8 Delicious Plant-Based Indian Dishes for a Festive Diwali! – One Green Planet

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. It’s a perfect occasion to gather with loved ones and indulge in a feast of flavors that represent the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a grand party or enjoying an intimate family gathering, these delightful Diwali recipes are sure to impress. From savory snacks to delectable sweets, each dish is crafted to bring warmth and happiness to your table, making your celebration truly special. Embrace the spirit of Diwali with these culinary delights that are as vibrant and festive as the festival itself! Here are 8 amazing recipes!

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help you get healthy! 

Now, here are the recipes!

1. Masala Mushroom Bhuna: Indian Spicy Sauteed Mushrooms

Source: Masala Mushroom Bhuna: Indian Spicy Sauteed Mushrooms

This Masala Mushroom Bhuna: Indian Spicy Sauteed Mushrooms by Rinku Bhattacharya takes just 15 minutes to make, but it tastes like it has been slow-cooked for hours. It’s made using a slow-cooking technique called kasha or bhuna, which is cooking without water. This dish applies the same method without the wait time and the result is tender, spicy mushrooms that are ready to be served with rice or flatbread.

2. Indian Dosa with Spiced Sweet Potato

Source: Indian Dosa with Spiced Sweet Potato

Authentic dosa pancakes are made by soaking, blending and fermenting black gram lentils (urad dal) and rice. So, this version is a take on dosa pancakes, which are wrapped around an aromatic spiced sweet potato and chickpea filling. You can serve these Indian Dosa with Spiced Sweet Potato by Jo Pratt with some mango chutney and coconut yogurt mixed with chopped coriander and lime juice, or raita.

3. Coconut Sesame Shortbread Nankhatai

Source: Coconut Sesame Shortbread Nankhatai

Nankhatai is an Indian shortbread cookie. It gets a sandy delicate texture from the use of semolina and is traditionally made without eggs. It has loads of ghee or clarified butter. Rinku Bhattacharya‘s recipe for vegan Coconut Sesame Shortbread Nankhatai uses coconut oil instead of ghee, which also gives the cookies a delicate coconut flavor. It is a delicate and rich tasting cookie that everyone will love! The best part is that it is ridiculously easy to make and quite healthy. You have to try this vegan Nankhatai recipe!

4. Bedmi Paratha

Source: Bedmi Paratha

Bedmi Paratha is made with urad daal (Black Gram Lentils). Soaked daal is ground coarsely. Turmeric, chili powder, asafetida, and fennel give it a burst of flavors. Parantha is soft and robust in Indian flavors. The parathas are great to pack in the lunch box for kids to take to school.  Pair Namita Tiwari’s Bedmi Paratha with curry and enjoy a sumptuous meal.

5. Idli with Idli Rava

Source: Idli with Idli Rava

Recipe to make soft Idli with Idli rava. Serve with Coconut Chutney for a delicious breakfast. You will love Pavani Nandula‘s Idli with Idli Rava!

6. Spinach Chana Masala Vada

Source: Spinach Chana Masala Vada

These Spinach Chana Masala Vada by Pavani Nandula are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. These are great to serve hot for friends and family during festival season.

7. Bombay Aloo Potatoes

Source: Bombay Aloo Potatoes

Bombay Aloo aka Masala Potatoes is an easy to make, everyday curry that is great to serve with both rice or Roti. Flavored with spices and laced with sweet caramelized, these Bombay Aloo Potatoes by Pavani Nandula are sure to be a family favorite.

8. Instant Sambar with Vegetables for Idli, Dosa

Source: Instant Sambar with Vegetables for Idli, Dosa

This Instant Sambar with Vegetables for Idli, Dosa by Pavani Nandula is a quick and easy alternative to traditional sambar. Spice paste with lentils & spices makes the sambar thick, flavorful and taste almost like the original version. Perfect to serve with idli, dosa or even rice.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet is known to Support various health benefits, including reducing chronic inflammation, improving heart health, enhancing mental well-being, achieving fitness goals, meeting nutritional needs, managing allergies, and promoting gut health, among others. Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer,  prostate cancer, and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend grabbing our favorite plant-based cookbooks and downloading the Food Monster App — with over 20,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

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