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Veggies are great for your health and should be a big part of your daily meals. However, if you’re caught indoors without any leafy greens or veggies in your refrigerator, you can still feed yourself and others if you know how. There are plenty of Indian curries which don’t need vegetables and can be made with easy sources of protein and masalas.
For instance, consider dal tadka. Known for its simplicity and flavorful punch. It is made from toor dal or moong dal that are cooked until soft and then tempered with a mixture of ghee, cumin seeds, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and various spices. But they can also be made without onions, tomatoes and garlic. You can use onion and garlic powder or skip them altogether.
The tempering ortadka) adds a layer of flavour and aroma to the dish. Here are some other hearty Indian dishes which can be made without any veggies.
Chana Masala
The popular North Indian curry made with chickpeas is cooked in a spicy and tangy tomato-based sauce, flavoured with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The addition of amchur or lemon juice adds a slight tanginess to the dish. Chana Masala is often enjoyed with bhature or rice and doesn’t really need any veggies or leafy greens.
Kadhi Pakora
The traditional North Indian dish made from yoghurt and besan creates a tangy and slightly thick curry. The kadhi is flavoured with spices such as turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds, and is simmered until it reaches a smooth consistency. Besan pakodas are added to the kadhi and the crispy pakodas offer a sense of contrast against the creamy, velvety gravy.
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is arguably the most internationally recognized Indian curry. Originating from the kitchens of Moti Mahal in Delhi in the 1950s, this dish was created by Kundan Lal Gujral. Butter Chicken is made from marinated chicken pieces that are roasted and then simmered in a rich, buttery, and creamy tomato sauce. You can use a canned or packaged tomato sauce for this recipe. The key spices include garam masala, cumin, and fenugreek. Its luxurious texture and mild flavour make it a favourite for many, and it is often enjoyed with naan or rice.
Rajma
Rajma, or red kidney bean curry can easily be made without veggies. The kidney beans are simmered in a thick tomato-based gravy spiced with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The slow cooking process allows the beans to absorb the flavours of the spices, creating a rich and hearty curry. Rajma is typically served with steamed rice and it is especially popular in the northern states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala is a creamy and mildly spiced curry featuring paneer cubes which are simmered in a tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and cream, and flavoured with spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). You can top it off with some hot oil or garam masala.
