10 Easy and Healthy Indian Vegetarian Recipes

December 15, 2023

Immersing yourself in the rich and vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine is a true delight for the senses! The aromatic spices, the colorful array of vegetables, and the harmonious blend of flavors create a culinary experience like no other. But what if you're on a journey to prioritize your health and follow a vegetarian lifestyle? Does that mean you have to give up your favorite Indian dishes? Absolutely not!

At Hungryroot, we believe that eating healthy should never mean compromising on taste or depriving yourself of the foods you love. That's why we've taken the time to meticulously curate a collection of Indian recipes that are not only delicious but are also plant-based and healthy for your body. We've combed through our collection of over 2,000 recipes to find the best, healthy twists on Indian classics, so you can enjoy the flavors you crave while still maintaining a balanced diet.

In this guide, we're adding a modern spin to traditional Indian recipes, infusing them with wholesome ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. From hearty lentil curries to flavorful vegetable biryanis, our Indian vegetarian recipes are designed to satisfy your cravings. So whether you're a seasoned vegetarian looking for new culinary adventures or someone wanting to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this guide is here to inspire you and show you that you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Discover the perfect balance of health and flavor with Hungryroot's expertly crafted recipes and convenient grocery delivery. Our talented chefs have created a diverse selection of delicious meals inspired by international cuisines, including tasty Indian-inspired delights. Kickstart your culinary journey on the right foot by taking our personalized quiz and unlocking a world of healthy recipe possibilities.

Our Favorite Indian Vegetarian Recipes

Tandoori Paneer + Chickpea Grain Bowl: Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of this Indian-inspired, healthy grain bowl. The foundation of this dish is a delightful blend of lentils, quinoa, and rice, providing a hearty and nutritious base. The Trini chickpea curry infuses the dish with aromatic spices and a fiery level of heat. To further elevate the taste, the paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is seared to perfection in a zesty Tandoori Masala sauce, adding a creamy and tangy dimension. With 690 calories per serving, this bowl is not only delicious but also provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, calcium, and iron. Perfect for simple dinner parties or special occasions, this meal brings the taste of India straight to your bowl.

Spicy Vindaloo Chickpeas + Zucchini: Experience the explosion of flavors in our Spicy Vindaloo Chickpeas + Zucchini dish. Organic zucchini rounds, sautéed to perfection, provide a delightful crunch, while the simmered organic garbanzo beans bathed in a spicy vindaloo simmer sauce deliver a fiery twist. Add a serving of creamy organic dairy-free tzatziki to complement the hearty, rich flavors. With 530 calories per serving, this dish is both delicious and nutritious, providing a good dose of fiber, protein, and iron. Discover the essence of Indian cuisine through this simple and speedy recipe that celebrates wholesome ingredients and enticing flavors.

Tandoori Paneer Spinach Flatbread: This delightful recipe combines the perfect blend of tender paneer, infused with the aromatic spices of tandoori masala sauce. The velvety, sautéed spinach adds a refreshing taste and vibrant color to every bite. These delicious ingredients are all combined on top of a crunchy, toasted traditional naan. With 840 calories per serving, this meal is not only a treat for your taste buds but also provides a hearty amount of energy and nutrition. Get ready to elevate your dining experience with this irresistible fusion of Indian-inspired ingredients.

Black Lentil Dal +Brussels Over Brown Rice: In just 11 minutes, you'll indulge in a deliciously satisfying rice dish packed with protein from lentils and essential nutrients from brussel sprouts. The tender and flavorful brussels, sautéed to perfection, add a delightful crunch to every bite while the hearty brown rice and quinoa blend provides a nourishing base, perfectly complementing the richness of the black lentil dal. With 520 calories per serving, this dish is not only delicious but also a great source of essential nutrients. Prepare to be amazed by the perfect balance of flavors and textures as you dig into this delightful fusion.

Curry Falafel Naan Wrap: Indulge in the sensational Indian flavors with this culinary delight that's ready in just 8 minutes! Traditional naan, baked until crispy golden, is paired with hearty zucchini falafel and a generous helping of a vibrant rainbow veggie mix. The dish is further elevated with a delectable, coconut curry sauce that ties the entire naan wrap together. With 700 calories per serving, this wrap not only satisfies your cravings but also fuels your body with essential nutrients.

Paneer Tikka Masala Cauliflower Rice: Get ready to dive into the irresistible flavors of this flavorful and low-carb tikka masala rice bowl. This exquisite dish features tender cubes of original paneer and cauliflower rice cooked to golden perfection. The rich and aromatic Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce infuses the paneer and the cauliflower with a burst of spicy flavors. Each serving contains only 440 calories, making it a healthy and guilt-free choice. Don't forget to sprinkle freshly-chopped chives on top for an extra fresh touch. Treat yourself to this quick and flavorful recipe as a main or side dish and bring the essence of Indian cuisine straight to your table.

Cauliflower Tikka Naan Toastie: Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Cauliflower Tikka Naan Toastie—an Indian-inspired masterpiece that will leave you craving for more! Get ready to taste the flavors of perfectly crisp naan, generously filled with flavorful cauliflower tikka. With only 460 calories per serving, this toastie is also packed with iron and calcium, offering a guilt-free indulgence that won't compromise your health goals.

Veggie Black Lentil Dal + Rightrice: Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure as you taste the vibrant flavors of our seven veggie stir-fry combined with vegetable-infused RightRice. This exquisite bowl is further elevated with rich and hearty textures of black lentil dal. With just 530 calories per serving, this nutritious meal also provides 21 grams of protein and a healthy dose of iron to fuel your body. Treat yourself to a delicious, protein-packed feast that will leave you feeling satisfied all week long.

Green Split Pea Dal with Butternut Squash: Dive into a comforting Indian dish filled with incredible flavors from the combination of hearty split pea dal and creamy butternut squash! Roasted to perfection, the tender butternut squash cubes add a touch of sweetness to this dish. Combined with aromatic everyday green split pea dal, this bowl is a true taste sensation. The hearty and nutritious brown rice quinoa blend provides the perfect base to soak up all the flavorful sauce. With just 620 calories per serving, this wholesome meal will keep you energized throughout the day.

Paneer Cauliflower Tikka Masala Bowl: Savor the dynamic flavors of this hearty paneer Tikka masala veggie bowl! Golden cubes of organic paneer take center stage, sautéed until they're irresistibly crispy. Joining the paneer is a medley of tender cauliflower florets, cooked to perfection and seasoned with a dash of salt and pepper. To tie it all together, the Tikka Masala simmer sauce adds a touch of rich flavors and bold aromas. With just 530 calories per serving, this bowl also packs 26 grams of protein to offer a satisfying, balanced meal.

Other Classic Indian Vegetarian Dishes

Chana Masala: Chana Masala is a flavorful and aromatic Indian meal that features tender chickpeas cooked in a rich and spicy tomato-based gravy. Prepare by combining hearty chickpeas cooked over medium heat with an aromatic blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. You can also combine them with finely chopped onions, ginger, and garlic. To finish the dish, add diced tomatoes and cook slowly to release their juices. Pair with a side of aromatic basmati rice sprinkled with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zesty flavor.

Dal Makhani: Dal Makhani is a traditional North Indian dish that is known for its rich and creamy texture. It is made with a combination of black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma), which are slow-cooked with aromatic spices, butter, and cream. The lentils and beans are simmered for an extended period, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavors of the spices. The dish is typically seasoned with cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and garam masala, giving it a robust and complex flavor profile. Dal Makhani is often enjoyed with naan or basmati rice and is a popular choice in Indian cuisine, loved for its comforting and satisfying nature.

Pav Bhaji: Pav Bhaji is a popular street food dish from western India. It consists of a flavorful and spicy vegetable curry, known as "bhaji," served with buttery and toasted pav buns. The bhaji is made by cooking a mixture of mashed vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, green beans, cauliflower, and carrots, along with a blend of aromatic spices and a tangy tomato-based sauce. The dish is typically cooked on a griddle or tawa, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften further. The pav buns are split open, generously buttered, and toasted on the griddle until they are crispy and golden brown. They are then served alongside the bhaji, allowing diners to scoop up the curry with the buttery pav buns.

Misal Pav: Misal Pav is a popular Maharashtrian street food dish from India. It is a flavorful and spicy curry made with sprouted lentils, known as "misal," served with pav buns. The base of the dish is a medley of sprouted lentils, such as moth beans or mung beans, cooked with a blend of aromatic whole spices, onions, tomatoes, and a tangy tamarind-based sauce. The curry is typically garnished with farsan (a mix of crunchy toppings like sev, chiwda, and peanuts), chopped onions, and fresh cilantro. It is then served with buttered and toasted pav buns. The pav buns are usually dipped in the spicy curry or enjoyed alongside it, providing a contrast of flavors and textures. Misal Pav is known for its fiery and robust flavors, making it a favorite among spice enthusiasts.

Palak Paneer: Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian curry that consists of creamy spinach curry with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). The name "palak" refers to spinach, which serves as the key ingredient in this dish. The spinach is blanched and pureed to create a vibrant green curry base that is rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. Paneer, a fresh cheese made from cow's milk, is added to the spinach curry, providing a creamy and protein-rich element to the dish.

Staying Healthy with Your Favorite Indian Vegetarian Recipes

The world of Indian vegetarian recipes provides an endless array of flavors and culinary possibilities that can keep your taste buds excited and your body nourished. By embracing the vibrant spices, aromatic herbs, and diverse array of vegetables, legumes, and grains, you can continue to explore the endless possibilities of Indian-inspired vegetarian recipes. From fragrant curries to hearty dal, from flavorful biryanis to crispy pakoras, there is something to satisfy every palate.

In this guide, we hope to have provided inspiration and ideas for healthy variations on Indian classics. You can also experiment by incorporating other whole ingredients and cooking methods like instant pots, pressure cookers, and slow cookers to create delicious Indian meals. So, let your creativity flow and continue to experiment in the kitchen with your favorite Indian vegetarian recipes. With the right combination of spices, ingredients, and cooking techniques, you can enjoy the best of both worlds - the traditional flavors of India and a healthy, balanced diet.

It's no secret that meal planning and grocery shopping can be time-consuming, leaving you with little time to focus on enjoying quality time with your loved ones. At Hungryroot, we take care of the hard work for you with our meal planning and healthy grocery delivery service. You can choose from a wide variety of clean, wholesome recipes including ones inspired by international cuisines that are easy to prepare. No more last-minute trips to the grocery store or unhealthy fast food options. Let Hungryroot help you stay on track and achieve your health and wellness goals, even with a busy schedule. Take our personalized quiz today, and see the difference for yourself!