Indian cuisine is known for its incredible versatility and there really is something for everyone on the menu, this includes vegetarians. You can have almost any Indian dish without the meat yet there are some delicious dishes that are specifically made without meat that you absolutely have to try. We have put together a list of the best vegetarian dishes that need to be on your next takeaway order.
Malai Kofta
In India, this is seen as a special occasion dish but there is no reason why it can’t be your go-to on an Indian menu. Malai kofta is essentially an incredible alternative to meatballs. Potatoes, various vegetables, cheese, heavy cream, and spices are mixed and formed into balls, which are then stuffed with chopped nuts and raisins. These koftas are then deep-fried before being served in a tomato cream-based sauce.
Rajma
This dish is a red kidney bean curry. It is a very popular staple dish that works perfectly with plain rice. To create this wholesome dish, onion, garlic and spices are toasted and fried until aromatic, at which time the beans are added with some water and cooked until soft. It is incredibly simple, yet unbelievably tasty.
Mutter Paneer
If you love cheese then this one is for you. Mutter means peas, and paneer is solid cottage cheese – with both combined together with a rich tomato-based sauce and a touch of cream you get a mutter paneer. Of course, a lot of traditional spices give the dish its flavour and you can expect to taste coriander, cumin, turmeric, garlic and ginger, sometimes also some added spice from green chilis.
Baingan Bharta
This dish is perfect to eat with a naan bread rather than a rice side. The preparation for this dish is slightly different from the others we have mentioned. The main vegetable in this meal is aubergine, which is grilled over charcoal or direct fire infusing the dish with a smoky flavour. As always a sauce is then created with classic Indian spices such as ginger, garlic, cumin, chilli pepper which are cooked in a mustard oil.
Chole Masala
You may have heard of this vegetarian curry referred to as chana masala or channay too. The main ingredient is a type of chickpea called chana, they are twice the size of standard chickpeas and have a stronger flavour. Along with the spices you would expect this dish is also made with dried mango powder and crushed pomegranate seed. It is widely sold as a snack food and street food in India.
Vegetable Biryani
This is one of our favourite vegetarian dishes. It is essentially the Indian version of savoury rice and is made with a huge mix of spices including nutmeg, mace, pepper, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves, coriander and mint. You are guaranteed to find this dish on all Indian takeaway menus and it is a meal in its own right.
Aloo Gobi
Most people have heard of Bombay aloo, think of this as an upgraded version. It is a dry curry made with potatoes and cauliflower. You don’t get lots of sauce with this dish, it is all about the flavour from the spices in the potatoes and vegetables. Aloo gobi is best eaten with delicious, plain naan bread or chapati.
Ordering a vegetarian Indian takeaway
Has reading this made you want to order food now? These incredible dishes have got your main order sorted, of course, there are also many different side dishes that you can order too. With various rice dishes, breads and also yummy starters available you can create your perfect vegetarian meal.
If you’re searching for a takeaway site you can use to order food online then ChefOnline is the website you need to visit. You can order your takeaway from a range of different local Indian restaurants quickly and simply via the ChefOnline website. Browse the menus, view the prices and look at delivery times before choosing the restaurant you want to order from. We can assure you that all of the restaurants shown on ChefOnline will provide you with the incredible vegetarian meal you were hoping for.
