Marrying into an Indian family has proven to be an amazing cultural experience. Not only have I been blessed with a second family, rich in family values and an expansive world view, but I’ve been introduced to a cuisine that I can’t get enough of!
My favorite thing about Indian cuisine? It perfectly compliments my vegetarian diet. Likewise, Indian recipes can easily be veganized! Looking to add some spice to your holiday recipes? Then follow on for VEGANIZED: 5 Indian Christmas Recipes, You’ll LOVE!
1. Chole Bhature
This is one of the most popular street foods in India which is rich in protein.
Chole Bhatura consists of stewed chickpeas in a delicious tomato-based curry sauce, accompanied by a fluffy bread, known as “bhatura”. Many recipes will call for cream in the curry sauce, but that can easily be replaced with a milk alternative. The video above is an example of a recipe that does just that!
2. Mutter Faux-neer
My all-time favorite Indian dish, Mutter Paneer will definitely make it to my Christmas table. This decadent curry consists of English peas and cheese curds, stewed to perfection and often served with bread or rice. The paneer, or cheese curd, are obviously not vegan. But, vegan chefs have gotten quite creative and have found an easy way to replicate the delectable bites– tofu!
3. Palak Faux-neer
If you’re needing a good boost of iron, this recipe is for you! “Palak” (otherwise known as spinach) is once again stewed alongside cheese curds. In the same way, we used tofu in the previous recipe, it can be used to veganize this Indian staple! Pro tip: the more spinach, the better, as it wilts down super easily!
4. Gulab Jamun
We can’t talk about an Indian holiday meal without forgetting the dessert! Gulab Jamun is perhaps the most popular dessert of this cuisine. Traditionally made of milk powder, this dessert is rolled into golf ball-sized bites, and drenched in rosewater syrup! The milk powder can be easily replaced with a breadcrumb and cashew combo, as the recipe linked below shows!
5. Cardamom Chai
What better way to celebrate a White Christmas than with a warm drink? Though our everyday coffee shop would have you believe otherwise, “chai” in Hindi actually just means tea (so when we say “Chai Tea,” it’s redundant!). Indian Chai comes in loads of different flavors, with the most popular being Masala Chai. Of course, the traditional recipe calls for cow’s milk; but milk substitutes will work just fine here!
Are you inspired to try any of these Indian holiday recipes? Which vegan recipes are you looking forward to trying out this Christmas? Let us what plant-based magic you’re planning to create in the comments below and join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
