Change up your Thanksgiving celebration with an exotic twist with these tantalizing Indian vegetarian thanksgiving recipes! Redefine vegetarian holiday feasting with desi style dishes or classic thanksgiving recipes with an Indian twist.

A collage of nine different vegetarian indian thanksgiving recipes

Jump to:

Indian Vegetarian Thanksgiving Starters
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dishes (Indian)
Sides
Indian Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
Thanksgiving Drinks
📖 Recipe
Vegetarian Indian Thanksgiving Recipes

Incorporate Indian flavors to your Thanksgiving with a fantastic Indian fusion Thanksgiving menu.

Impress your family and guests, whether they are vegetarian or not, with an Indian-style menu that is packed with aromatic Indian spices and flavours.

From starters to mains, sides, desserts and drinks, there is something here for everyone for the holiday season.

These recipes would also go wonderfully in other holiday menu such as Christmas dinner.

Indian Vegetarian Thanksgiving Starters

Tandoori Paneer Tarte au Soleil

A sun tart with an Indian twist is air fried in the air fryer, the filling is Tandoori Paneer for a delicious appetizer or snack. This Tarte is not only looking beautiful but so easy to make. Only takes 30 minutes to make.

Tandoori Paneer Tart au Soleil

This is definitely a tart for a special occasion - it is my crowd pleaser go-to recipe! Despite appearances, it is a very easy recipe.

TANDOORI PANEER GALETTE

Tantalizing Tandoori Paneer fills a moreish and crumbly pastry.

Paneer Galette

Perfect for an indian-inspired menu!

Hariyali Aloo (Dry)

Baby potatoes are tossed in a vibrant and spicy green masala and finished with crushed whole spices. A finger-licking starter or side that is tangy and full of flavour.

Dry Hariyali Aloo

Green chutney coated baby potatoes in a plate garnished with green chopped coriander.

Rajma Tikki

Rajma tikki - golden and crispy outside, fluffy and savoury inside with earthy chunks of red kidney beans and mashed potatoes. Make these Indian style red kidney bean patties within 30 minutes for a light lunch or side.

Rajma Tikki

Tandoori Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos with Avocado Chutney

Introducing my Indian fusion Tandoori Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos served with a creamy and spicy Avocado Chutney. Cauliflower florets and chickpeas are marinated in a tangy tandoori masala and roasted until golden. Each bite has bursts of flavour and it's probably my favourite taco recipe ever!

Tandoori Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos

an overhead shot of tandoori cauliflower taco

Malai Broccoli

This restaurant style Malai Broccoli is the perfect fusion appetizer to impress your dinner party guests. Broccoli florets are grilled in a spiced cream and cream cheese marinade.

Malai Broccoli

Looks so pretty at the dinner table!

Vegan Mulligatawny Soup

You must try this Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup which is packed with healthy vegetables and lentils and flavoured with Indian spices. It is easy and quick, inexpensive, and super delicious!

Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup

If you're looking for vegan thanksgiving recipes, this creamy soup is a great place to start!

Vegan Curry Puffs

Mini Vegan Curry Puffs are filled with Thai flavoured sweet potato and chickpeas.

Vegan Curry Puffs

Puff pastry is filled with a vegetable filling.

AIR FRYER PUNJABI SAMOSA PUFFS (Puff Pastry Samosas)

Buttery puff pastry filled with delicious Indian Punjabi samosa mixture and air fried. These flakey vegetable puffs are delicious and easy to make.

Puff Pastry Punjabi Samosa

Samosas are the ultimate comfort food and the best part about this recipe is that with store bought puff pastry, its so easy to make at home!

Smashed Potato Chaat

A twist to the traditional Indian street food favourite, chaat, with adding smashed potatoes to create the ultimate fusion recipe.

Smashed Potato Chaat

Puts an Indian spin on smashed potatoes! Topped with tangy yogurt, chutneys and more!

Sweet Potato Chaat (Shakarkandi Chaat)

Sweet Potato Chaat or Shakarkandi Chaat is a flavourful Indian snack recipe. Sweet potato cubes are topped with a flavor bomb of garnishes such as spices, chutneys, sev and pomegranate.

Sweet Potato Chaat

Sweet Potatoes form the base of this fabulous chaat recipe. Adds a colourful and delicious treat to your thanksgiving table.

Pyaaz Kachori Pinwheels

Flaky puff pastry pinwheels filled with a spiced onion mixture inspired by classic Rajasthani pyaaz kachori. The perfect Indian fusion snack or party starter.

Pyaaz Kachori Pinwheels

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dishes (Indian)

For an exciting vegetarian thanksgiving dinner, these vegetarian main course recipes fit the bill!

Instant Pot Vegan Cauliflower Korma

Instant Pot vegan cauliflower korma Curry is comforting dish that is full of flavor.

Vegan Cauliflower Korma

A korma is the perfect addition to an Indian thanksgiving menu. This vegetarian dinner recipe is mild in spice so is suitable for most!

BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND POTATO SABJI

This vegan dry sabji consists of shavings of Brussels sprouts and chunks of potato cooked in basic spices.

Brussels Sprouts Potato Sabzi

an overhead image of a potato and brussels sprouts curry

Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes are tossed in mild Indian spices. Easy to prepare on thanksgiving day itself as it is so quick to make.

Bombay Potatoes

These easy Bombay Potatoes are full of flavour! Bombay Aloo takes only 20 minutes and is the perfect side dish to accompany an Indian meal. These Indian spicy potatoes are vegan and gluten-free.

Easy Bombay Potatoes

A staple of Indian cuisine, this Indian dish is instantly recognisable.

Paneer Palak Kofta Curry

In this Paneer Palak Kofta Curry, soft palak koftas are simmered in a creamy gravy made with a base of onion and tomato. It is an exciting twist on the authentic palak paneer.

Paneer Palak Kofta Curry

A bowl of paneer spinach kofta curry placed next to dinner plates on dining table

Vegan Brussels Sprouts Korma

An easy vegan Indian Korma recipe with Brussels Sprouts, green peas, cashew, coconut, and warming spices!

Brussels Sprouts Korma

Great for vegan dinners, this korma is made with brussels sprouts and veggies such as peas and green beans.

Paneer & Cranberry Nut Roast

Paneer and Cranberry Nut Roast - a vegetarian centrepiece like no other with lentils, nuts and root veg (no eggs). It's made Indian fusion with creamy crumbled paneer and dried cranberry jewels. I finish it with a festive and colourful 3 potato topping.

Paneer Cranberry Nut Roast

Sides

They may be called so, but these thanksgiving side dishes are incredible enough to take center stage!

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

This quick and easy Cranberry Sauce made in the Instant Pot uses fresh (or frozen) cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and spices. It's a great vegan side that takes only 5 minutes hands on time.

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

It's a thanksgiving tradition!

Cranberry Chutney

A sweet and spicy chutney made with fresh cranberries, ginger and dried red chilli. I temper the Indian 5 spice panch phoran to add a deep complex flavour.

Spiced Indian Cranberry Chutney

spicy and sweet cranberry chutney served with crackers on the side.

Tandoori Fries

Fries but make them totally epic! These Tandoori Fries are exploding with hot and tangy flavours. Did I mention they're also super easy to make?

Tandoori Fries

Air Fryer Onion Bhaji

Who knew that Air Fryer Onion Bhaji would taste just as good as the original deep-fried version! With this easy recipe, you can make perfect onion bhajis in the air fryer - healthier and less mess! This delicious Indian appetizer is vegan and gluten-free.

Crispy Air Fryer Onion Bhaji

Air fryer onion bhajis served on beige plate and garnished with fresh coriander leaves

AIR FRYER MASALA SWEET POTATO FRIES

Airfryer Masala Sweet Potato Fries are a delicious crispy treat. A generous sprinkling of Indian masala takes these sweet potato fries to another level!

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

This is a delicious recipe that is guaranteed to make your taste buds dance!

Air Fryer Indian Potatoes

This is a quick and easy recipe for cooking Indian Baby Potatoes in an air fryer. You only need 6 basic ingredients and about 30 minutes or less! They freeze and reheat well.

Air Fryer Indian Potatoes

CARDAMOM DAUPHINOISE POTATOES

The French heirloom, dauphinoise potato, has undergone a subtle Indian twist! This easy potato dauphinoise with cardamom is made with only 4 very simple and easy to find ingredients. Serve alongside a variety of dishes for the best luxurious side dish!

Cardamom Dauphinoise Potatoes

Masala Pasta (Indian Style Pasta)

Creamy pasta meets spicy Indian masala to create a desi pasta dish that explodes with flavour!

Creamy Indian Masala Pasta

A pot full of indian masala pasta placed on a table with a serving spoon.

Kaddu Raita (Butternut Squash Raita)

Butternut squash raita is a cool creamy accompaniment made with yogurt and cooked butternut squash.

Butternut Squash Raita

kaddu ka raita bowl placed on the table.

Indian food is incomplete with raita on the side. This version is made with butternut squash and is so refreshing.

Fruit Raita

This cooling mixed fruit raita is a cooling Indian side dish made with yogurt, fruit, mint and chaat masala.

Fruit Dahi Raita

Fruit raita served in a bowl with a serving spoon.

Indian Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

Gulab Jamun Truffles

These beautiful Gulab Jamun Truffles are an easy and quick Indian fusion dessert, with only 5 minutes of prep time. You need just 2 ingredients - gulab jamun and white chocolate, to make this sweet for Diwali or any other special occasion.

Gulab Jamun Chocolate Truffles

gulab jamun white chocolate truffles on a small pewter tray

Gulab Jamun Cheesecake

This Gulab Jamun Cheesecake recipe is a showstopping Indian fusion dessert that is perfect for a Diwali party or celebration. It is also an instant no bake so can be served immediately or made ahead of time.

No bake Gulab Jamun Cheesecake

A great way to add a fusion twist to a traditional Indian recipe.

EGGLESS GULAB JAMUN MIX CAKE

This luscious and moist cake is prepared with readymade Gulab Jamun mix. This eggless cake is easy to make.

Gulab Jamun Cake no eggs

Cardamom Chai Kulfi

Easy Kulfi recipe that is flavoured with cardamom chai. This is quick, rich and dense Indian ice cream, made with condensed milk. A perfect summer treat!

Cardamom Chai Kulfi (Indian Ice Cream)

Ras Malai Cake (Eggless)

This Eggless Rasmalai Cake recipe is sure to wow your guests! In this recipe, eggless sponge cake layers with ras malai flavorings are covered in a fresh whipped cream frosting. The cake is finished with pieces of ras malai, rose petals, nuts and silver leaf.

Eggless Ras Malai Cake

Ras malai cake on a white cake stand decorated with nuts

A gorgeous dessert to add to your holiday table.

Mango Kulfi

This is my go-to recipe when I want mango kulfi prepared quickly but still wow my guests. It's made only with fresh mango pulp, condensed milk and fresh cream. It has a prep time of 5-10 minutes and the rest of the total time is only for chilling!

Easy Mango Kulfi with Mango Pulp

A female hand is taking a bite from the no cook mango kulfi using a spoon

Barfi Biscuits

These Barfi Biscuits or Milk Powder Shortbread Biscuits have incredible flavours of cardamom. Perfect for Diwali or Eid.

Barfi Biscuits

burfi biscuits placed on a gold cooling wire rack

Mango Mousse Recipe

This eggless and gelatine-free mango mousse recipe is so easy! Made from 2 ingredients and can be prepared in 5 minutes.

Eggless Mango Mousse with Mango Pulp

Two jars of eggless mango mousse on a round marble chopping board next to dessert spoons.

Fruit Custard

In this Indian Fruit Custard recipe, chopped up seasonal mixed fruit is served in a light custard milk cream.

Fruit Custard with Custard Powder

A small bowl of creamy fruit custard recipe placed on a tray on the table.

Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk

This Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk recipe is so easy to put together. In this simple fruit salad, chopped fruits, sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream are mixed together for the perfect sweet treat.

Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk and Cream

Indian Rice Kheer Arancini

Italian arancini meets Indian kesar kheer. These sweet arancini is filled with creamy Indian rice pudding that's laced with saffron.

Sweet Indian Arancini

Deep fried sweet Indian rice pudding balls placed on a metal wire rack.

Instant Pot Eggless Cheesecake Mango and Coconut

A show-stopping silky Instant Pot Eggless Cheesecake with an exotic Mango and Coconut flavour

Instant Pot Eggless Mango Cheesecake

Thanksgiving Drinks

Mango Mocktail

I make it simply with mango pulp or juice, lime juice and sparkling water. Just 5 minutes and you have the perfect refreshing drink that’s worthy of a summer garden party.

Sparking Mango Mocktail with Mango Pulp

mango mocktail glasses are placed next to ice cubes and lime wedges on the backdrop

Rose Sharbat

Rose Sharbat with Hibiscus and Basil Seeds is a floral thirst-quenching, non-alcoholic drink that keeps you hydrated during scorching summer days.

Rose Sharbat with Hibiscus and Basil Seeds

an image of 3 bottles of rose coloured drinks

Rose Lassi

Rose Lassi is made with full fat yogurt, milk and rose syrup. My secret ingredient is a generous pour of fresh cream to make it extra indulgent and creamy. Just 5 minutes and 4 ingredients and you've got perfection in a glass!

Rose Lassi with Rose Syrup

Happy Thanksgiving!

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!

Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can't wait to see you all there!

📖 Recipe

Vegetarian Indian Thanksgiving Recipes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Impress your guests with this selection of Indian inspired Vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes.

Course Appetizer, Desserts, Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Author Hayley Dhanecha

Equipment

1 Frying pan
1 Kadai
1 Pressure cooker
1 Bowl

Ingredients

appetizer
side dish
main dish
dessert
drinks

Instructions

Choose a recipe or two from each category from post above to prepare for your Vegetarian Indian Thanksgiving, and follow the recipe instructions given in the individual post.

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.

Pin This Recipe

Comments

Jessica says

November 27, 2023 at 2:08 pm

Nice list! I love the flavors in Indian dishes, so I'm excited to try some of these this year...especially the chickpea tacos and brussel sprouts recipes 🙂

- Hayley says
  
  December 05, 2023 at 8:54 am
  
  Chickpea tacos our favourite too 🙂 Enjoy!
  
Carrie Robinson says

November 27, 2023 at 12:34 pm

We have one vegan/vegetarian member of the family, so these recipes will definitely come in handy for the holidays. We are always trying to make sure there are at least a few dishes on the dinner table she can enjoy. 🙂

- Hayley says
  
  December 05, 2023 at 8:55 am
  
  Thank you 🙂
  
Moop Brown says

November 27, 2023 at 10:21 am

These recipes looks really tasty and I definitely want to try making some of these, even outside of Thanksgiving. Thank you for sharing.

- Hayley says
  
  December 05, 2023 at 8:55 am
  
  You are welcome 🙂 Enjoy!
  
Jenny says

November 27, 2023 at 7:07 am

That's a wonderful collection of recipes. We love Indian food and it is such a great idea to have festive Indian dishes on the holiday table this year. Thanks so much!

- Hayley says
  
  December 05, 2023 at 8:55 am
  
  Thank you Jenny.
  
Loreto and Nicoletta says

November 27, 2023 at 3:49 am

Wow, what an incredible vegetarian line up for a Thanksgiving meal. We are totally in. They all sound so delicioys, and my mind is just imagini g all the aromas and spices. This is so wonderful! Thank you for sharing such amazing dishes for a meal of gratitude! Well done!

- Hayley says
  
  December 11, 2023 at 9:47 am
  
  Thanks a lot.
  
Kathryn says

November 26, 2023 at 11:07 pm

These dishes all look fabulous and delicious! Can't wait to give some of them a try- thanks for sharing!

- Hayley says
  
  December 11, 2023 at 9:48 am
  
  Thank you.
  
jamie says

November 26, 2023 at 5:50 pm

Wow! These are a compilation of dishes perfect for this Thanksgiving festivity! Everything just looks great and very delicious! I'll definitely note everything! Thanks and loved them all!

- Hayley says
  
  December 11, 2023 at 9:48 am
  
  So happy to hear that.
  
amy liu dong says

November 24, 2023 at 3:47 am

I love every recipe you've shared with us. They are all delicious and look so easy to make.

- Hayley says
  
  December 11, 2023 at 9:49 am
  
  Thanks Amy.
  
Yu says

November 21, 2023 at 12:25 am

I LOVE Indian food, and this is a beautiful collection for the upcoming Thanksgiving! Thank you for sharing.

- Hayley says
  
  December 11, 2023 at 9:49 am
  
  Thank you 🙂
  
Gloria says

November 20, 2023 at 3:18 pm

Looks like a great collection of recipes. Our neighbours brought over some Indian Diwali treats and they were so good. I need to give some of these a try.

- Hayley says
  
  December 11, 2023 at 9:50 am
  
  Thank you Gloria.

40+ Vegetarian Indian Thanksgiving Recipes