10 Indian Vegetarian Dishes for Beginners | Snap2Cook Recipes

Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, spices, and diverse ingredients. For those who are new to this culinary journey, starting with vegetarian dishes can be both an exciting and approachable experience. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to 10 must-try Indian vegetarian dishes that are perfect for beginners. These recipes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for anyone looking to explore the rich tapestry of Indian flavors from the comfort of their kitchen.

1. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)

Aloo Gobi is a classic North Indian dish that combines potatoes and cauliflower in a mildly spiced, dry curry. It's perfect for beginners and pairs well with roti or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
• Add turmeric, coriander, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.
• Add potatoes and cauliflower, stirring to coat with spices.
• Cover and cook on low heat until the vegetables are tender.
• Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with roti or rice.

2. Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cottage Cheese)

Palak Paneer is a delicious and nutritious dish featuring soft paneer cubes simmered in a creamy spinach gravy. It’s rich in iron and protein, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer, cubed
• 250g fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Blanch spinach leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and blend to a smooth puree.
• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
• Add turmeric, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.
• Add spinach puree and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add paneer cubes and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Stir in the cream and garam masala. Cook for 2 more minutes.
• Serve hot with naan or rice.

3. Chana Masala (Spiced Chickpeas)

Chana Masala is a flavorful dish made with chickpeas cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce. It’s high in protein and fiber, making it a wholesome and filling option. Perfect with naan or steamed rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
• Add turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Mix well.
• Add chickpeas and salt. Stir to coat with the spice mixture.
• Add a little water and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with naan or rice.

4. Baingan Bharta (Smoked Eggplant Mash)

Baingan Bharta is a smoky, savory dish made from roasted eggplant, mashed and cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The smoky flavor adds a bold, earthy taste to this unique dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Roast the eggplant over an open flame until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Cool and peel the skin, then mash the flesh.
• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
• Add turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder. Mix well.
• Add the mashed eggplant and salt. Stir to combine.
• Cook for 10 minutes on low heat.
• Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with roti or rice.

5. Dal Tadka (Tempered Lentils)

Dal Tadka is a simple, nutritious dish made with lentils that are cooked until soft and then tempered with a fragrant mixture of spices, garlic, and ghee. It’s a comforting and versatile dish enjoyed with rice or roti.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow lentils (toor dal), rinsed and soaked
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Cook the lentils with turmeric powder and salt until soft. Mash slightly.
• Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
• Add cumin powder and garam masala. Mix well.
• Pour the tempering over the cooked lentils and stir to combine.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with rice or roti.

6. Paneer Butter Masala (Paneer in Creamy Tomato Sauce)

Paneer Butter Masala is a rich and creamy dish with paneer cubes cooked in a luscious tomato-based gravy with butter and cream. It's an indulgent and irresistible meal.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer, cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
• Add turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Mix well.
• Add paneer cubes and salt. Stir to coat with the spice mixture.
• Add cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with naan or rice.

7. Aloo Paratha (Stuffed Potato Flatbread)

Aloo Paratha is a stuffed flatbread made with whole wheat dough filled with a spiced potato mixture. It’s a beloved dish in North India, often enjoyed with yogurt, pickle, or butter.

Ingredients:

• For the dough:
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • Water, as needed
  • Salt, to taste
• For the filling:
  • 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Ghee or oil, for cooking

Instructions:

• Prepare the dough by mixing flour, salt, and water. Knead until smooth. Set aside.
• For the filling, mix mashed potatoes with cumin seeds, green chili, garam masala, salt, and coriander leaves.
• Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a small circle, place some filling in the center, and fold the edges to seal.
• Roll the filled dough into a flat disc.
• Cook on a hot griddle, applying ghee or oil, until both sides are golden brown.
• Serve hot with yogurt, pickle, or butter.

8. Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable Biryani is a fragrant rice dish layered with mixed vegetables, aromatic spices, and herbs. It’s a versatile one-pot meal that’s perfect for beginners.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans), chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander and mint leaves, chopped
• Saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk

Instructions:

• Cook the rice until 70% done. Drain and set aside.
• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
• Add mixed vegetables, turmeric, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until vegetables are tender.
• In a large pot, layer half of the cooked rice, then the vegetable mixture, and top with the remaining rice.
• Sprinkle chopped coriander, mint leaves, and saffron milk over the top.
• Cover and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
• Serve hot with raita or salad.

9. Matar Paneer (Peas and Cottage Cheese Curry)

Matar Paneer is a delightful curry combining fresh green peas and paneer in a mildly spiced tomato-based gravy. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer, cubed
• 1 cup green peas
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
• Add turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Mix well.
• Add paneer cubes, green peas, and salt. Stir to coat with the spice mixture.
• Add a little water and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with roti or rice.

10. Rajma (Kidney Bean Curry)

Rajma is a hearty kidney bean curry cooked in a thick, flavorful gravy. It’s a comfort food staple rich in protein and fiber, perfect when served with steamed rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked kidney beans (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
• Add turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Mix well.
• Add kidney beans and salt. Stir to coat with the spice mixture.
• Add a little water and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with steamed rice.

Conclusion

Embarking on a journey into Indian vegetarian cooking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These 10 must-try dishes offer a perfect introduction to the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. With the Snap2Cook app, available on Android and iOS, you can easily access over 72,000 food recipes, including these beginner-friendly Indian vegetarian dishes. Whether you’re looking for easy foods to cook at home or seeking inspiration for your next meal, Snap2Cook is your ultimate companion in the kitchen. Explore, cook, and enjoy the world of Indian vegetarian cuisine with the best homemade food app at your fingertips.