Indian cuisine has a huge variety of delicious, irresistible and mouth-watering vegetarian dishes. It is often a big surprise for people who are trying out Indian food for the first time just how savory and fulfilling these vegetarian dishes are.
At Dishes of India, we have a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes that even meat lovers will love. These time-honored recipes prove that you don’t always need meat to enjoy a wholesome meal, rather a vegetarian dish can be just as satisfying.
Here are 5 vegetarian Indian dishes that even meat lovers will love and enjoy:
Paneer Karahi
Paneer, the Indian style cottage cheese is the most favoured alternative to meat and is loved by Indians all around. It is a regular order at dinner tables across North India and must have for those who are trying Indian food for the first time. Soft chunks of paneer are simmered over low heat with fresh tomato, onion and green peppers. The blend of aromatic spices results in a flavorful thick curry sauce while the paneer retains its delicate texture. To heartily enjoy the dish, you can pair it with a naan or lacha paratha
Channa Masala
This dish is the proof that you can create wonders even with the most simple ingredients. Made with chickpeas which are cooked with a blend of North Indian spices, this dish is both nourishing and full of character. The gravy which has the touch of tangy tomato and onions makes it perfect to be paired with rice or kulcha.
Malai Kofta
This dish carries its culinary inspirations from the Mughal era. Croquettes of paneer and potato are simmered in a silky, mildly spiced masala cream and tomato gravy. This velvety sauce along with the tender koftas creates a rich and luxurious texture making it a delicacy in Mughal inspired Indian cuisine. It becomes a perfect meal when paired with naan, lacha paratha, kulcha and also roti.
Vegetable Korma
Korma comes from the Urdu word ‘qorma’ which means ‘to braise’. Vegetable korma is made when lots of colorful fresh vegetables are cooked in a smooth, creamy sauce that consists of yogurt, nuts and spices. It’s rich and aromatic gravy can be very appealing to those who are new to Indian food. It is best paired with rice and freshly baked naan.
Began Malvani
This eggplant dish originated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra and Goa. Malvani sauce is made out of fresh coconut, tamarind, curry leaves, and garam masala. Whole baby eggplants are gently simmered in this richly spiced gravy giving vibrant flavors in every bite. The eggplant soaks up all the aroma and melts in your mouth leaving an earthy and smoky taste. You can try this dish with any bread but it pairs best with the ones which don’t already have a filling.
Great vegetarian cooking isn’t about replacing meat. It’s about celebrating the vibrance of flavors and the distinct character and diversity of North Indian cuisine.
If you are ready to experience these diverse North Indian flavors, visit us at Dishes of India in Alexandria, Virginia where we serve all these above mentioned dishes with saffron Basmati rice and fresh homemade chutneys and pickles with the exception of Began Malvani which is a vegan dish. Contact us and book your table now.