One of our favorite international cuisines is vegan Indian food, as you may know if you have watched my video on my favorite vegan Indian meal or read chapter six of my book Veggie Planet.
You have heard that visiting India is fantastic for lacto-vegetarians, but did you also know that there are many vegan cuisine options available?
In India, the vegan movement is booming. However, there were several vegan Indian recipes and even some vegan Indian sweets before veganism became widely accepted.
Vegetables, wholesome grains, and legumes are frequently found in vegan burgers (like beans or lentils). Along with a variety of vitamins and minerals, these beneficial ingredients also include fiber.
A balanced diet can include packaged vegetable burgers (like those from Morning Star Farms or Boca). Each patty of vegan Indian recipes typically has between 70 and 130 calories, making them a quick and simple vegetarian lunch option. Combine with whole-grain bread and pile on the fresh veggies for a wholesome meal.
2. Dal Chaawal
In India, this is a typical meal that is made in every home. Some families even prepare it three or four times a week, depending on the location.
This meal is made with rice and lentils since dal means “lentil” and chawal means “rice.” For creating various lentil soups, Indians utilize a variety of lentils.
Each of them has a very different flavor as a result. Lentil soup is a favorite food of Indians to consume with rice and occasionally roti (Indian flatbread). Interestingly, houses seem to serve this meal more frequently than restaurants do.
Once the lentil soup is prepared, many Indian households would add some ghee or butter. Make sure your host or server is aware that you will not be eating any ghee or butter if you are traveling as a vegan.
3. Kofta
The word “kofta” means “meatball.” However, vegetarian and vegan kofta varieties are quite popular in India.
Kofta prepared with lentils, potatoes, or a combination of vegetables is frequently seen in vegan forms. The typical accompaniment for kofta is a hot curry or gravy. There are several types of gravies in India, as you presumably already know if you are familiar with Indian food.
Ask your waitress the gravy they provide with the kofta because certain gravies may need butter or cream as an ingredient. Ask if they can substitute a vegan gravy if it is a creamy gravy.
4. Kashmiri Dum Aloo
Small deep-fried potatoes are used to make this dum aloo, a traditional Kashmiri meal that is gently simmered in a hot sauce. Although the dish is from Kashmir, it is also quite well-liked across the rest of India.
In most Indian restaurants, both in India and abroad, you can readily find it. It is virtually always vegan when it is made at home.
But other eateries serve it with a sauce made of cream or curd (yogurt). Ask your waitress whether a vegan version of this meal may be provided.
5. Vegetable Biryani
For all of you who adore rice, here is the first dish on the list! Vegetable biryani, which is the Indian equivalent of vegetable fried rice, is always around no matter where you are in the country.
Your senses will be in overdrive when you eat the flavorful rice that has been prepared with delectable veggies and a generous number of aromatic spices including nutmeg, pepper mace, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, and mint. And you will find yourself desiring more, I assure you.
While visiting India or just for your taste, you should put all five of these vegan Indian recipes on your must-eat list.
