21+ Delicious Indian Vegetarian Dinner Recipes to Try Tonight

Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse range of vegetarian dishes that satisfy both the palate and the soul.

Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or simply exploring meat-free meal options, Indian vegetarian recipes offer something for everyone—from hearty dals and fragrant rice dishes to creamy paneers and spiced vegetable curries.

This collection of 21+ Indian vegetarian dinner recipes brings together traditional favorites and modern twists that are perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions.

Dive into these recipes to enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals that celebrate the essence of Indian cooking.

21+ Delicious Indian Vegetarian Dinner Recipes to Try Tonight

Indian vegetarian cooking is a treasure trove of flavors and textures, making it easy to enjoy satisfying and nutritious dinners every day.

These 21+ recipes showcase the incredible variety and depth that vegetarian Indian cuisine offers.

Whether you prefer simple dals or indulgent curries, these dishes can bring warmth and excitement to your dinner table.

Experiment with these recipes and discover how delicious and versatile vegetarian meals can be, all while embracing the vibrant culinary heritage of India.

Paneer Butter Masala

This classic Indian vegetarian dish features cubes of paneer simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy, infused with aromatic spices.

It’s a restaurant favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, perfect for special dinners or cozy weekends.

Ingredients:

• Paneer cubes
• Tomatoes, pureed
• Onion, finely chopped
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Cashew nuts (soaked and ground to paste)
• Butter or ghee
• Cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free twist)
• Garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt and sugar

Instructions:
Heat butter or ghee in a pan, sauté onions until golden, then add ginger-garlic paste and cook briefly. Stir in pureed tomatoes and spices, cook until oil separates. Add cashew paste for creaminess and mix well. Gently fold in paneer cubes and simmer until the gravy thickens. Finish with cream and kasuri methi for authentic flavor.

This dish boasts a velvety texture and a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.

Serve with naan or basmati rice for a comforting meal that celebrates Indian flavors.

Chana Masala

Chana Masala is a hearty and flavorful chickpea curry, packed with bold spices and tangy tomato sauce.

It’s a staple in Indian vegetarian cuisine, offering a protein-rich, satisfying dinner option that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Canned or soaked chickpeas
• Onions, finely chopped
• Tomatoes, pureed or chopped
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Green chilies
• Cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, amchur (dry mango powder)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Oil, salt

Instructions:
Heat oil and temper cumin seeds. Add onions, cook until translucent, then sauté ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Stir in tomatoes and spices, cook until oil separates. Add chickpeas and some water, simmer until thickened and flavors meld. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Chana Masala is a vibrant, tangy, and robust dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or flatbreads like roti.

Its earthy chickpeas and fragrant spices make it a wholesome and comforting dinner choice.

Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable Biryani is a fragrant, spiced rice dish layered with mixed vegetables and fresh herbs.

It’s a festive and filling Indian vegetarian dinner perfect for gatherings or when you want to treat yourself to something special.

Ingredients:

• Basmati rice
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
• Onions, thinly sliced
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
• Whole spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf)
• Biryani masala or garam masala
• Fresh mint and cilantro
• Saffron soaked in warm milk or turmeric for color
• Ghee or oil
• Salt

Instructions:
Parboil rice and set aside. Sauté whole spices in ghee/oil, then cook onions until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and mixed vegetables with spices. Stir in yogurt and cook until vegetables are tender. Layer vegetables and rice in a pot, sprinkle mint, cilantro, and saffron milk on top. Cover and cook on low heat until rice is fully cooked and flavors meld.

This biryani is aromatic, colorful, and packed with layers of flavors and textures.

It’s best enjoyed with cooling raita or a fresh salad, making it a complete and celebratory meal.

Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a beloved North Indian dish featuring tender potatoes and cauliflower cooked with fragrant spices.

This dry curry is simple yet flavorful, making it a staple in vegetarian households and perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Cauliflower florets
• Onion, chopped
• Tomatoes, chopped
• Ginger and garlic, minced
• Turmeric, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Oil, salt

Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan and temper cumin seeds. Add onions and sauté until golden. Stir in ginger and garlic, followed by tomatoes and spices. Cook until oil separates. Add potatoes and cauliflower, mix well, cover, and cook on low heat until vegetables are tender. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

This dish combines the earthy flavors of potatoes and cauliflower with aromatic spices for a hearty, wholesome meal.

Serve it with chapati or steamed rice for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.

Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a classic Indian vegetarian dish featuring paneer cubes simmered in a smooth and flavorful spinach gravy.

Rich in iron and protein, it’s both nutritious and comforting, ideal for a balanced dinner.

Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach leaves
• Paneer cubes
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic and ginger, minced
• Green chilies
• Cumin seeds, garam masala, turmeric
• Cream or coconut cream (optional)
• Oil, salt

Instructions:
Blanch spinach leaves and blend into a smooth puree. In a pan, heat oil and temper cumin seeds. Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Add spinach puree and spices, cook for a few minutes. Gently add paneer cubes and simmer. Finish with cream if desired.

The creamy spinach sauce combined with soft paneer creates a luscious dish full of vibrant flavor and nutrition.

It pairs beautifully with naan or basmati rice for a comforting meal.

Baingan Bharta

Baingan Bharta is a smoky, mashed eggplant dish that is a staple in Indian vegetarian cuisine.

Roasting the eggplant gives it a deep, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Ingredients:

• Large eggplant (aubergine)
• Onion, chopped
• Tomatoes, chopped
• Garlic and ginger, minced
• Green chilies
• Cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder
• Fresh cilantro
• Oil, salt

Instructions:
Roast the whole eggplant over an open flame or in the oven until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Peel and mash the flesh. In a pan, heat oil and temper cumin seeds. Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Add tomatoes and spices, cook until soft. Stir in mashed eggplant and cook for a few more minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Baingan Bharta is rich, smoky, and full of complex flavors, making it a perfect side or main dish.

Enjoy it with roti or paratha for a truly authentic Indian meal.

Rajma Masala

Rajma Masala is a comforting and hearty North Indian dish made with red kidney beans simmered in a thick, spiced tomato gravy.

It’s a protein-rich vegetarian favorite that’s perfect for a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients:

• Red kidney beans (soaked and cooked)
• Onion, finely chopped
• Tomatoes, pureed
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, chili powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Oil, salt

Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan and temper cumin seeds. Add onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook briefly. Add pureed tomatoes and spices, cooking until oil separates. Add cooked kidney beans and some water, simmer until the gravy thickens. Garnish with cilantro.

Rajma Masala offers a rich, flavorful experience with every bite.

Serve it alongside steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for a comforting and filling vegetarian meal.

Masoor Dal Tadka

Masoor Dal Tadka is a simple yet flavorful lentil dish made with red lentils cooked until soft, then tempered with aromatic spices and herbs.

This easy recipe is a staple in Indian vegetarian dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice or flatbreads.

Ingredients:

• Red lentils (masoor dal)
• Onion, chopped
• Tomatoes, chopped
• Garlic and ginger, minced
• Cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric, chili powder
• Fresh cilantro
• Oil, salt

Instructions:
Cook red lentils until soft and mushy. In a separate pan, heat oil and add cumin and mustard seeds until they crackle. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden. Add tomatoes and spices, cook until soft. Pour this tempering over the cooked lentils, mix well, and simmer for a few minutes. Garnish with cilantro.

This dal is warm, nutritious, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal everyday dinner option.

It’s light yet satisfying and great for meal prep.

Vegetable Korma

Vegetable Korma is a creamy, mildly spiced curry featuring mixed vegetables cooked in a luscious coconut and cashew-based sauce.

This rich and fragrant dish is a festive favorite for vegetarian dinners.

Ingredients:

• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, cauliflower)
• Onion, chopped
• Ginger and garlic paste
• Cashews (soaked and ground)
• Coconut milk
• Garam masala, turmeric, coriander powder, cardamom
• Oil, salt

Instructions:
Heat oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook briefly. Stir in spices, cashew paste, and coconut milk, simmering gently. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning as needed.

This korma offers a rich, velvety texture with a delicate balance of spices, perfect for serving with basmati rice or naan.

It’s a satisfying and elegant dish for any vegetarian dinner.

Tofu Tikka Masala

Tofu Tikka Masala is a delicious plant-based twist on the classic chicken tikka masala, featuring tofu cubes marinated and simmered in a spiced tomato and cashew cream sauce.

It’s a flavorful and satisfying Indian vegetarian dinner option.

Ingredients:

• Firm tofu, cubed
• Tomatoes, pureed
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic and ginger paste
• Cashew nuts (soaked and ground to paste)
• Garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder
• Oil, salt, and fresh cilantro

Instructions:
Marinate tofu cubes in spices and a little oil, then lightly pan-fry until golden. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until translucent. Add tomato puree and spices, cooking until oil separates. Stir in cashew paste for creaminess. Add tofu and simmer until the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

This dish delivers the creamy, spicy richness of tikka masala in a vegan-friendly form, perfect for pairing with steamed rice or gluten-free flatbreads.

Bhindi Masala

Bhindi Masala is a popular North Indian dish made with tender okra cooked in a tangy and spicy tomato-onion gravy.

It’s a quick and healthy vegetarian dinner choice that highlights the unique texture of okra.

Ingredients:

• Fresh okra, sliced
• Onions, finely chopped
• Tomatoes, pureed
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Turmeric, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala
• Oil, salt, and fresh cilantro

Instructions:
Heat oil and sauté cumin seeds. Add onions and cook until golden. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes, then spices. Add sliced okra and cook uncovered on medium heat until tender and slightly crispy. Garnish with cilantro.

Bhindi Masala is flavorful, lightly spiced, and makes a great side or main dish when served with roti or rice, bringing a healthy dose of fiber to your dinner table.

Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani is a creamy and indulgent lentil dish made with whole black lentils and kidney beans simmered slowly with butter and cream.

This vegetarian classic is rich, flavorful, and perfect for special dinners.

Ingredients:

• Whole black lentils (urad dal)
• Kidney beans (rajma)
• Onion, finely chopped
• Tomato puree
• Garlic, ginger paste
• Butter or vegan butter
• Cream or coconut cream
• Garam masala, chili powder, turmeric
• Salt and fresh cilantro

Instructions:
Soak and cook lentils and kidney beans until tender. In a pan, heat butter and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add tomato puree and spices, cooking until fragrant. Add cooked lentils and beans, simmering on low with cream until thick and creamy. Garnish with cilantro.

Dal Makhani is rich and hearty, a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with naan or rice for an authentic Indian vegetarian feast.

Methi Aloo

Methi Aloo is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender potatoes cooked with fresh fenugreek leaves (methi) and aromatic spices.

This comforting North Indian recipe offers a perfect balance of earthy and slightly bitter flavors, making it a wholesome vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves, washed and chopped
• Onion, finely chopped
• Green chilies
• Mustard seeds, turmeric, cumin powder, red chili powder
• Oil, salt

Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan and temper mustard seeds until they crackle. Add onions and green chilies and sauté until translucent. Add potatoes, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder, and cook for a few minutes. Stir in methi leaves and cook covered until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.

Methi Aloo is a nutritious and flavorful side or main dish that pairs beautifully with roti or rice, offering a taste of traditional Indian home cooking.

Vegetable Pulao

Vegetable Pulao is a fragrant, mildly spiced rice dish cooked with assorted vegetables and whole spices.

It’s a colorful, wholesome, and easy-to-make Indian vegetarian dinner that can be served on its own or alongside curries.

Ingredients:

• Basmati rice
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
• Whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom)
• Onion, sliced
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Oil or ghee
• Salt and fresh cilantro

Instructions:
Rinse and soak rice. Heat oil or ghee in a pot, add whole spices and sauté. Add onions and ginger-garlic paste, cooking until golden. Add vegetables and sauté briefly. Add rice and water, salt to taste, and cook covered until rice is fluffy and vegetables tender. Garnish with cilantro.

Vegetable Pulao is an aromatic and colorful dish, perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner that brings comforting Indian flavors to your table.

Kadhi Pakora

Kadhi Pakora is a tangy yogurt-based curry thickened with chickpea flour and studded with crispy gram flour fritters (pakoras).

This Punjabi classic is dairy-based but can be made dairy-free by using plant-based yogurt, making it a flavorful vegetarian dinner option.

Ingredients:

• Besan (gram flour)
• Plant-based yogurt (or regular yogurt if preferred)
• Spinach or fenugreek leaves (optional)
• Onion and green chilies, chopped
• Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, red chili powder
• Oil, salt

Instructions:
Prepare pakora batter by mixing besan with chopped onions, chilies, and spices, then deep-fry small portions until golden. For kadhi, whisk yogurt with besan, turmeric, and salt. Cook mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves in oil, add the yogurt mixture, and simmer until thickened. Add pakoras and cook for a few more minutes.

Kadhi Pakora offers a tangy, spicy, and crunchy delight, best served with steamed rice, making it a comforting and authentic Indian vegetarian dinner.

Masala Dosa

Masala Dosa is a crispy, savory South Indian crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a spiced potato and onion mixture.

This popular vegetarian dish is perfect for dinner, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

• Dosa batter (fermented rice and urad dal)
• Potatoes, boiled and mashed
• Onions, sliced
• Mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, green chilies
• Oil, salt
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:
Prepare the spiced potato filling by tempering mustard seeds and curry leaves in oil, then sautéing onions and green chilies. Add turmeric and mashed potatoes, mixing well. Heat a non-stick pan, pour a ladle of dosa batter, spread thinly, and cook until crispy. Place the potato filling inside and fold the dosa.

Masala Dosa is crispy on the outside with a flavorful, soft filling inside.

Serve with coconut chutney and sambar for a complete South Indian dinner experience.

Baingan Masala

Baingan Masala is a flavorful eggplant curry cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices.

It’s a beloved vegetarian dish that highlights the rich taste and texture of eggplant in a spicy gravy.

Ingredients:

• Eggplants, cubed
• Onions, finely chopped
• Tomatoes, pureed
• Garlic and ginger paste
• Cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala
• Oil, salt
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan and sauté cumin seeds. Add onions and cook until golden. Stir in garlic-ginger paste and cook briefly. Add pureed tomatoes and spices, cooking until the oil separates. Add eggplant cubes, cover, and cook until tender. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Baingan Masala offers a rich, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with roti or steamed rice, making it a hearty vegetarian dinner choice.

Vegetable Sambar

Vegetable Sambar is a tangy and spicy South Indian lentil stew made with toor dal and a variety of vegetables.

It’s a wholesome, comforting dish often served with rice or idlis for a nutritious vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients:

• Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, drumsticks, tomatoes)
• Tamarind paste
• Mustard seeds, curry leaves, dried red chilies
• Sambar powder, turmeric
• Oil, salt
• Fresh coriander

Instructions:
Cook toor dal until soft. In a pot, cook vegetables with tamarind paste, turmeric, and sambar powder. Add cooked dal and simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors meld. Prepare tempering by frying mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies in oil, then add to the sambar. Garnish with fresh coriander.

Vegetable Sambar is tangy, spicy, and hearty—perfect for a nourishing vegetarian dinner that’s both traditional and delicious.

Malai Kofta

Malai Kofta is a rich and creamy North Indian dish featuring deep-fried vegetable and paneer dumplings served in a luscious tomato and cashew-based gravy.

This indulgent vegetarian recipe is perfect for special dinners or festive occasions.

Ingredients:

• Paneer, grated
• Boiled potatoes, mashed
• Mixed vegetables, finely chopped and cooked
• Cashew nuts, soaked and ground to paste
• Tomatoes, pureed
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Cream or coconut cream
• Garam masala, turmeric, chili powder
• Oil, salt

Instructions:
Prepare koftas by mixing paneer, potatoes, and vegetables, then shape into balls and deep-fry until golden. For the gravy, sauté ginger-garlic paste and tomato puree with spices, add cashew paste and cream, simmer until thick. Add koftas gently into the gravy and cook briefly before serving.

Malai Kofta is a luxurious, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with naan or basmati rice, offering a comforting yet elegant vegetarian dinner.

Tadka Dal

Tadka Dal is a simple yet flavorful yellow lentil dish tempered with aromatic spices.

This staple Indian vegetarian recipe is both comforting and nutritious, perfect for a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients:

• Yellow lentils (toor dal or moong dal)
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic and ginger, minced
• Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chili
• Turmeric, chili powder
• Oil or ghee
• Fresh coriander
• Salt

Instructions:
Cook lentils until soft. In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dried chili until they splutter. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden. Add turmeric and chili powder, then pour the tempering over cooked lentils. Garnish with fresh coriander.

Tadka Dal is hearty, mildly spiced, and perfect with steamed rice or flatbreads for a simple yet satisfying vegetarian meal.

Vegetable Kadai

Vegetable Kadai is a vibrant and spicy curry made with mixed vegetables cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with freshly ground spices.

It’s a popular vegetarian dinner option that is both colorful and delicious.

Ingredients:

• Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas, beans)
• Tomatoes, pureed
• Onion, chopped
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Kadai masala (coarsely ground coriander, cumin, and dried red chilies)
• Oil, salt
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions:
Heat oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook briefly. Stir in tomato puree and kadai masala, cook until oil separates. Add mixed vegetables, cover, and simmer until tender. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Vegetable Kadai offers a robust, spicy flavor and a satisfying texture, making it a perfect accompaniment to naan or rice for a wholesome vegetarian dinner.

Conclusion

Exploring Indian vegetarian recipes opens up a world of culinary delights that are both comforting and nutritious. With over 21 dishes to choose from, you have a wealth of options to create meals that suit any mood or occasion. From the smoky richness of Baingan Bharta to the creamy indulgence of Malai Kofta, these recipes prove that vegetarian cooking can be as flavorful and diverse as any other cuisine. Embrace these dishes and enjoy bringing the authentic tastes of India into your kitchen for a truly satisfying vegetarian dinner experience.