Best Indian Curry – Vegetarian,Vegan and Non vegetarian

Today, let’s see about Indian Curry. When it comes to Indian cooking, though there are varieties of curry still every Mom or person who cooks struggle to get an idea for a curry to make every day. I experience it. So here I give a collection of delicious curries for persons of any diet preference, Vegetarian, Non – Vegetarian and Vegan.

What is Curry?

Curry is a dish that is prepared by a combination of spices and herbs. This originated in the Indian Subcontinent and now traveled worldwide. There are many varieties of curry based on the geographical region, religious beliefs and family preferences. The curries in North Indian and South India are different. Even in South India, Kerala and Goan cuisine use more Coconut than other South Indian states.

Basic spices used to make Curry

The main spice in curry will be turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. You can add other spices and herbs according to the curry you make. I think that in other parts of the world, there is a perception that Indian Curries are spicy. But it is not true.

Different types of Curry

Curries can be wet or dry curries. In wet curry, you will have some sauce or gravy apart from the vegetables or meat. In dry curry, the liquid is evaporated such that the spices are coated well on the vegetables or meat. The curry is generally had with rice, roti or millet.

The different types of curry bases include

1. Korma / Kurma – Korma has its roots in the Mughal Cuisine. It is classically defined as meat or vegetables cooked in cream or yogurt or any stock. This is usually thick sauce.
2. Tikka Masala – This is the most popular not only among Indians but also people from other parts of the world. The sauce is usually orange-colored and creamy.
3. Makhani – It is a butter-based dish. The name ‘ Makhan’ in Hindi means butter. This is also as popular as Tikka masala among foreign people. Do you remember your order ‘ Butter Chicken’ in your favorite Indian restaurant? Yes, it’s locally called ‘Murg Makhani’. The basic sauce is a blend of tomatoes and spices topped with cream.
4. Vindaloo – It is often regarded as a fiery, spicy dish usually made with pork. But nowadays, it’s also made using other meats like chicken, mutton, beef. For vegans, you can use seitan.
5. Dopiaza – The name means ‘double the onions’ in Hindi. This curry has prominent use of onions. The chopped onions cooked till caramelize and fried onions are sprinkled on top of the dish while serving.
6. Dal – Dal/ lentil curry is a simple, mild curry made for everyday cooking. It is usually considered as comfort food.

Difference between Thai Curry and Indian Curry

Thai Curry – Thai Curries are made of various curry pastes. They can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Thai curries are usually made with coconut milk along with curry paste made using chilies, onions, garlic, and lemongrass.

Indian Curry – Indian Curries are characterized by the use of their basic spice mixtures like turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder and garam masala for some.

Do Indian Curries use dairy?

Most of the Indian curries are vegan or vegetarian considering a huge vegetarian population. Most of the recipes will be adaptable to any diet. For example, the Butter paneer can be easily adapted for Vegan by substituting Tofu for Paneer and Vegan butter for butter. Instead of cream using in a dish, you can use coconut milk or coconut ground with cashews.

Few facts from – Wikipedia

What goes well with Indian Curry?

You can have steamed rice, idli, dosa, roti with any of these curries. You can try our sweet potato roti, carrot chapathi, Aloo paratha.

What drinks go well with Indian curry?

The drinks that go well with these curries are the most popular Mango Lassi. You can also try Pineapple Lemonade, Mango Lemonade, Sweet and salty Lemonade which helps in digestion after a scrumptious food.

Indian Vegetarian and Vegan Curry

Pineapple Madhura Curry

This Pineapple Madhura Curry is a dish from Kerala which is a must on special occasions. It is so easy to prepare and requires only minimal ingredients. The main ingredient is Pineapple, obvious from the name. This curry has a sweet and sour taste which is unique about this dish. This goes well with rice. 

Ulli Theeyal {Vegan}

Ulli /Shallots Theeyal is the most famous curry of Kerala. It is made with slotted shallots roasted to golden and cooked in Tamarind and roasted coconut paste. It goes well with hot rice.

Mung Bean and Coconut Curry {Vegan}

This Mung bean curry is a mild curry to go with rice. If you love to include pulses in your lunch, I recommend this. High in protein, it’s good for kids.

Kerala Kadala Curry {Vegan}

It is the most popular Kerala Kadala Curry / Chickpeas Curry with Coconut. This curry is usually served along with Puttu/ Steamed rice cake. 

Another easy Chickpea curry with coconut milk. Get the recipe for Chickpea Curry

Okra Curry {Vegan}

This Kerala style Okra curry is so easy, tangy and the perfect combo to pair with rice. This curry is vegan, gluten-free and pairs well with Potato fry and Jeera aloo.

Rajma/ Kidney bean Curry{Vegan}

Creamy, tangy and spicy red kidney bean curry served over steamed white rice. This frugal dinner is packed with plant protein, so easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes! This curry is vegan and gluten-free.

Baingan Bharta 

This is a recipe that can sound hard but it is not though. For all those Eggplant lovers and haters, this is one sure recipe to fall in love. There several variations to be made and here is one.

Bagara Baigan

This Hyderabadi special Bagara Baigan is the most delicious baigan(brinjal) dish you would ever have and it goes perfect with Biryani.

Instant Pot Red Lentil and Potato curry {Vegan}

This is an easy, healthy and comforting curry to have along with rice. This is vegan and gluten-free like most of the Indian curries.

Masoor Dal {Vegan}

This is a one-pot dish, flavorful and healthy. This is gluten-free, vegan and lightly spiced lentil curry made within 20 minutes. 

Bottle gourd/Lauki Kofta Curry {Vegan}

Lauki kofta curry – grated bottle gourd, gram flour, and spices are shaped into patties, pan-fried and served with a rich, creamy and delicious onion tomato curry sauce. This is a vegan and gluten-free recipe.

Simple Dal

Whatever heavy meals we eat, a simple dal with hot rice and a dollop of ghee can be the most comforting dish in the world. Rich in protein and mild spices can be soothing for your tummy any given day.

Mambazha Pulissery (Ripe Mango Yogurt Curry)

The sweetness in little spicy curry with the bit of tangy from yogurt takes your meal to the next level. Grinding coconut with jeera seeds and green chilies and cook along with Mangoes. 

Dal Makhani 

Dal makhani is quite simple to make but time-consuming. Traditionally, it is slow-cooked on low flame overnight. The slow cooking is what makes the dish tasty.

Tasty Madras Lentils {Vegan}

A simple and delicious take on Madras lentils. They are so creamy, rich and delicious. They are vegan surprisingly.

Vindaloo Curry{Vegan}

Super delicious rich vindaloo curry made from nearly oil-free vindaloo paste and soy curls in instant pot. Make it today and you will fall in love.

Makhnae Matar/ Fox Nuts and peas Curry{Vegan}

A delicious curry traditionally made with Makhane / Fox Nuts & Peas in a tomato and onion gravy loaded with milk fats. It is vegan and gluten-free.

Dum Aloo

This easy and delicious Punjabi style Dum Aloo gravy is perfect for families who want to savor this lovely dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Leverage your Instant Pot and make it in about 40-minutes.

Vegetable White Kurma {Vegan}

Kurma is an Indian curry with grounded coconut and spices. Kurma uses meat or veggies. The meat or veggies are cooked in grounded coconut and mild spices.

Grilled Potatoes in Mustard Gravy { Vegan}

This is a vegan and gluten-free curry where potato is seasoned and grilled in Mustard gravy. Simple and so flavorful.

Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer  (Spinach with Indian Cottage Cheese) is a delicious Indian vegetarian curry with spinach sauce, cubes of paneer & spices. Serve this Green Paneer Curry with Roti or Naan Breads. All it takes is 30 Minutes!

Paneer Makhanwala

This rich, creamy and buttery dish can be prepared with a medley of vegetables or paneer which is a popular choice for vegetarians in restaurants or any other occasion for the mains.

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Indian Non-vegetarian Curry

Kerala Fish Curry

Kerala fish curry is so special one for any fish lovers. As the name suggests it is from the Land of Coconuts, Kerala. This fish curry tastes great when eaten the next day.

Tamarind and Coconut Fish Curry

This Tamarind and Coconut Fish Curry is a little different from the way I usually cook it. Coming from a South Indian home we usually cook fish curry with lots of tomatoes and tamarind, it is usually spicy and a little too tangy for my taste buds. This curry has just a hint of tanginess which I prefer.

South Indian Fish Curry

This South Indian Fish Curry is a homage to all the regional fish curry recipes that are so unique and special to the southern parts of India.

Indian Salmon Curry

Indian Salmon Curry – Juicy fresh Salmon pieces cooked in a fragrant onion based curry sauce that’s exactly what you’ll have. This Salmon Curry in Indian Style is so easy to make at home with just a few handy oriental spices.

2 in 1 Chicken Curry

 I call this 2 in 1 Chicken curry because from one curry you make, you get a curry for rice and chicken fry. Another reason is you can follow the same recipe to make Mutton or Lamb curry.

Instant pot Chicken Curry

Instant Pot Chicken Curry is a comforting dish that is full of flavor. It is easy to make from pantry staples and is suitable for Paleo, Keto, Low Carb, and Gluten-Free diets.

Coconut Curry Chicken

This flavorful keto chicken curry is so easy. You need just 10 ingredients and 30 minutes to make this curry.

Andhra Chicken Curry

Andhra Chicken Curry, as the name suggests is from Andhra Pradesh. It is a South Indian state famous for its spicy food. The awesome taste comes from the freshly grounded Peanuts and chili masala along with sesame seeds and poppy seeds.

Palak Chicken

Palak chicken recipe: tender pieces of boneless chicken breast and spinach leaves simmered in an onion-tomato gravy made creamy with cashews.

Chicken Vindaloo

This authentic chicken vindaloo is made in a pressure cooker or instant pot. This is gluten-free and dairy-free curry to enjoy with your main food.

Chicken Saag

A chicken saagwala is nothing more than a chicken and spinach curry. It is also a fine example of just how much spinach cooks down. 

Chicken korma

Chicken Korma – A mildly spiced chicken curry made with whole spices like cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and cumin simmered in a light, flavorful yogurt-based sauce.

Instant pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka masala is basically boneless chicken cubes marinated with yogurt and spices. Then it is roasted in a tandoor or grilled to get the smokey flavor. It is then cooked in onion tomato gravy with aromatic spices again. Making it in Instant pot makes your life easier.

Lamb Dopiaza Curry

This delicious Authentic Lamb Dopiaza is easy to make at home. With plenty of onions, easy to find spices and naturally gluten-free sauce, this Traditional Dopiaza recipe is a simple authentic lamb curry you can make at home.

Mutton Kofta Curry

 This delicious Mutton Kofta Curry with Chickpeas is medium in heat and perfect for the whole family.

Slow Cooker Lamb Rogan Josh

It is a lamb based dish cooked in a gravy type sauce that is packed with onion, ginger, garlic, yogurt, and aromatic spices. 

Easy Lamb Bhuna

This delicious Lamb Bhuna is easy to make in your Instant Pot, slow cooker or stovetop. A fairly dry curry of a meltingly soft lamb in a highly spiced rich sauce of tomatoes, onions, and garlic.

Simple Beef Madras Curry

Bursting with flavor, this beef madras curry is easy to make with a homemade curry paste. This dish is simple to put together, then all you need to do is let it simmer on the stove. 

Beef Korma

Originally, the recipe for beef korma originated in the Southern Indian continent. Generally speaking, it consists of yogurt or cream, meat, and spices. Hence, beef korma is a creamy yet mild curry. 

South Indian Prawn Curry

This mild South Indian prawn curry is an easy and delicious healthy meal. If your calorie counting or health-conscious the bonus is this curry comes in at an extremely low 200 calories per portion.

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Do you have any favorite curry recipes from here or do you want to share your thoughts on special curry you tired or tasted? Please comment below. We love to hear your stories.