Celebrate Diwali with these amazing vegan Indian dishes. From appetizers to desserts, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to create a delicious plant-based feast.

Vegan Diwali Feast: Delicious Plant-Based Indian Recipes

Celebrate Diwali with These Delicious Vegan Recipes

Introduction

What is Diwali?

Why Go Vegan for Diwali?

Appetizers

Samosas

Pakoras

Chaat

Main Courses

Chana Masala

Saag Paneer

Biryani

Side Dishes

Aloo Gobi

Baingan Bharta

Raita

Desserts

Gulab Jamun

Kheer

Barfi

Beverages

Masala Chai

Mango Lassi

Conclusion

Bringing Veganism to Diwali

Final Thoughts

Creating a Vegan Diwali Feast: Plant-Based Indian Recipes

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India and other countries with significant Hindu populations. The holiday typically falls in October or November and spans five days, with each day having its own unique traditions and religious significance. Diwali is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods.

During Diwali, it is customary to prepare and enjoy a variety of traditional Indian foods, many of which are rich and indulgent. Sweets like gulab jamun, barfi, and kheer are popular, as well as savory dishes like samosas, pakoras, and biryani. These foods are often cooked with ghee (clarified butter) and other animal products, making them unsuitable for those following a plant-based diet.

Traditional Foods

Choosing to go vegan for Diwali can have important environmental benefits. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, and reducing or eliminating animal products from our diets can help reduce our carbon footprint and preserve natural resources.

Environmental Benefits

For many people, the decision to go vegan for Diwali is rooted in ethical considerations. Hinduism is a religion that emphasizes compassion for all living beings, and choosing to follow a plant-based diet can be seen as a way to honor that principle. By avoiding animal products, we can help reduce the suffering of animals and promote a more compassionate way of life.

Ethical Considerations

In addition to environmental and ethical considerations, a plant-based diet can also have important health benefits. Research has shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. By choosing to go vegan for Diwali, we can enjoy delicious, flavorful foods while also supporting our overall health and wellbeing.

Health Benefits

1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1/4 cup water

Pastry Ingredients

1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add oil and mix until crumbly. 2. Gradually add water and knead until smooth. 3. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes. 4. Roll out dough and cut into circles. 5. Fold circles into triangles and seal edges with water. 6. Fry or bake until golden brown.

Pastry Instructions

2 cups cooked and mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup peas, 1 small onion (chopped), 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric, salt and pepper to taste

Filling Ingredients

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. 2. Spoon filling into pastry triangles. 3. Seal edges with water. 4. Fry or bake until golden brown.

Filling Instructions

1 cup chickpea flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste, 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as onions, cauliflower, or spinach), water as needed to make batter, oil for frying or baking

Ingredients

1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. 2. Add enough water to make a thick batter. 3. Add chopped vegetables and mix well. 4. Fry or bake until golden brown.

Instructions

Mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or plain vegan yogurt

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

1 cup boiled chickpeas, 1 cup boiled potatoes (cubed), 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped tomato, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup sev (crispy chickpea noodles), 1/4 cup tamarind chutney, 1/4 cup mint chutney, salt and pepper to taste

1. Mix all ingredients (except chutneys and sev) in a bowl. 2. Top with chutneys and sev. 3. Serve immediately.

1 cup tamarind paste, 1/2 cup jaggery (or brown sugar), 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp ginger powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, salt to taste, water as needed to make a thick sauce. Mix all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.

Tamarind Chutney Recipe

Chana masala is a popular Indian dish made with chickpeas cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce. It is typically served with rice or naan bread and is a staple of Indian cuisine.

What is Chana Masala?

Ingredients:
- 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir to combine.
5. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, and water and stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the chickpeas are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve with rice or naan bread.

Vegan Chana Masala Recipe

To achieve the perfect blend of spices, be sure to measure them carefully and adjust the amounts to your taste. Cooking the chickpeas to the right consistency is important, as they should be tender but not mushy. If the sauce is too thick, add more water to thin it out.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Chana Masala

Saag paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (a type of Indian cheese). The spinach is cooked with a blend of spices to create a flavorful curry, and the paneer is added at the end.

What is Saag Paneer?

Ingredients:
- 1 lb spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1 lb firm tofu, drained and cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir to combine.
5. Add the spinach and stir to combine.
6. Cover the skillet and let the spinach cook down for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the coconut cream and stir to combine.
8. Add the tofu and stir to combine.
9. Let the mixture cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the tofu is heated through and the spinach is tender.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Serve with rice or naan bread.

Vegan Saag Paneer Recipe

To make this dish vegan, replace the paneer with firm tofu. Be sure to drain and press the tofu to remove excess water before cubing it. To make the spinach curry flavorful, be sure to measure the spices carefully and adjust the amounts to your taste.

Tips for Making Vegan Saag Paneer

Biryani is a popular Indian rice dish made with a blend of spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. It is typically served with raita (a yogurt-based side dish) and is a staple of Indian cuisine.

What is Biryani?

Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and potatoes), diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add the coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir to combine.
6. Add the mixed vegetables and stir to combine.
7. Add the rice and stir to combine.
8. Add the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
10. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Serve with raita and naan bread.

Vegan Biryani Recipe

To achieve the perfect texture of the rice, be sure to rinse it well before cooking. Layering the rice and spices is important to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Cooking the vegetables to the right texture is important, as they should be tender but not mushy.

Tips for Making Vegan Biryani

2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into small pieces 
1 small cauliflower, chopped into small florets 
1 onion, diced 
3 cloves garlic, minced 
1 inch ginger, grated 
1 tsp cumin seeds 
1 tsp turmeric powder 
1 tsp coriander powder 
1/2 tsp garam masala 
Salt to taste 
2 tbsp oil

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 
2. Add cumin seeds and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 
3. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. 
4. Add potatoes and cauliflower and stir to coat with the onion mixture. 
5. Add turmeric, coriander, garam masala, and salt and stir to combine. 
6. Cover and cook until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. 
7. Serve hot with rice or naan.

1 large eggplant 
1 onion, diced 
3 cloves garlic, minced 
1 inch ginger, grated 
1 tomato, chopped 
1 tsp cumin seeds 
1 tsp coriander powder 
1/2 tsp turmeric powder 
1/2 tsp red chili powder 
Salt to taste 
2 tbsp oil

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 
2. Place the eggplant on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. 
3. Remove from oven and let cool. 
4. Peel off the skin and discard. 
5. Mash the eggplant with a fork and set aside. 
6. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 
7. Add cumin seeds and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 
8. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. 
9. Add tomato and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. 
10. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt and stir to combine. 
11. Add mashed eggplant and stir to combine. 
12. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
13. Serve hot with rice or naan.

1 cup plain vegan yogurt 
1/2 cucumber, grated 
1 small carrot, grated 
1/2 tsp cumin powder 
1/2 tsp coriander powder 
1/2 tsp salt 
1 tbsp chopped fresh mint 
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. 
2. Add the grated cucumber and carrot and stir to combine. 
3. Add the chopped mint and cilantro and stir to combine. 
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Gulab Jamun is a popular Indian dessert made from fried dough balls that are soaked in a sweet syrup. Traditionally, it is made with milk solids, making it unsuitable for vegans. However, with a few simple substitutions, you can easily make a vegan version of this delicious dessert.

What is Gulab Jamun?

Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegan milk (such as almond or soy)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp vegan butter, melted
- Oil for frying

For the syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2-3 cardamom pods, crushed
- A few saffron strands

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and melted vegan butter. Add the vegan milk gradually and knead the dough until it is soft and smooth.
2. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into smooth balls without any cracks.
3. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and fry the dough balls until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
4. In a separate pan, combine the sugar, water, cardamom pods, and saffron. Cook the mixture on medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens.
5. Add the fried dough balls to the syrup and let them soak for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds, if desired.

Vegan Gulab Jamun Recipe

To make the syrup, it's important to use the right amount of sugar and water to achieve the desired consistency. You can adjust the sweetness and thickness of the syrup by adding more or less water and sugar.

For the dough balls, make sure to knead the dough until it is soft and smooth. This will help the balls hold their shape and prevent them from cracking while frying. Fry the balls in hot oil to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

Tips for Making the Syrup and Achieving the Perfect Texture

Kheer is a creamy rice pudding that is traditionally served during Diwali. It is flavored with cardamom, saffron, and other spices, and is usually made with dairy milk and ghee. However, it's easy to make a vegan version of this classic dessert with a few simple substitutions.

What is Kheer?

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 4 cups vegan milk (such as almond or soy)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- A few saffron strands
- Chopped nuts for garnish

Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large saucepan, bring the vegan milk to a boil. Add the soaked rice and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the rice until it is soft and tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron to the pan. Continue to cook the mixture on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until the kheer thickens and the flavors are well combined.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the kheer cool to room temperature. Serve the kheer garnished with chopped nuts, if desired.

Vegan Kheer Recipe

To make the kheer creamy, it's important to use the right ratio of rice to liquid. Use 4 cups of vegan milk for every 1/2 cup of rice to achieve the perfect texture.

For the flavor, use freshly ground cardamom powder and saffron strands to add complexity and depth to the pudding. You can also experiment with other spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to create your own unique flavor profile.

Tips for Making the Pudding Creamy and Flavorful

Barfi is a sweet confection that is made from condensed milk, sugar, and flavorings such as rosewater, pistachios, or cardamom. It has a fudge-like texture and is typically cut into small squares or diamonds. Making a vegan version of this dessert is easy with a few simple substitutions.

What is Barfi?

Ingredients:
- 2 cups vegan milk powder
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup vegan milk (such as almond or soy)
- 1 tsp rosewater or cardamom powder
- Chopped pistachios or rose petals for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan milk powder, melted vegan butter, powdered sugar, and vegan milk. Mix the ingredients until a smooth, thick dough is formed.
2. Grease a square or rectangular pan with vegan butter or cooking spray. Press the dough evenly into the pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
3. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios or rose petals on top of the barfi and press them gently into the surface.
4. Refrigerate the barfi for at least 2 hours, or until it is firm and set. Cut the barfi into small squares or diamonds and serve chilled.

Vegan Barfi Recipe

To achieve the perfect texture for the barfi, make sure the dough is well mixed and free of lumps. Press the dough firmly into the pan to create a smooth, even surface.

For the flavor, use rosewater or cardamom powder to add a fragrant, floral note to the barfi. You can also experiment with other flavorings, such as pistachios, almonds, or saffron, to create your own unique variation.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor

4 cups water, 6 tea bags, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp ground cardamom, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1-2 cups plant-based milk, sweetener of choice (optional)

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the tea bags and spices and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let steep for another 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture and return it to the pot.
4. Add the plant-based milk and sweetener (if using) and heat until warm.
5. Serve and enjoy!

1 large ripe mango, 1 cup plant-based yogurt, 1/2 cup plant-based milk, 2 tsp sweetener of choice (optional), 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, ice cubes (optional)

1. Peel and chop the mango and add it to a blender.
2. Add the plant-based yogurt, plant-based milk, sweetener, and cardamom to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding ice cubes if desired.
4. Pour into glasses and serve chilled.

By creating a plant-based Diwali feast, we can contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world. Choosing vegan options for our meals can help reduce our environmental impact and promote animal welfare. We can show our respect for all living beings by making mindful choices during this holiday season.

Promoting Sustainability and Animal Welfare

Diwali is just one of many cultural celebrations that can benefit from the inclusion of veganism. By incorporating plant-based options into our holiday meals, we can embrace diversity and inclusivity. We can also encourage others to try new foods and learn about different cultural traditions.

Incorporating Veganism into Other Celebrations

As we celebrate Diwali, let us remember to do so with compassion and inclusivity. By choosing a vegan Diwali feast, we can honor the values of this holiday and show respect for all living beings. We hope that these recipes inspire you to try something new and share your experiences with others. Happy Diwali!

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