Try These 5 Indian Dessert Recipes That Are Abosulety Vegan!

Are you craving a delicious dessert but following a vegan diet? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Indian cuisine is known for its rich and indulgent desserts, and there are plenty of vegan options that are equally delightful. Here are 5 mouthwatering vegan Indian dessert recipes that you must try:

Gulab Jamun: The iconic and beloved Indian sweet, Gulab Jamun, can also be enjoyed in its vegan form. Made with a combination of mashed potatoes, flour, and plant-based milk, these soft and spongy dumplings are soaked in a fragrant rose-infused sugar syrup. They are perfect for any festive occasion or as a sweet treat after a meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon rose water
  • A pinch of cardamom powder

Method:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Mix well to form a soft dough.
  2. Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into smooth balls, ensuring there are no cracks.
  3. In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the dough balls until golden brown, stirring gently to ensure even cooking. Remove and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  4. In a separate saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves.
  5. Add rose water and cardamom powder to the sugar syrup and simmer for a few minutes.
  6. Carefully place the fried dough balls into the sugar syrup and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavours.
  7. Serve the Gulab Jamun warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped nuts if desired.

Coconut Barfi: This creamy and delectable sweet is made with grated coconut, sugar, and a touch of cardamom. The mixture is cooked until it thickens and then set into squares or diamond-shaped pieces. Coconut barfi is a popular dessert during festivals like Diwali and is loved for its rich coconut flavour.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups grated coconut
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • A handful of chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)

Method:

  1. In a non-stick pan, combine grated coconut, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously.
  2. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
  3. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or tray and spread it evenly. Press it down gently using the back of a spoon.
  5. Allow the coconut mixture to cool and set for a couple of hours.
  6. Once set, cut the barfi into square or diamond-shaped pieces.
  7. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired and serve.

Vegan Mango Lassi: Lassi is a refreshing yoghurt-based drink that is popular in India. To make it vegan, simply substitute dairy yoghurt with plant-based yoghurt and blend it with ripe mangoes, a hint of cardamom, and a touch of sweetness. This vegan mango lassi is not only delicious but also a perfect way to beat the summer heat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup plant-based yoghurt
  • 1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust according to sweetness preference)
  • A pinch of cardamom powder
  • Ice cubes (optional)

Method:

  1. In a blender, combine chopped mango, plant-based yoghurt, plant-based milk, sugar, and cardamom powder.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. If desired, add a few ice cubes and blend again until well combined.
  4. Pour the mango lassi into glasses and serve chilled.

Kaju Katli: Kaju Katli, also known as Kaju Barfi, is a luxurious cashew fudge that is loved by many. To make it vegan, cashews are ground into a fine powder and cooked with sugar syrup and a hint of rose water. The mixture is then rolled out and cut into diamond-shaped pieces. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cashews
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • A few drops of rose water
  • Edible silver foil (optional, for garnish)

Method:

  1. Grind cashews into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
  2. In a non-stick pan, combine sugar and water. Cook over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the cashew powder to the sugar syrup and mix well.
  4. Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
  5. Add a few drops of rose water and mix well.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or tray and spread it evenly.
  7. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes until it is warm enough to handle.
  8. Grease your hands with a little bit of oil or vegan butter, and knead the mixture gently for a few minutes to make it smooth.
  9. Place the kneaded mixture between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll it out into a thin, even layer.
  10. While the mixture is still warm, cut it into diamond-shaped pieces using a sharp knife.
  11. Allow the Kaju Katli to cool completely and firm up.
  12. If desired, garnish each piece with a small piece of edible silver foil.
  13. Store the Kaju Katli in an airtight container at room temperature.

Vegan Jalebi: Jalebi is a popular Indian sweet made by deep-frying a fermented batter in circular shapes and then soaking them in sugar syrup. To make it vegan, the batter is prepared using all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, and a pinch of turmeric for the vibrant colour. Crispy on the outside and syrupy on the inside, vegan jalebis are a heavenly treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (for colour)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup water
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • A pinch of cardamom powder
  • Saffron strands (optional, for garnish)

Method:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and water. Mix well to make a smooth batter. Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes.
  2. In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
  3. Fill a squeezable plastic bottle or a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle with the batter.
  4. Squeeze the batter into the hot oil in a spiral or pretzel shape, starting from the center and working your way outwards.
  5. Fry the jalebis until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
  6. In a separate saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves.
  7. Add cardamom powder and simmer the syrup for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.
  8. Dip the fried jalebis into the sugar syrup, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them soak for a minute or two.
  9. Remove the jalebis from the syrup and place them on a serving plate.
  10. Garnish with saffron strands if desired and serve warm.

These vegan Indian dessert recipes are not only delicious but also showcase the diverse flavours and culinary traditions of India. Whether you are a vegan or simply looking to explore new dessert options, give these recipes a try and indulge in the sweet delights of Indian cuisine.