We always have a hard time on Saturdays. reason being, it’s a vegetarian day. Belonging to the hardcore non-vegetarian foodies that I live with, thinking what to cook on vegetarian days freaks me out.Often times, I find myself planning way, way in advance if I have vegetarian friends for dinner.

The things get a bit more soupier if the friends turn out to be vegan. I will admit I don’t have many ‘vegan’ Indian friends, but I do have friends who have glutten and dairy allergies. Now that means some of the pet ingredients that go on to make those dishes totally rocking have to be forgotten. Tadka without ‘ghee’? Gasp! Ma ki Dal without some butter and cream? Noooo! Malai Kofta without the malai? How?

Recently I came across a vegan expert Kirsten Tanner of www.VeganTasmania.com and http://kirstygirl7.blogspot.com who collects vegan recipes in all forms. A recipe developer, professional writer and blogger from Tasmania, Australia, she loves Indian food, has great insight into what can be done to make an already vegetarain food vegan. We got talking about how difficult it can be to make some recipes without using any dairy, and she told me she had a recipe that made ‘malai kofta’ vegan. Wow! I requested her to give me some pointers, and she readily agreed to guest post for me. How awesome is that!

——

Hi There! I’m Kirsty from Vegan Tasmania and Kirstygirl7 and looking forward to learn about all of you.

I love Indian food. The common misconception about Indian food is that it’s full of cream and butter,heavy and too spicy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, Indian food does call for a lot of these ingredients, but regular Indian food is very healthy and balanced. The more popular dishes are normally party ones that call for rich creamy ingredients.No less that 40% of Indians are vegetarians, so there are countless options for dishes that carry no trace of meat. So it’s even easier to turn these already meatless dishes vegan. I have curated some dishes that are my all time favorite that easily turn vegan.

Malai Kofta

Kofta is an Indian meatball but this Malai Kofta recipe by Isa Chandra is vegan. These vegan dumplings are paired with a thick creamy (malai) curry sauce, toasted almonds and little pieces of fresh zucchini. Serve with plain basmati rice for a delicious vegan take on an authentic Indian meal.

Rajma

This quick and easy Rajma (Red Kidney Beans Curry) is vegan and gluten free. This simple and quick version of a longer and more authentic Indian curry is hot and spicy and served with plain white rice. A traditional Rajma is usually vegetarian by default but this simplified version adds a few extras and forgoes the often-paired cream or yogurt.

Chana Masala

This Chana Masala or Chole (Chickpea Curry) and Chana Masala Spice Blend recipe, also by Vegan Richa is full of rich minerals, protein and fibre, plus a unique supply of antioxidants. A hearty and deliciously healthy Indian and vegan comfort food, this Chole recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make.

Aloo Parathas

One of my all time favourite vegan authors has this incredible recipe for aloo parathas, both plain and stuffed with spiced potatoes from Vegan Yum yum. Parathas are the ultimate vegan-Indian fare, they’re super easy to make and to customise. Stuff them with your favourite vegetables and spices to make them your own.

Hara Bhara Kababs

Hara Bhara Kababs are an always-vegetarian, usually-vegan kabab. “Hara Bhara” literally means “full of greens” usually lots of spinach, potato, peas, mint and spices. Normally served as an appetizer in Indian restaurants these tasty kababs can be served alongside rice for mains, paired with a curry for a side dish or even made larger and put on burgers, though this may cause it to lose much of its Indian authenticity! Check this plate of Hara Bhara Kabab from Jayashree’s Kitchen.

Lehsuni Daal

This delicious daal from The Veggie Indian is easy on the stomach and simple to prepare. Lehsuni daal is the ultimate garlic curry so if you’re not a big fan of garlic, stay away from this one. But who isn’t? Take this fun quiz to find out which Indian curry you are and which authentic Indian fare you should try for dinner tonight.

Tarka Dal

Just because I am such a lover of a good dal, here is another easy and delicious one for you to try at home, Tarka Dal. And who but Minnie herself cooks one of the best Tarka daals? This is the perfect comfort food and best of all it’s cheap and healthy! This one comes from Indian Food Made Easy, so you know it’s super simple, easy to prepare and completely authentic.

Poories

Poories or Puri’s are incredibly simple and quick to make. Again, borrowing from Minnie’s recipe treasure of ‘Luchi’ as she calls it. Just skip the ghee part and stick to oil (vegetable oil).

North Indian Curry

Since I just couldn’t do without a more “meaty” vegan Indian dish, this North Indian Curry uses Fry’s vegan chicken-style strips in place of actual meat. I swear they are delicious! Trust me.