Here is my collection of the best vegetarian recipes that you can serve with basmati rice. These recipes range from and work for white and brown basmati rice.
40+ Vegetarian Dishes To Eat with Basmati Rice
Indian Fried Rice (Vagharelo Bhaat)
Indian Fried Rice is an easy and straightforward recipe using leftover rice taking just 5 minutes. This particular recipe is made to a Gujarati style rice known as Vagharelo Bhaat, with rice, a simple vaghar and green chillies.
How to cook Basmati Rice (including ratios)
This plain boiled Basmati Rice recipe is my go-to side dish with Indian meals. You can make perfectly fluffy basmati rice with separate grains with an option to drain or not drain the water. I use a ratio of 1:2 rice to water.
Creamy Saffron Pasta
This luxurious creamy saffron pasta recipe, made with tagliatelle, saffron cream sauce and asparagus, is perfect for a special occasion. It is quick, easy to make and you can customise the veggies in this pasta dish to make it your own!
Triangle Ajwain Paratha
These shallow-fried wholewheat Punjabi-style Ajwain Paratha are crispy and flaky, making perfect for dipping into Indian curries or these side dishes for paratha.
70+ Side Dishes for Paratha (What to eat with Paratha)
If you're preparing piping hot parathas, you're probably what to eat with paratha! These are the best vegetarian Indian side dishes for paratha ranging from simple dips to delicious veg side dishes.
Plain Whole Wheat Paratha (flaky Indian flatbread)
Paratha are a pan-fried Indian style flaky flatbread made with whole-wheat flour and can be enjoyed alongside any type of Indian meal. Prepare perfect parathas every time for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
In this post, you can learn the techniques for the best super flaky whole wheat parathas, also known as tawa paratha, with lots of layers.
Fruit Custard
This Indian Fruit Custard recipe will become one of your favourite desserts for the summer. Chopped up seasonal fruit is served in an eggless light custard milk cream.
Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk
This Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk recipe is so easy to put together. Chopped fruit, sweetened condensed milk and cream are mixed together for the perfect sweet treat. You can easily customise this fruit salad to make it your own.
No cook, vegetarian, gluten-free and ready within 10 minutes.
Fruit Raita (Mixed Fruit Raita)
Serve this cooling Mixed Fruit Raita along with your favourite pulao and biryani recipes. It takes only 5 minutes to make, is vegetarian and gluten-free.
Schezwan Chilli Mogo
In this Chilli Mogo recipe, fried mogo chips are tossed in a finger-licking schezwan sauce. It's the perfect vegan appetiser recipe.
Chocolate Barfi (Burfi)
The classic Indian sweet shop mithai, Chocolate Barfi recipe, is prepared with a creamy plain milk barfi layer topped with smooth milk chocolate. It's the perfect Indian dessert for gifting or special occasions. Make this easy recipe at home!
Coconut Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk (Vegan)
This creamy and luxurious vegan rice pudding is made with coconut milk and is gluten-free. I love to top my vegan coconut rice pudding with fresh fruit for a delicious dessert but you can customise it to suit the season!
Karela Sabzi Recipe (Bitter Gourd Curry)
This Karela Sabzi or Bitter Gourd Curry is a popular curry recipe from India made with a base of onions and spices. It is also known as Karela nu Shaak in Gujarat.
Ringan Palita (Patika)
This Gujarati style dry aubergine curry is quick to make and only requires basic ingredients. It's vegan, gluten-free and ready in less than 15 minutes.
Mawa Gujiya Recipe (Ghughra)
Make perfect Mawa Gujiya or Mawa Ghughra at home for Holi, Diwali or other special occasions. This Indian sweet is made with a pastry filled with milk solids, coconut, nuts and raisins.
I use homemade mawa with milk powder.
Homemade Khoya Recipe with Milk Powder
Homemade khoya or mawa made with milk powder makes the perfect khoya substitute! You just need 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to make this instant recipe. Use in an array of Indian sweets or curries.
Air Fryer Bread
This Air Fryer Bread is an easy, no knead bread recipe. You can achieve perfectly crusty bread with a light soft crumb at home using your air fryer.
Asian Zing Sauce
This homemade Asian zing sauce is a copycat version of the Buffalo Wild Wings Asian zing sauce recipe. It is a tangy sauce with sweet and spicy flavors. This easy recipe, made with simple ingredients, is vegan and can be made gluten-free. Ready in less than 5 minutes!
Mag ni Dal (Mag ni Chutti Dal)
How to make Mug ni chutti dal | Mag ni Dal is a simple, delicious and homely Gujarati side dish that can be served daily as part of a Gujarati thali. This daal requires just a handful of ingredients that are easily available in Indian kitchens. Made without using any expensive ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to make.
Maash ki Dal (White Urad Dal Recipe)
This Pakistani style Maash ki Dal is made with white urad dal, onion, garlic and basic spices. Sukhi urad dal is delicious served with Indian flatbreads. It is finished with green chili and ginger julienne.
Naturally vegan and gluten-free. Stovetop and Instant Pot recipe.
Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
These vegan peanut butter oatmeal cookies are so chewy with an irresistible crunchy edge. They have a delicious peanut butter flavor and are great breakfast cookies. Beware, you can't stop at one!
Rajma Recipe (Punjabi Rajma Masala)
This Homemade Punjabi Rajma Masala has an irresistible melt in the mouth texture. Rajma curry is made from red kidney beans, onion, garlic, tomato and aromatic spices. Often served with rice, lovingly known known as rajma chawal, this is a comforting and authentic dish.
Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabji (Potato Tomato Curry)
This Aloo Tamatar ki Sabji without onion and garlic is an easy potato curry recipe. It is a North Indian recipe made with potatoes, tomatoes and basic Indian spices. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Kesar Shrikhand (sugar-free)
No added sugar Kesar Shrikhand is the perfect summer recipe. Easy to make using greek yogurt and natural sweetener, this Indian yogurt dessert is both creamy and delicious. It is finished with saffron for a divine flavour.
Easy Mung Bean Sprouts (no fancy equipment)
Sprouting beans at home is easy, quick and affordable. With this handy guide, you can learn how to sprout mung beans (or any other) without needing any special equipment and in any temperature. I use a simple colander and kitchen roll. Great for use in cooking or enjoyed as a snack.
Coconut Balls (3 ingredients, chocolate coated)
These 3 ingredient coconut balls or coconut truffles are made with super simple ingredients. Follow this no bake recipe for a perfect sweet treat for a special occasion or the holiday season. They're super moist and soft thanks to some handy tips!
3 ingredient Banana Pancakes (no egg)
This 3 ingredient banana pancake recipe is made with oats, banana and plant-based milk. They're vegan, refined sugar-free, egg-free but still so fluffy! A great recipe for busy mornings or pancake day.
Lilva Kachori with Garlic
Garlic Lilva Kachori has an unsurpassed taste. This Lilva ni Kachori recipe has the addition of garlic and a soft pastry for a new exciting kachori recipe.
Vegan Kale Pesto with Basil and Walnuts
This delicious Basil Walnut Kale Pesto sauce recipe will transform your dishes! It is packed with fresh kale, basil, walnuts and takes only 5 minutes to prepare.
Vegan and gluten-free.
I love this vegan pesto recipe whenever kale is in season.
When I buy a bag of kale, I usually have about half left over so this pesto is a great way to use up leftovers! It's perfect for quick lunch or dinners as you just need to swirl it through pasta. It makes a nice alternative to basil pesto.
This is a plant-based version using nutritional yeast but you can absolutely use grated parmesan if you wish.
You will also love this Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad.
Kale Pesto Ingredients
Full ingredients with measurements are available in the recipe card below at the end of this post
Kale - use the leaves and the tender stems. Ensure the kale is as fresh as possible for the best flavour and results.
Basil - I love adding a bit of fresh basil to my kale pesto but you can leave it out if you do not have it to hand. Other fresh herbs such as parsley work so well too.
Nuts - I have used walnuts but you could use pine nuts or almonds too. Even sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well.
Garlic - fresh garlic cloves are best in pesto.
Extra virgin olive oil - use this generously for delicious pesto
Lemon juice - fresh lemon juice is best but you can use bottled
Red chilli flakes (optional)
Nutritional yeast - (optional) adds savoury flavour in replacement of parmesan cheese in this recipe. Alternatively, you can use hemp seeds or vegan parmesan
Salt and black pepper
Optional - italian seasoning.
How to make Kale Pesto - step by step instructions
In a food processor, add the kale, basil, garlic, nuts, red chilli flakes and nutritional yeast. Blend a few times to grind down to a coarse paste.
Add the lemon juice and oil steadily and continue to blend until the pesto reaches the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Toss through pasta or gnocci. Serve with gluten-free pasta.
Use it in this vegan bruschetta.
Use in this grilled zucchini ribbon salad.
Drizzle over roasted vegetables such as these air fryer cauliflower.
Storage
Store leftover kale pesto in an airtight container or jar and keep in the refrigerator. Use it up within 5 days.
You can also freeze pesto successfully - place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to defrost at room temperature. Note that this can affect the fresh flavor and taste
Other sauces/pesto recipes
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Basil Walnut Kale Pesto
This delicious Basil Walnut Kale Pesto recipe will transform your dishes! It is packed with fresh kale, basil, walnuts and takes only 5 minutes to prepare.
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 2 cup kale packed
- ½ cup basil
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice lemon zest optional
- 2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the kale, garlic, nuts, red chilli flakes and nutritional yeast. Blend a few times to grind down to a coarse paste.
- Add the lemon juice and oil steadily and continue to blend until the pesto reaches the desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Video
Notes
Use in this Kale Pesto Pasta recipe.
Serve with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes.Â
Nutrition
Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3507IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 1mg
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Share on Facebook Pin This RecipeNote:- This post was originally posted in January 2016 but I have updated the post since with newer photos and helpful content. The recipe remains the same.
Quick Badam Milk
I follow my Mum's Badam Milk recipe whenever I want a comforting drink before bed. Badam Doodh is a sweet Indian milk drink made with almonds, sugar, saffron and cardamom. I love it both hot and chilled.
I keep the recipe quick and easy by keeping a jar of homemade Saffron Badam Milk Powder mix in the fridge. Making this milk takes only a couple of minutes whenever the craving hits!
Badam Milk Powder (Indian Badam Milk Mix)
This homemade Badam Milk Powder recipe is made with an aromatic blend of nuts, cardamom and saffron (kesar & elaichi). Use it to make instant Badam Milk! Ready in just 5 minutes!
Saffron Milk (Kesar Milk)
This Saffron Milk Recipe, also known as Kesar Doodh, is a sweet drink made with saffron infused milk. Indian Kesar Milk is made with 4 simple ingredients and takes just 15 minutes to make. I make a big batch and keep it in the fridge.
Tofu Fajitas
This Vegan Tofu Fajitas recipe is made with crunchy fajita vegetables. Spoon into warm tortillas and serve with your favourite toppings! It is quick and easy to make, great for busy weeknights.
Gujarati Khichu Recipe (Papdi No Lot)
Gujarati Khichu is also known as Papdi no Lot or Khichiya papdi lot. This easy and quick snack or side is made with rice flour, green chilies, basic spices and is served hot with peanut oil and pickle masala.
It is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Sambharo (Indian Cabbage Salad)
This Gujarati Sambharo stir-fry is made with cabbage and carrots. This Indian Cabbage Salad has a characteristic crunch and tangy flavour which accompanies dishes so well! It's ready in minutes and is so delicious!
Serve as part of a Gujarati Thali.
Chilli Paneer Dry (Sakoni Style)
This delicious Chilli Paneer is a copycat of the Sakoni restaurant version. Chilli Paneer is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with paneer cubes, green bell pepper and fresh chillies with a soy sauce gravy. It's a flavourful dish that's perfect as an appetizer, side or main.
Date Nut Rolls (Khajur Barfi)
This Date Nut Roll recipe is made with 2 main ingredients - dates and pistachio! Also known as Khajur Barfi or Khajur Dry Fruit Barfi in India.
Indian Vegetarian Curry Recipes
Browse through this collection of the best Indian Vegetarian Curry Recipes. You will find easy indian curry recipes and elaborate restaurant style recipes as well. Plenty of the recipes are naturally vegan too.
Instant Carrot Green Chilli Pickle (without oil)
This sweet and tangy Instant Carrot and Green Chilli Pickle recipe is made with fresh carrots, chillies and rai na kuria. This is a no oil recipe, instead the dressing is made with lemon juice.
Perfect as part of a Gujarati Thali.
Gajar Marcha Athanu (Gajar Achar)
This Taju Gujarati Gajar Marcha nu Athanu is a simple instant pickle made with carrots, green chillies and achar masala. It is a quick recipe that is perfect as part of a Gujarati Thali.
You might also like this Instant Carrot and Green Chilli Pickle.
30+ Gujarati Sweets & Desserts (Gujarati Mithai)
This is the ultimate list of the best Gujarati sweets. A Gujarati Thali would be incomplete without a traditional Gujarati mithai.
Prepare one or a selection of these Gujarati desserts for an everyday treat or for special occasions or festivals.
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