Along with its rich and enchanting culture, India is also well-known for its wonderful and vast cuisine. Curry is probably one of the most popular Indian recipes in the UK, and it’s not without reason. With its rich, savoury and spicy flavour, curry is even said to be a favourite of the royal family.
If you happen to be vegetarian, there’s no need to worry about missing out on a regular dose of curry in your epicurean adventure. Vegetarianism has been in practice in India since time immemorial. So what are the best Indian vegetarian curries, you ask? Here are some ideas.
Potato Curry or Aloo Ki Sabzi
Every version of curry is spectacular in its unique way, but all curries have one thing in common – a thick and savoury sauce that is to die for! Potato curry is probably one of India’s most popular vegetarian curries and one that you should try.
Chickpea Curry or Amritsari Chole
Made with chickpeas, Amritsari Chole is one protein-packed curry bursting with flavour. It is usually flavoured with cinnamon, cardamom, tea leaves, ginger, bay leaves, chilies, tomatoes, coriander, fennel, masala, a lot of onions, and a whole bunch of other spices. Garnished with coriander leaves, chickpea curry is best served with bhaturas, puris or steamed rice.
Eggplant Curry or Aloo Baingan
Not always a popular choice ,Eggplant isn’t everyone’s favourite. But when thrown into a mouthwateringly savoury curry sauce with potatoes and heaps of onions, eggplant can prove to be anyone’s new favourite. For people who had a not-so-pleasant experience with eggplant in their childhood, aloo baingan is your best bet to reinventing and reintroducing the often frowned upon vegetable back into their lives.
Palak Paneer
If you’re lacto-vegetarian, palak paneer is a traditional Indian recipe you shouldn’t miss out on. This spicy curry consists of paneer or cottage cheese in a thick and creamy sauce of pureed spinach. It is packed with proteins, Vitamins A & E, calcium, fibre and iron.
Punjabi Rajma or Kidney Bean Curry
Lentils, legumes and beans are the main protein sources for vegetarians, and Punjabi Rajma is a thick and creamy curry that offers a high amount of protein. If you ask, “What are the best Indian vegetarian curries?” A great answer would be any curry consisting of beans.
Paneer Kofta
While “kofta” generally means “meatball,” in vegetarian cooking, “kofta” refers to any vegetable substitute like potatoes, lentils or mixed veggies mashed and formed into balls. In this case, paneer kofta is made of deep-fried paneer balls immersed in thick, creamy, and spicy curry sauce.
Also, note that most Indian plant-based food is cooked in ghee or clarified butter. Some gravies also often use cream, butter or yoghurt as a base ingredient. For vegans, suggest your curry be cooked in plant-based oil instead of ghee, and use coconut cream or coconut milk instead of dairy. Being vegetarian or vegan doesn’t need to stop you enjoying a great Indian takeaway, order yours today!
