is tangy, flavorful, and perfect for a light dinner.
  • Ingredients: Ripe tomatoes, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, and black pepper.
  • Steps:
    1. Boil tomatoes and blend them into a smooth puree.
    2. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, ginger, and garlic, and sauté until aromatic.
    3. Add the tomato puree, water, and spices; simmer for 10 minutes.
    4. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with toasted bread or croutons.

Mulligatawny Soup

  • Description: Mulligatawny Soup is a hearty lentil-based soup with a hint of Indian spices, often considered a meal in itself.
  • Ingredients: Yellow lentils, coconut milk, curry powder, carrots, onions, and garlic.
  • Steps:
    1. Cook lentils with water until soft.
    2. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in oil; add curry powder and mix.
    3. Combine cooked lentils and vegetable mixture, and add coconut milk for creaminess.
    4. Serve warm with a wedge of lemon and bread.

Cucumber and Yogurt Salad

  • Description: A cooling side dish made with cucumber, yogurt, and simple spices, this salad is quick and refreshing.
  • Ingredients: Cucumber, plain yogurt, roasted cumin powder, and salt.
  • Steps:
    1. Peel and chop cucumbers into small cubes.
    2. Mix with yogurt, cumin powder, and salt.
    3. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve chilled.

Sprouts Salad

  • Description: Packed with protein and fiber, a sprouts salad is a wholesome dinner option or a light side.
  • Ingredients: Moong sprouts, chopped onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, and chaat masala.
  • Steps:
    1. Lightly steam the sprouts or use raw for extra crunch.
    2. Mix with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander.
    3. Add lemon juice and chaat masala for a tangy kick.
    4. Serve fresh as a standalone meal or alongside a curry.

Beetroot and Carrot Salad

  • Description: A vibrant and nutritious salad with shredded beets, carrots, and a touch of Indian spices.
  • Ingredients: Beetroot, carrots, lemon juice, mustard seeds, and green chilies.
  • Steps:
    1. Grate beetroot and carrots into thin strips.
    2. Heat oil, splutter mustard seeds, and add green chilies.
    3. Pour the tempering over the grated vegetables.
    4. Toss with lemon juice and serve immediately.

Sweet Corn Soup

  • Description: Sweet Corn Soup is a creamy, mildly spiced soup made with sweet corn and a touch of ginger.
  • Ingredients: Sweet corn, cornflour, milk, ginger, and black pepper.
  • Steps:
    1. Blend half of the sweet corn into a paste and keep the other half whole.
    2. Heat oil in a pan, add ginger, and sauté.
    3. Add the sweet corn paste, whole kernels, water, and cornflour mixed with milk.
    4. Simmer until thickened and serve hot with a sprinkle of pepper.

Conclusion

Indian vegetarian dinners offer an abundance of flavors, textures, and health benefits. From comforting lentil soups and hearty bean dishes to refreshing salads and street-food-inspired creations, there’s something for everyone. With these simple recipes, you can enjoy the essence of Indian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen.