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Best of · 12 picksUpdated October 2026

Vegetarian dinners that don’t feel like a side dish.

Twelve vegetarian dinners chosen for one reason: they're the main event, not the apology. Hearty stews, weeknight pastas, sheet-pan grain bowls — recipes you'd cook on purpose, not because you ran out of meat.

This roundup contains 12 recipes, averaging 37 minutes total time. Free to read, with a one-tap Instacart grocery list on every recipe.

  1. 01

    Pav Bhaji

    Pav Bhaji

    This popular street food consists of a spicy vegetable mash served with soft bread rolls. Pav Bhaji is vibrant and packed with flavors, making it a perfect choice for a casual gathering.

    40 minindianSee the recipe →
  2. 02

    Masoor Dal

    Masoor Dal — illustrative photo, not this recipe

    This quick-cooking red lentil dish is simple yet full of flavor, packed with nutrients. Masoor Dal can be enjoyed as a side or a main dish, especially with rice or chapati.

    30 minindianSee the recipe →
  3. 03

    Dal Tadka

    Dal Tadka

    A nourishing dish made of lentils cooked with spices and finished with a tempering of ghee, Dal Tadka is a staple in Indian households. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect served with rice or bread.

    40 minindianSee the recipe →
  4. 04

    Methi Thepla

    Methi Thepla — illustrative photo, not this recipe

    These thin, spiced flatbreads made with fenugreek leaves are a traditional Gujarati dish. Methi Thepla is perfect for breakfast or as a portable snack.

    35 minindianSee the recipe →
  5. 05

    Paneer Tikka

    Paneer Tikka

    This flavorful dish features marinated paneer cheese grilled to perfection. It’s a fantastic appetizer or snack that captures the essence of Indian flavors.

    30 minindianSee the recipe →
  6. 06

    Vegetable Samosas

    Vegetable Samosas

    These crispy pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and peas make for the perfect appetizer or snack. Enjoy with tangy chutneys for a delightful experience.

    60 minindianSee the recipe →
  7. 07

    Chana Masala

    Chana Masala — illustrative photo, not this recipe

    This hearty and fragrant chickpea dish is a staple in Indian cuisine, offering a rich blend of spices that create a warm, comforting flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it’s both nutritious and filling.

    30 minindianSee the recipe →
  8. 08

    Aloo Gobi

    Aloo Gobi

    Combining potatoes and cauliflower, Aloo Gobi is a fragrant vegetarian dish that’s simple yet satisfying. Its bright yellow color and spices make it both appealing and delicious.

    30 minindianSee the recipe →
  9. 09

    Chana Masala

    Chana Masala — illustrative photo, not this recipe

    A hearty and spicy chickpea curry that's packed with flavor. Loved for its simplicity and versatility, Chana Masala is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

    40 minindianSee the recipe →
  10. 10

    Aloo Gobi

    Aloo Gobi

    A comforting mix of potatoes and cauliflower seasoned with turmeric and cumin. Aloo Gobi is a classic vegetarian curry that's quick to prepare and incredibly delicious.

    35 minindianSee the recipe →
  11. 11

    Paneer Tikka

    Paneer Tikka

    A fantastic vegetarian appetizer with marinated paneer cubes grilled to perfection. This dish is packed with spices and is always a hit at gatherings.

    35 minindianSee the recipe →
  12. 12

    Idli

    Idli — illustrative photo, not this recipe

    Soft and fluffy steamed rice cakes that are a staple breakfast item in South India. Idli is loved for its lightness and often served with chutney and sambar.

    42 minindianSee the recipe →