7 Vegetarian Tandoori Recipes That Will Transform Your Cooking!

Tandoori cuisine is a food lover's dream, with its smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that tantalize the taste buds. For vegetarians, though, finding tandoori dishes that are meat-free can be a challenge. Fear not, for we have rounded up seven of the best vegetarian tandoori recipes that will take you to flavor heaven. Get ready to indulge in a feast of fragrant spices, succulent vegetables, and creamy sauces that will leave you craving more. 

Also Read: History Says Tandoori Chicken Origin Is Linked To Indian Freedom

Vegetarian Tandoori and its Origin 

Tandoori cooking has been around for ages, and some claims place the origins of this style of cooking in the Indus Valley region. The tandoor style of cooking has also been prevalent for centuries in Iran, central Asia, and even as far away as Azerbaijan. The tandoor oven was traditionally used to cook meat dishes such as chicken and lamb. However, vegetarian tandoori dishes have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the growing interest in plant-based diets. The use of vegetables and paneer in tandoori cuisine also reflects the influence of Jain and Hindu cultures, which advocate vegetarianism. 

Vegetarian tandoori recipes come in many different forms, from classic paneer tikka to inventive creations like tandoori cauliflower and mushrooms. These dishes typically involve marinating vegetables or paneer in a mixture of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, and then grilling or baking them until they are tender and smoky. Tandoori dishes are often served with a side of rice or naan bread and topped with a creamy sauce like raita or tikka masala. With these recipes, you can enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of tandoori cuisine without sacrificing your vegetarian diet. 

Palak Paneer Tikka 

Palak paneer tikka is a flavorful vegetarian appetizer that combines the goodness of spinach and cottage cheese. Start by marinating paneer cubes and spinach leaves in a blend of spices such as ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander powder, and garam masala. Skewer the marinated paneer and spinach and grill until cooked to perfection. Serve hot with mint chutney and sliced onions for a delicious and healthy starter. 

• Taste: spicy and tangy 
• Total Time: 40 minutes 
• Prep Time: 20 minutes 
• Calories per serving: 180   

Baingan Bharta 

Baingan bharta is a popular North Indian dish made with roasted eggplant and a medley of aromatic spices. Begin by roasting the eggplant until the skin is charred and the flesh is tender. Peel the skin and mash the eggplant to a coarse texture. In a separate pan, temper chopped onions, cumin seeds, ginger, and garlic. Add the tomatoes, coriander powder, and red chili powder to the pan and cook until the mixture thickens. Add the mashed eggplant to the pan and cook until all the ingredients are well blended. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan or roti. 

• Taste: smoky and spicy 
• Total Time: 45 minutes 
• Prep Time: 15 minutes 
• Calories per serving: 190 

Tandoori Gobi 

Tandoori gobi is a delicious vegetarian alternative to the classic tandoori chicken. To prepare this dish, marinate cauliflower florets in a blend of yogurt, red chili powder, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste. Skewer the marinated cauliflower and grill until the florets are tender and slightly charred. Serve hot with mint chutney and sliced onions for a flavorful appetizer or side dish. 

• Taste: tangy and spicy 
• Total Time: 35 minutes 
• Prep Time: 15 minutes 
• Calories per serving: 140 

Hara Bhara Kebab 

Hara bhara kebab is a rich vegetarian kebab that is made with spinach, peas, and potatoes. Begin by blanching spinach and peas, and then blend them into a smooth paste. In a separate pan, boil potatoes and mash them. Add the spinach and pea paste to the mashed potatoes, along with the ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Mix well, and shape the mixture into patties. Grill or shallow fry the kebabs until golden brown and serve hot with mint chutney. 

• Taste: fresh and earthy 
• Total Time: 40 minutes 
• Prep Time: 20 minutes 
• Calories per serving: 120   

Malai Paneer Tikka 

Malai paneer tikka is a creamy and delicious vegetarian kebab that is perfect for any occasion. To prepare this dish, marinate paneer cubes in a blend of cream, cashew paste, ginger-garlic paste, and garam masala. Skewer the marinated paneer and grill until the cubes are golden brown and slightly charred. Serve hot with mint chutney and sliced onions for a flavorful appetizer or side dish. 

• Taste: creamy and indulgent 
• Total Time: 35 minutes 
• Prep Time: 15 minutes 
• Calories per serving: 200   

Tandoori Mushroom 

Tandoori mushroom is a delicious vegetarian dish that is packed with flavour. To prepare this dish, marinate mushroom caps in a blend of yoghurt, red chilli powder, ginger-garlic paste, and garam masala. Skewer the marinated mushroom caps and grill until tender and slightly charred. Serve hot with mint chutney and sliced onions for a tasty appetizer or side dish. 

• Taste: piquant and spicy 
• Total Time: 30 minutes 
• Prep Time: 10 minutes 
• Calories per serving: 100 

Aloo Tikki 

Aloo tikki is a popular North Indian snack that is made with boiled potatoes, onions, and spices. Mash boiled potatoes and mix them with  green chilies, finely chopped onions ,coriander leaves, and a blend of spices such as garam masala, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Shape the mixture into patties and grill until golden brown. Serve hot with mint chutney. 

• Taste: rich and spicy 
• Total Time: 35 minutes 
• Prep Time: 15 minutes 
• Calories per serving: 120 

The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and hearty proteins like paneer and cauliflower is a match made in flavour heaven. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, these recipes are sure to impress and satisfy you. So why not spice up your next meal with a touch of tandoori magic? With a little bit of effort and a lot of flavour, you too can create a vegetarian tandoori dream.