The holy month of Ramadan is here. Apart from India, since many of the readers of my blog are from the Middle East, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and are vegetarian or vegan too, I am sharing this special collection of vegan and vegetarian Ramadan recipes (mostly Indian) for Iftar. This list has Iftar recipes, particularly Iftar snacks as well as Iftar food in general, that are not just delicious but easy to prepare and a perfect fit for your Iftar parties at home.
About Ramadan
This holy month begins with Ramadan or Ramzan. It is said that the first verses of The Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad in 610 AD by an angel called Jibril during the month of Ramadan.
This was the holy night called ‘Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power).’ The legacy followed as the Prophet asked his followers to pass the month in prayers, fasting and other austerities as a mark of respect to Allah.
I get a lot of mails from my Muslim friends from India and abroad who observe Ramadan and are looking for recipes that are simple and are fancy at the same time. So, this collection of Ramadan recipes for Iftar is just that.
Primarily, it has great options in Indian cuisine, but also features some from Arabic and others from Middle Eastern cuisine as well.
Ramadan Trivia
- ‘Ramadan’ literally translates to ‘dryness’ or ‘scorching’ in Arabic. It is considered as the most pious month to attend Hajj.
- The most important and mandatory prayer is the one after iftar in the evening.
- 5 pillars of Islam – Sawm (fasting), Hajj (visiting Mecca at least once in lifetime), Zakat (charity), Salat (everyday prayer ritual, 5 times a day), Shahada (declaring belief in one God).
- The typical way to break the daily fast – 3 dates, water and ‘maghrib,’ the prayer. A buffet spread with typical Iftar snacks follows.
- A pinch of salt is used as an alternative to dates for breaking the fast.
- During the last 7 to 10 days of Ramadan, people, essentially men, stay in the mosque and carry out the rituals – praying, reading the Quran, etc. The food required to break the fast is brought from homes and shared between them.
- A fasting can be as long as of 22 hours! Typical in Polar Regions.
Ramadan Myths and Facts
Since Ramadan is considered as one of those festivals that involves rigorous fasting and discipline attached to the religion, many people have a misunderstanding about various aspects of this ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Here’s debunking some of those:
Myth: The Ramadan date is constant every year.
Fact: The Islamic solar calendar follows the phases of the moon. Hence, a different date every year based on the first crescent moon.
Myth: Complete fasting for 30 days.
Fact: Sawm (fasting) is only meant for day time, with suhoor (eating before sun rise) and iftar (eating after sun set).
Myth: Fasting is mandatory for all.
Fact: Except elders, children, pregnant women, diabetics and others with special medical needs.
Observing Ramadan
I have categorized this list into a complete Iftar food menu as well for suhoor. Take your pick and plan your meals accordingly.
Iftar food menu changes according to the region as well as country. Typically in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh there are some snacks recipes which are quite popular like samosa, pakoda, kabab, tikka.
The snacks collection below has excellent recipes of these popular snacks. Most of my recipes are with step by step photo guide. So it is easy to follow and make them.
Many of the snacks are easy to prepare and won’t take much of your time. The deep fried snacks can be easily baked or you can use an air fryer to cut down on the fat and calories.
Make sure to pair the most apt combination according to your health requirements as well and eat nutritious, wholesome food during the fasting period. Keep yourself hydrated and consume lots of Fruit Juices and fresh fruits too.
Here’s wishing Ramadan Kareem to all my Muslim friends and readers!
Iftar Recipes
Beverages
Watermelon Juice Recipe (3 Ways)
Refreshing, healthy and cooling Watermelon Juice to quench your thirst on a hot summery day. Learn to make three different versions of this healthy, all natural drink recipe.
Mango Lassi Recipe
Mango Lassi, an all time Indian favorite summer drink is a creamy, thick, refreshing and delicious variation of lassi. Make this easy Mango Lassi recipe in less than 15 minutes with ripe mangoes, yogurt and your choice of flavorings – cardamom, saffron or rose water.
Nimbu Pani Recipe | Shikanji (Indian Lemonade)
Nimbu Pani and Shikanji are the Indian versions of lemonade or limeade made with fresh lemon juice, water, sugar, salt and optionally a few ground spices.
Lassi Recipe
Lassi is a cooling, refreshing, probiotic drink perfect for the warm summer months made essentially with curd or yogurt, fragrant spices and sugar or salt. Popular in Punjab and North India, there are many variations of this sweet lassi recipe. Find three easy, energizing and flavorful lassi recipe variations.
Chaas Recipe (Mattha Recipe)
The classic Chaas (Chaach/Mattha) also known as the Indian version of buttermilk is a refreshingly cooling summer drink made with creamy yogurt and seasonings. It is an excellent body cooler, digestive and appetizer. Find two easy chaas recipes – Masala Chaas and Pudina Chaas.
Blueberry Smoothie
This easy Blueberry smoothie recipe makes refreshingly delicious and wonderfully healthy blueberry smoothies in only a few minutes. Follow my simple instructions with step-by-step photos to blend together a vitamins and minerals-packed smoothie with blueberries any time you want a tasty burst of nutrients.
Apple Smoothie Recipe
This Apple Smoothie recipe is a delicious and healthy smoothie made with only three ingredients – apples, coconut milk and ground cinnamon.
Mango Smoothie Recipe (5 Ways)
Bright and refreshing mango smoothies are easy to make as a healthy breakfast or sweet snack. Here I share with you 5 unique mango smoothie recipes. There are versions with yogurt, oats, additional fresh fruits, and even almonds – give them all a try and discover your favorite and healthy mango smoothie recipe.
Strawberry Milkshake Recipe (Classic & Plant Based)
A sweet and refreshing strawberry shake is the perfect drink for summer. Here I share with you two different but equally delicious ways to make my favorite strawberry milkshake recipe – a classic shake prepared with milk, and a plant-based vegan version made with almond milk.
Indian Ginger Tea Recipe (Adrak Chai)
This Indian style Ginger Tea or Adrak Wali Chai is a warming, spiced and fragrant Indian tea made with fresh ginger roots, crushed cardamom, sugar and milk (optional).
Iced Tea Recipe | Lemon Iced Tea
Refreshing Lemon Iced Tea made with lemon juice and black tea is the perfect drink for summer. It's wonderfully easy to prepare this Ice Tea Recipe and can be made in just about 10 minutes (without the cooling and refrigerating time).
Green Tea Recipe
Learn to brew green tea perfectly for a refreshing and rejuvenating drink. Green tea is a bright tea that has a wonderfully light, earthy flavor.
Kashmiri Kahwa Recipe | Kahwa Tea
Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea made with cinnamon, cardamom, saffron and green tea leaves. Kashmiri Kahwa is fragrant, delicately spiced, light green tea.
Pineapple Juice Recipe
This pineapple juice is a refreshing juice made from fresh pineapple and flavored with black salt and roasted cumin powder.
Apple Juice Recipe (2 Flavor Variations)
If you love the idea of making your own homemade juices but don’t have a juicer, this is a post for you! Here I’ll show you how to make healthy apple juice in a blender. As an added bonus, I’ve included two easy recipes – simple, everyday classic apple juice and a vibrant, tangy pomegranate apple juice.
Strawberry Milk Recipe
This delicious Korean style Strawberry Milk is sweet, refreshing and can be made with fresh or frozen strawberries. If you have been searching for a drink that is pretty in pink, look no further.
Accompaniments and Snacks
Pineapple Raita
This Pineapple Raita recipe is sweet, sour, salty, refreshing and made with curd (yogurt), pineapple, herbs, spices and pomegranate. A delightful addition to any plate!
Fruit Chaat (Delhi Style)
This Delhi style tasty fruit chaat is spiced, savory, sweet and tangy. Fruit chaat is made of a mix of fresh seasonal fruits and tubers like potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Cucumber Raita
Cucumber raita is a popular savory raita dip made with cucumber and curd (yogurt). This simple, refreshing, cooling cucumber raita recipe comes together in 5 minutes.
Cilantro Mint Chutney
This cilantro mint chutney is an easy versatile chutney recipe made with four ingredients namely fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chillies and ginger.
Muhammara Recipe (Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Dip)
This Muhammara Recipe is creamy, smoky, spicy-sweet, tangy and delish. This Middle Eastern inspired roasted red bell pepper dip is delightful as a dip or a spread with many snacks.
Date-Tamarind Chutney
Date-Tamarind Chutney recipe for chaat snacks. Thus sweet tangy gooey chutney made with tamarind, dates and jaggery goes well with Indian chaat snacks.
Kala Chana Chaat
Kala Chana Chaat is a tangy and tasty snack made from black chickpeas. This recipe is supremely easy to make. Just prep up the ingredients and mix everything together in a bowl.
Fruit Raita
Fruit raita is sweet raita variant made with fresh yogurt, mixed fruits and a few ground spices. Since it is sweet, it can be relished as a dessert as well.
Hummus Recipe
Hummus is a creamy dip or spread made from white chickpeas.
Pesto Recipe | Basil Pesto Sauce
A simple, easy Pesto Recipe made with fresh basil leaves, almonds and garlic in extra virgin olive oil. Made with just 5 simple ingredients in less than 10 minutes, this Pesto Sauce without cheese is the fastest, easiest way to add flavor to any meal.
boondi raita
This spiced Boondi raita is a flavorful North Indian raita variety made with curd, boondi (crisp fried gram flour balls), herbs and spices.
Starters and More Snacks
Paneer Tikka Recipe (Tandoori Paneer Starter Snack)
This Restaurant Style Paneer Tikka is a popular and delicious tandoori starter and snack where paneer (Indian cottage cheese cubes) are marinated in a spiced yogurt-based marinade, arranged on skewers and grilled in the oven.
Burger Recipe | Veggie Burger
This Burger Recipe covers everything needed to make delightful veggie burgers from scratch, including how to prepare delicious homemade vegetable patties, a spiced mayonnaise dressing with fresh veggie toppings.
Chilli Cheese Toast
Chilli Cheese Toast is a tasty cheese toast that is spiced with green chilli peppers, ginger and seasonings. An easy breakfast or snack to prepare and serve.
Mumbai Masala Sandwich | Bombay Masala Toast Sandwich
Masala Sandwich is a tasty and crispy toasted sandwiches spiced with cilantro chutney, stuffed with a savory mashed potato filling and topped with mix veggies and then grilled or toasted. These spiced and filling masala toast sandwiches are a popular street food snack from Mumbai.
Veg Sandwich Recipe | Bombay Vegetable Sandwich
This Veg Sandwich Recipe is a popular Mumbai street food of flavorful and tasty sandwiches made with mix vegetables like beetroot, potato, tomato, onion and cucumber paired with butter, green chutney and a few ground spice powders. Also famous as the Bombay Sandwich, this is a sweet, salty, spicy and savory recipe filled with a flavor that will leave you wanting for more!
Cheese Sandwich (Grilled & On Skillet)
There’s nothing more simple to make and satisfying to enjoy than a warm, crisp and gooey cheese sandwich. Here I share two ways to prepare an easy grilled cheese sandwich in less than 20 minutes. Try your preferred recipe for a quick and yummy breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.
Veg Coleslaw Sandwich
Creamy, crunchy, quick, easy, and (mostly) raw coleslaw sandwich made with a stuffing og mix vegetables, seasonings and eggless mayo.
Palak Pakoda (Indian Spinach Fritters)
Easy Palak Pakoda recipe are a quick savory snack made with finely chopped spinach leaves mixed in seasoned gram flour batter and deep fried.
Mirchi Bajji Recipe | Chilli Bajji | Mirapakaya Bajji
Tangy, spiced, crunchy and tasty stuffed Mirchi Bajji. These delicious Chilli Bajji are also known as Mirapakaya Bajji in Andhra and is a well known street food there.
Bread Pakora | Stuffed Punjabi Bread Pakora
Bread pakora is a popular North Indian snack of bread fritters. Bread slices are stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes filling, batter-coated and then deep-fried.
Falafel Recipe (Crispy Middle Eastern Style)
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern deep fried snack made with chickpeas or fava beans, spices and herbs. Here I share an authentic middle eastern recipe for preparing the best traditional Chickpea Falafel that is crispy, crunchy and can be eaten as is or served with sauces, dips, or enjoyed in pitas, wraps.
Indian Grilled Sandwich Recipe (With Veggies)
This Grilled Sandwich Recipe which also happens to be an Indian street food favorite is filled with spiced cilantro chutney and delicious vegetables, then grilled to perfection. If you’re in the market for a new veggie laden sandwich, try my authentic Indian Veg Grilled Sandwich recipe today!
Ragda Patties Recipe | Ragda Pattice (Mumbai Style)
Ragda Patties is a popular Bombay chaat recipe where potato patties are topped with ragda (dried peas curry) and the various chaat chutneys, sev and spice powders.
Pazham Pori | Banana Fritters
Pazham pori or ethakka appam is a popular street food snack from Kerala made with ripe bananas.
Paneer Roll Recipe | Paneer Kathi Roll | Paneer Wrap
One of the best paneer roll recipe with tasty paneer stuffing paired together with healthy veggie salad and bright green chutney.
Frankie Recipe (Veg Frankie)
This Veg frankie recipe is a delicious wrap made with thin wheat rotis stuffed with crisp aloo tikki, veggies and yogurt raita. It makes for a filling and tasty snack.
Onion Pakoda Recipe | Onion Pakora (Punjabi Style)
Onion Pakoda also called Onion Pakora is a deep fried snack made with plenty of thinly sliced onions, gram flour (besan), and a few spices. This recipe is a classic Punjabi style version which is flavorful, tasty, crispy and tastes best with a side of coriander chutney, mint chutney or ketchup.
Papdi Chaat Recipe | Papri Chaat (Street Style)
Papdi chaat is a popular North Indian street food snack filled with a variety of mouth-watering textures, flavors and consists of papdi (fried flour crackers), boiled chickpeas, potatoes, chutneys and curd (yogurt.
Sev Puri
Sev puri recipe is a canapé like snack -where crispy fried flour discs are topped with flavorful condiments, veggies, herbs, ground spices and more. Spicy, sweet, tangy, savory, crunchy, crispy flavors – all bursting in your mouth in each bite. Learn to make this mouthwatering snack with my authentic Mumbai style recipe.
Dahi Puri Recipe
Dahi puri also known as dahi batata puri is a delicious, yummy, chatpata chaat snack from Mumbai. It is sweet, sour, tangy, spicy and crispy chaat.
Bread Pizza (Easy 15 Minutes)
This bread pizza made on the griddle is a quick, easy and tasty bread snack. The bread base mimics the pizza base with veggie toppings.
Samosa Recipe | How to make Punjabi Samosa
A Samosa recipe that is your popular and classic Punjabi Samosa (or Aloo Samosa) with a super flaky, crispy crust and a savory, tangy potato and green peas filling. You can also choose to air-fry or bake these samosa instead of deep frying.
Chana Chaat
Chole chaat or chana chaat is a tasty, tangy and easy chaat snack made from white chickpeas or chana, spice powders, onions, tomatoes, potatoes and lemon. You can also use canned chickpeas to make this chatpata chana chaat.
Paneer Bread Roll
Paneer Bread Roll is a quick snack of a savory, spiced paneer stuffing filled in bread slices and made into rolls which are then baked. This recipe is made without onions and garlic.
Pav Bhaji Recipe (Traditional & Instant Pot Methods)
Pav Bhaji is a hearty, delightsome, flavorful meal of mashed vegetable gravy with fluffy soft buttery dinner rolls served with a side of crunchy piquant onions, tangy lemon and herby coriander. You will love this pav bhaji recipe for its Mumbai style flavors. I share the traditional method of making Mumbai street style Pav Bhaji recipe and a quick Instant Pot recipe.
Aloo Tikki Chole
Aloo Tikki Chole are crispy, savory spiced potato patties served with a spicy North Indian chickpea curry topped with some spicy and sweet chutneys, onions and sev.
Dahi Vada Recipe (Authentic Recipe)
Fluffy, tender, tangy and sweet Dahi Vada are a combination of all your favorite flavors and textures in one tasty snack. Dahi Vada consist of homemade fried lentil dumpling fritters, dunked in creamy whipped yogurt and topped with both spicy and sweet chutneys.
Mysore Bonda Recipe | Mysore Bajji
Mysore Bonda also known as Mysore Bajji is a popular South Indian snack made with lentils, fresh herbs and vibrant spices. The ingredients are combined to create a thick batter, and are then deep fried to make crisp, soft and fluffy fritters.
Dal Vada | Masala Vada | Parippu Vada
Dal Vada also known as Parippu Vada or Chana Dal Vada or Masala Vada are savory, spiced, crunchy fritters that are a popular street food in South India. Gluten-free and vegan.
Aloo Tikki Recipe (Indian Potato Patties)
Aloo Tikki is a popular North Indian street food snack of savory, spiced and crispy potato patties. A basic Aloo Tikki Recipe is made with potatoes, spices, herbs, breadcrumbs or a binding flour and can be stuffed with a filling of mashed cooked green peas or cooked chana dal or paneer.
Paneer Amritsari Recipe
The vegetarian version of the famous Amritsari Fish Tikka is Paneer Amritsari where paneer cubes are marinated in a spiced, tangy, gram flour mixture, together with spices, herbs and golden fried. Extra firm tofu can be used as a substitute for paneer.
Mushroom Tikka Recipe
This recipe of Mushroom Tikka or Tandoori Mushroom has tender, succulent mushrooms that are marinated and later baked or grilled. Instead of baking, the marinated mushrooms can also be pan fried or shallow fried.
Easy Hara Bhara Kabab Recipe (Pan-fried & Baked Kabab)
Hara bhara kabab is made with fresh spinach leaves, green peas and potatoes. So they are nutritious as well as delicious. Hara bhara kebab makes for a good Indian starter or snack. This green kabab can also be stuffed in burger buns or sandwiches can be made from them.
Aloo Tikki Burger (Potato Burger)
Aloo tikki burger recipe where crisp golden potato patties are sandwiched in burger buns and then topped with fresh raw veggies and spiced with chutneys. Good to look at and good to eat too.
Veg Cutlet Recipe | Mix Vegetable Cutlet
Vegetable Cutlet are crisp, savory, tender patties made with a mix of hearty veggies, savory spices, fresh herbs and crispy breadcrumbs. Cutlet is a popular snack in Indian cuisine.
Pizza Recipe | Homemade Vegetarian Pizza
Treat yourself to the best homemade Pizza recipe that’s completely customizable to your tastes. Plan your next pizza party using my foolproof recipe for making perfect Veg Pizza from scratch every time!
Main Course
Dal Makhani Recipe (Authentic Punjabi Style)
This Dal Makhani recipe is a restaurant style version with subtle smoky flavors and creaminess of the lentils. Dal Makhani is one of the most popular lentil recipes from the North Indian cuisine made with whole urad dal (black gram) and kidney beans.
Rajma Recipe | Rajma Masala (Restaurant Style)
This Rajma recipe is a creamy, tangy and spiced curry made with dried kidney beans. This restaurant style Rajma Masala is made in a base of sautéed onions, tomatoes, spices and cream making it truly delicious. Best served with steamed hot rice, naan or soft roti or flaky paratha.
Chole Recipe | Authentic Punjabi Chole Masala
One of the best Chole Recipe that you can make. This Punjabi Chole Masala is made with freshly powdered spices, onions, tomatoes, herbs making the curry taste like the ones you get on the streets of Delhi.
Kala Chana Recipe
This one-pot Kala Chana recipe is a delicious dish that is sure to impress the whole family on even the busiest of weeknights. With just 30 minutes of active time, this easy traditional Punjabi dish of black chickpeas curry will be on the table and ready for a fuss-free dinner.
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe (Restaurant Style)
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe is one of India’s most popular paneer preparation. This restaurant style recipe with soft paneer cubes dunked in a creamy, lightly spiced tomato sauce or gravy is a best one that I have been making for a long time. This rich dish is best served with roti or chapati, paratha, naan or rumali roti.
Kali Dal | Punjabi Black Dal (Maa Ki Dal)
Black gram dal or kali dal or maa ki dal is a popular and delicious Punjabi lentil dish made with sabut urad dal, onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices.
Whole Masoor Dal | Brown Lentils (Sabut Masoor Dal)
This recipe of Whole Masoor Dal or Brown Lentils is a spicy and tasty North Indian style lentil preparation made with whole brown lentils, onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices.
Bharwa Bhindi
Bharwa bhindi or stuffed bhindi is a lightly spiced, tasty recipe where okra is stuffed with spice powders and then slow-cooked. These succulently cooked okra tastes too good as a side with roti, paratha, naan or dal-rice. This bharwa bhindi is also made without onion and garlic and a vegan recipe .
Malai Kofta Recipe (Restaurant Style Paneer Kofta)
Malai Kofta is a delicious recipe of fried balls of potato and paneer in a rich, lightly sweet, creamy mild gravy made with onions, tomatoes, cashews and spices. This melt-in-your-mouth recipe is a labor of love, but one that is well worth it.
Methi Matar Malai | Creamy Methi Malai Matar
Methi Matar Malai is a rich and delicious North Indian curry made with fenugreek leaves, green peas and cream. Smooth and creamy this recipe is a surefire winner with kids and adults alike.
Kadai Paneer Recipe (Restaurant Style)
Kadai Paneer is a tangy, deeply spiced paneer dish that is perfect for enjoying all year round. Made with Indian pantry staples like onions, tomatoes, capsicum (green bell peppers) and Indian spices, this bright dish comes together in 30 minutes.
Pindi Chole | Pindi Chana
Pindi chana is a delicious and super easy chickpea dish made in Punjabi style with chole masala powder. It is made without onions and tomatoes and thus a dry dish.
Instant Pot Chana Masala
An easy and lightly spiced version of chana masala made in the Instant Pot. The recipe does not need the special chana masala spice blend.
Chana Pulao (Indian Chickpea Rice)
Chana pulao is a one-pot spiced, fragrant and delish chickpea rice dish made with fragrant basmati rice, melt in the mouth white chickpeas (garbanzo beans or kabuli chana), sharp onions, tangy tomatoes, healthy herbs and bold spices.
Peas Pulao or Matar Pulao (Easy Cooking, Great Taste)
Peas pulao also known as matar pulao is a tasty rice and green peas dish made with caramelized onions and aromatic spices. It can be prepared entirely in a stove-top pressure cooker or in a pan or in the Instant pot. I share all three ways to make this delish peas pulao.
Veg Pulao Recipe (Mix Vegetable Pulav)
Trying to get more vegetables in your diet? Try this vegetarian one pot meal of Pulao or Pulav made with basmati rice, mixed veggies, spices and herbs. Use the vegetables that you like most, like peas, potatoes, and green beans. Make this simple Veg Pulao recipe that packs a punch of flavor!
Kashmiri Pulao
Kashmiri pulao is a delicious variant of rice pulao from Kashmiri cuisine made with nuts, dried fruits, saffron and fresh fruits. It is aromatic, mild and faintly sweet in taste.
Lobia Recipe | Lobia Masala (Punjabi Recipe)
Flavorful and tasty Lobia recipe is a spiced, tangy curry made with black eyed beans onions, tomatoes, spices and herbs. This delish lobia masala comes together quickly and is simple to make.
Restaurant Style Dal Tadka Recipe
This restaurant style Dal Tadka recipe is of a smooth and creamy dal made with pigeon pea lentils (tur dal), onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices having a smoky charcoal flavor. Best served with steamed basmati rice or relished with roti or naan.
Missi Roti
Missi Roti are savory and nutty flavored flatbreads made with a mix of whole wheat flour, gram flour and spices. Missi roti is a North Indian specialty and is often made in various homes for breakfast or lunch.
Paneer Korma Recipe | Mughlai Style Paneer Kurma
Creamy, rich and delicately flavored delicious paneer korma made in a gravy base of blanched almonds, onions, yogurt and spices. The exotic flavors of this paneer curry is best savored with naan or tandoori roti.
Bhatura Recipe (Naturally Fermented Bhature)
Bhatura or Bhature is a thick leavened fried Indian bread made with yeast or without yeast. These soft and fluffy no yeast bhatura are made with whole wheat flour (atta) and curd (dahi).
Dal Bukhara Recipe
Dal Bukhara is a rich, creamy slow-cooked whole black gram (urad dal) recipe with with tomato puree, butter and cream. This recipe was made famous by ITC Maurya Hotel in Delhi.
Roti Recipe | Chapati Recipe | Phulka Recipe (3 Ways)
Roti or Phulka or Chapati is an everyday staple Indian flatbread that is made in nearly every part of India. This roti or chapati recipe of an unleavened flatbread is made with basic ingredients – whole wheat flour, ghee, salt and water.
Poori Recipe | Crispy, Fluffy, Soft Puri
Poori or Puri is a traditional Indian fried unleavened bread made with only whole wheat flour, salt, and water. Make crispy, fluffy, and soft poori to enjoy with your favorite meals.
Naan Recipe | Easy No Yeast Soft Naan Bread
Easy naan bread recipe without yeast on tawa or stovetop – soft, chewy and delicious naan bread made on stove-top and on a griddle.
Veg Dum Biryani | Hyderabadi Vegetable Dum Biryani
This Veg Dum Biryani recipe is an authentic Indian dish packed full of your favorite rice, veggies, and spices. Made with patience and lots of love, this delicious veg dum biryani recipe requires both care and attention to detail. The savory flavors in your first bite are well worth the time and effort spent in the kitchen.
Mushroom Biryani (2 Ways)
Mushroom biryani is the classic vegetarian version of biryani with meaty mushrooms, tender fluffy rice and flavorful spices. I share two delectable mushroom biryani recipes from the South Indian cuisine. These recipes requires only one pot and are made in less than forty five minutes!
Yakhni Pulao
This Yakhni Pulao is a delicious vegetarian version of rice based pilaf featuring basmati rice, vegetable stock, mixed veggies, spices and herbs from the Hyderabadi cuisine.
Coconut Milk Rice (Thengai Paal Sadam)
Coconut Milk Rice (also called Thengai Paal Sadam in Tamil) is a mild, fragrant rice based dish made with coconut milk, onions, herbs, spices and mixed vegetables. What’s best is the fact that it’s not just vegetarian, but a vegan-friendly recipe too.
Saffron Rice | Yellow Rice (Indian Style)
Saffron Rice or Yellow Rice is a deeply aromatic and flavorful side dish that pairs well with nearly any curry or lentil dish. The taste is slightly earthy and spiced, but not spicy or overly bold.
Chana Biryani
Chana biryani is an aromatic, spiced and delicious dum cooked and layered biryani made with white chickpeas, basmati rice, coconut milk, onion, tomatoes, herbs and spices.
Ambur Biryani | Ambur Star Biryani
Ambur star biryani with mushrooms – a vegetarian version of the famous biryani from Ambur.
Navratan Korma (Delicious and Rich Curry)
Navratan korma is made with 9 ingredients and consists of plenty of nuts, dry fruits, assorted vegetables, fruits, cream, a lot of spices and a few herbs.
Shahi Paneer Recipe (With White Gravy)
This Shahi Paneer is deliciously rich and creamy, making it one of the most popular recipes in the Indian cuisine. Fresh un-melting soft paneer in a pool of flavorful, nutty, mildly spiced, white gravy, perfect for serving with naan or roti.
Shahi Bhindi
Shahi bhindi is a delicious recipe of okra in a rich creamy gravy. A good side dish with chapatis or parathas.
Kaju Curry | Kaju Masala
Kaju curry is a restaurant style delicious recipe of a creamy kaju butter masala with a rich, tangy, sweet flavorful gravy made with cashews, tomatoes, cream and spices
Chana Paneer | Chole Paneer
Chole Paneer is a spicy, delicious curry of white chickpeas and paneer from the Punjabi cuisine. This chole paneer recipe is made with onions, tomatoes, spices and herbs tastes best with roti, naan or paratha.
Khichdi Recipe | Easy Moong Dal Khichdi
Khichdi recipe is a delicious one pot meal of rice and moong lentils. Moong Dal Khichdi is light and easy to digest healthy food. Stove-top pressure cooker, Instant Pot and Stove-top Pan instructions are included in the recipe card.
Chana Dal Recipe (Punjabi Style)
This Chana Dal is Punjabi style recipe of bengal gram lentils or hulled and spilt black chickpeas tempered and flavored with onions, tomatoes, herbs, spices and seasonings. Best served with Indian flatbreads like roti, phulka, paratha. This dal curry also pairs well with steamed rice.
Matar Paneer Recipe | Punjabi Mutter Paneer
Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian curried dish featuring green peas and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a masala base of onions, tomatoes, cashews, spices and herbs. I’m sharing our family recipe of a flavorful and simple home-style Mutter Paneer. I have also shared making Matar Paneer in the Instant Pot and in a pan or pot on the stovetop.
Malabar Biryani | Kerala Thalassery Biryani (Veg)
This Malabar Biryani is a mild and delicately spiced vegetable biryani made with a bevy of fresh veggies, spices, herbs, onions, cashews, raisins and coconut milk. Best served with side of raita and some papadam.
Tawa Paneer
Tawa paneer is a semi dry curry with capsicum/bell pepper, onions, tomatoes and paneer cubes cooked on tawa or a griddle. A popular paneer dish served in restaurants.
Peshawari Chole
Spicy and tasty curry made with white chickpeas in Peshawari style.
Palak Paneer Recipe (Spinach Sauce With Paneer Cubes)
Palak Paneer that is delicious, smooth and creamy. This easy palak paneer recipe is made with fresh spinach leaves, paneer, onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices. This is one of the most popular North Indian dish.
Kadala Curry | Kadala Kari
Kadala Curry (a.k.a. Kadala Kari) is a delicious and flavorful curry made with black chickpeas, fresh coconut, onions, herbs and a bevy of warming spices. A unique and special curry from the Kerala cuisine.
Lucknowi Biryani
This is an aromatic, light, mild and a subtle flavored Awadhi biryani made with mix vegetables.
Aloo Matar Recipe | Punjabi Aloo Mutter
This Aloo Matar (also spelled Aloo Mutter) is a simple, delicious, comforting curry recipe of potato and green peas in an onion, tomato, spice laden gravy base. It makes for a healthy and comforting meal when paired with Indian breads or steamed rice.
Paneer Lababdar (Restaurant Style Recipe)
Paneer Lababdar is an easy-to-prepare, restaurant-style curry of paneer (cottage cheese cubes) in a creamy, mildly tangy and faintly sweet gravy. This vegetarian Paneer Lababdar recipe is also naturally gluten-free.
Moong Dal Recipe (Wholesome & Nutritious)
Moong Dal recipe is a delicious, healthy and protein rich dish made from hulled and split mung beans or yellow moong dal. Here I share two different recipes that include these tasty lentils – Moong Dal Tadka and Moong Dal Fry.
Kadai Mushroom
Kadai mushroom is a delicious dish of sautéed button mushrooms, onions and bell peppers in a semi-dry gravy of spiced and tangy tomato sauce.
Aloo Gobi (2 Ways)
Aloo gobi is a comforting, delicious North Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. Here I share two unique but equally tasty aloo gobi recipes: A creamy restaurant style version, and a simple home style dry variation.
Paneer Makhani Recipe (Easy & Tasty)
Paneer Makhani is succulently cooked cottage cheese cubes in a smooth sauce of tomatoes and cream, which is lightly spiced with a hint of tang and sweetness.
Kadhi Recipe (Punjabi Kadhi Pakora)
Kadhi is a popular North Indian dish of onion fritters dunked in a spiced yogurt sauce. Also known as Kadhi Pakora this dish is best relished with steamed rice.
Veg Makhanwala
Vegetable makhanwala is a creamy and rich tomato based gravy made with mix vegetables.
Paneer Bhurji Recipe (Punjabi Style)
In Hindi, the word ‘Bhurji’ means scrambled so this dish is basically scrambled paneer or cottage cheese. A perfectly savory, tangy, spiced mixture made of onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, green chillies (hot peppers) and various spices is then used to mix with the scrambled paneer. This Paneer Bhurji Recipe is Punjabi Style and way it is made in my home.
Veg Kurma (Hotel Style)
Absolutely flavorsome and delish is this Vegetable Kurma – a warming, spiced and complexly flavored curry from the Indian Cuisine made with nuts, seeds, spices and mix vegetables.
Tomato Pulao
Tomato pulao is a one pot delicious tangy spicy pilaf made with rice, tomatoes, mix veggies, herbs and spices.
Dal Bukhara Recipe
Dal Bukhara is a rich, creamy slow-cooked whole black gram (urad dal) recipe with with tomato puree, butter and cream. This recipe was made famous by ITC Maurya Hotel in Delhi.
Chilli Paneer Recipe (Restaurant Style Semi Dry Gravy)
Chilli Paneer is one of the popular recipe from the Indian Chinese made with batter coated, crispy fried paneer cubes tossed in a spicy, salty, tangy and sweet sauce made with green bell peppers, garlic, ginger, green chillies and seasonings. This Chilli Paneer recipe has a restaurant style taste and flavor with a semi dry gravy consistency.
Gobi Manchurian Dry
Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo Chinese starter or snack of batter coated and pan fried crispy cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy, umami, savory, sauce made with alliums, herbs, spices, soy sauce and tomato ketchup.
Manchurian Gravy | Veg Manchurian Gravy
Manchurian Gravy is a tasty Indo Chinese preparation of crispy, fried mixed vegetable balls dunked in a spicy, sweet, umami and tangy sauce or gravy. This Veg Manchurian Gravy pairs equally good with a simple noodle dish or even a flavorful fried rice or just a plain simple steamed rice.
Chilli Gobi (Cauliflower Chilli)
Chilli gobi is a popular starter or snack recipe from the indo Chinese cuisine. A fusion dish, chilli gobi is crispy, spicy, slightly sweet and sour tasting. The cauliflower florets are batter coated, deep fried and then mixed with stir-fried spring onions (scallions), capsicum (green bell pepper), sauces, salt and pepper.
Schezwan Fried Rice | Schezwan Rice
Schezwan fried rice is a zesty, hearty vegetarian stir-fry dish that features a bold and spicy homemade schezwan sauce. Loaded with vegetables, this easy recipe is simple to make from scratch using wholesome ingredients.
Veg Fried Rice Recipe | Vegetable Fried Rice
This classic Chinese style Veg Fried Rice recipe is loaded with fresh mixed vegetables, aromatics, fragrant spices and seasonings for an incredibly hearty, flavorful and vegan vegetable fried rice.
Sweets and Desserts
Sheer Khurma Recipe
Sheer khurma is a rich creamy pudding made with vermicelli, milk, dates, nuts, dry fruits, sugar and ghee. 'Sheer' means milk and 'khurma' refers to dates in Persian language.
Shahi Tukda Recipe | Traditional Shahi Tukra Sweet
Shahi Tukda is a rich, royal, indulgent and popular dessert from the Mughlai Cuisine. It is made of ghee fried bread slices that are soaked in rose & cardamom scented sugar syrup that are topped with fragrant, creamy, sweetened, thickened milk (a.k.a rabdi) that is flavored with exotic saffron. It is garnished with nuts like almonds, pistachios, cashews and sometimes even edible silver leaf (varak).
Meethi Seviyan Recipe (Sweet Vermicelli)
Meethi Seviyan recipe is a unique sweet dish made with whole wheat vermicelli, ghee, milk, sugar, nuts and raisins. It is a dry variation, which is also popular as a traditional sweet. You can enhance its richness by adding more nuts and dry fruits.
Malpua Recipe (Classic Homemade Sweet)
Malpua is a traditional and popular Indian sweet of pan fried or shallow fried flour pancakes dipped in sugar syrup and served with rabdi or sweetened thickened milk. These crispy and fluffy pancakes are made with all-purpose flour, curd (yogurt), spices, khoya (dried milk solids) and topped with nuts.
Phirni Recipe | Firni
Phirni is a classic creamy slow-cooked sweet pudding made with ground rice, sugar, milk, almonds, saffron and cardamom powder. It is a popular North Indian sweet made during festive occasions.
Kheer Recipe | Rice Kheer
Rice Kheer is a popular Indian sweet dessert made with basmati rice, whole milk, nuts and saffron. Kheer recipe is easy and is made with a one pan or one pot method. Rice Kheer is basically Indian rice pudding and makes for a creamy delicious sweet dessert.
Easy Dry Fruits Laddu Recipe
Easy Dry fruits laddu recipe without any added sugar or fats like ghee or oil. Packed with nutrients, good fats and fibre, these energy balls are made with dates, figs and various nuts. Dry fruit laddu recipe gets done quickly and comes together under 20 minutes.
Rabdi Recipe | Rabri Recipe
Rabdi or rabri is a classic, traditional Indian sweet of thickened sweetened milk filled with layers of clotted cream (malai). It is also known as lachha rabdi in Hindi language.
Seviyan Kheer | Vermicelli Kheer
This creamy seviyan kheer is a North Indian sweet made with wheat vermicelli, milk, sugar, dry fruits and flavored with spices. This incredibly easy recipe of semiya kheer comes together in 20 minutes and makes for an excellent dessert or sweet.
Suji ka Halwa Recipe (Sheera Recipe)
Suji ka halwa or Sheera is a classic Indian semolina pudding made with sugar, ghee and dry fruits. The recipe I have shared is a family heirloom recipe. We have been making this suji halwa recipe for decades during family get togethers, special occasions & festivals. The sooji halwa recipe can be easily halved, doubled or tripled.
Atta Laddu | Wheat Ladoo
These wheat ladoo make for a good sweet snack for kids as well as for the whole family. Easy and quick to prepare delicious ladoo made with whole wheat flour, sugar and ghee.
Gulab Jamun Recipe
Delicious Gulab Jamun Recipe made with khoya or mawa (milk solids,) paneer and sugar in the traditional way. Gulab Jamun is a popular Indian sweet and this recipe is the classic traditional method of making these treats.
Aamras Recipe
Aamras is a popular and traditional mango delicacy from the Western Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Enjoy it as it is or with poori (Indian fried bread).
Apple Halwa
Apple halwa recipe made with apples, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Apple halwa is a delicious halwa that is easy to make. This apple halwa does not use sooji (rava), milk, khoya or milk powder. Just apples, sugar (optional) and ghee. Flavorings and nuts of your choice can be added to the halwa.
Mysore Pak Recipe
Mysore pak is a popular and super delicious Indian sweet from the city of Mysore in the Karnataka state in South India. Mysore pak is made with only three ingredients – gram flour, ghee and sugar. It is rich, luxurious and melt in the mouth sweet.
Badam Halwa Recipe | Rich South Indian Almond Halwa
Badam ka halwa is a rich, luxuruous and popular South Indian style delicious halwa made with blanched almonds, ghee and sugar. This recipe gives you one of best almond halwa that you can make.
Jalebi Recipe | Best Homemade Jalebi Recipe
Jalebi are funnel-cake style fried spirals that are doused in a sweet sugar syrup for a delightful treat. This homemade jalebi recipe makes for crispy, crunchy, syrupy, juicy jalebi and is traditional method.
malai kulfi
This is an easy and delicious kesar pista malai kulfi made without condensed milk or khoya (mawa).
Mango Ice Cream
Easy to prepare one bowl Mango Ice Cream made with condensed milk. This is a three ingredient recipe – mangoes, cream and sweetened condensed milk. No ice cream maker required.
Easy Besan ke Laddu Recipe
Besan Ladoo or Besan ke Laddu is a popular Indian sweet made during festivals. These are round sweet balls made with gram flour a.k.a besan, powdered sugar and clarified butter (ghee).
Moong Dal Halwa
Moong Dal Halwa is an addictive and delicious halwa variant made with mung lentils, milk, sugar and nuts. It is popular in Rajasthan and some North Indian states. This sweet is rich, heavy and usually served during festivities and celebrations.
Kulfi Recipe (Kulfi Ice Cream)
Denser and creamier than ice cream, Kulfi is a traditional Indian sweet that comes in myriad exotic flavors. This simple kulfi recipe is made with khoya, and only takes a few minutes to put together.
Mango Kulfi (Quick, No Cook Recipe)
Quick, easy and a cheat's version of making delicious Mango Kulfi with milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream and mangoes.
Suhoor Recipes
Aloo Paratha Recipe (Homemade Punjabi Style)
Punjabi aloo paratha is a popular Indian breakfast of unleavened whole wheat flatbread stuffed with a spiced potato stuffing. Learn to make these flavorful and tasty aloo paratha with my tried and tested family recipe.
Mooli Paratha
Punjabi mooli ka paratha is a popular whole wheat flatbread stuffed with spiced grated radish. Make these radish stuffed flatbreads for breakfast or lunch for a satisfying and filling meal.
Masala Rice
Masala Rice or spiced rice is a medium spicy dish made with leftover rice, onions, tomatoes, spices and herbs. Makes for a hearty meal with some raita or salad.
Aloo Puri Recipe
This Punjabi Aloo Puri recipe is a traditional dish of a spiced Potato Curry (Aloo Sabzi) served with Puri. Both the Aloo Curry and the Puri (Indian fry bread) served together makes for a filling and satisfying meal.
Gobi Paratha
Cauliflower paratha is unleavened whole wheat flatbread stuffed with a spiced grated cauliflower filling. Gobi paratha is often made for breakfast in Punjabi homes as well as served in restaurants and Punjabi dhabas.
Gajar Matar ki Sabji
This gajar matar sabzi is a delicious dish of dry sauted carrots and fresh green peas.
Paneer Paratha (Punjabi Style)
Paneer paratha is a popular North Indian flatbread made with whole wheat flour dough and stuffed with savory, spiced, grated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) stuffing. Paneer paratha is one of the most popular stuffed paratha varieties from Punjab and usually made for breakfast.
Veg Keeema Recipe
Vegetable Keema is an easy, delicious Indian recipe made with minced vegetables, spices and herbs. Keema or kheema is a Hindi word for 'mince.'
Bhindi Do Pyaza
Bhindi Do Pyaza is a North Indian dish made from Okra with double the amount of Onions. Try this Bhindi Do Pyaza recipe for a vegan and gluten-free side dish that you will like.
Whole Wheat Pita Bread (Oven & Stovetop)
This whole wheat pita bread is soft, moist, light and has their trademark pockets.
Gajar Matar ki Sabji
This gajar matar sabzi is a delicious dish of dry sauted carrots and fresh green peas.
Beans Recipe (Aloo Beans)
Aloo Beans Recipe is a spiced, flavorful, tangy and tasty Punjabi style dish made with french beans and potatoes. Super easy to make and quick, this beans recipe is made with minimum ingredients and yet tastes very good.
Onion Paratha
Onion Paratha are delicious whole wheat flatbreads stuffed with flavorful onions, spicy green chillies and savory spices. Also known as pyaz paratha, this tasty paratha variant is made in many Punjabi homes for breakfast. Make this delish paratha with my family recipe!
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats is a no-cook recipe method of quick-cooking oats or rolled oats soaked overnight in water, milk or yogurt. Later topped with fruits and dry fruits and then served.
Besan Chilla Recipe (Besan ka Cheela)
Besan Chilla or Besan ka Cheela is a savory Indian pancake recipe made with gram flour (besan), onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices. You can add your favorite grated vegetables to make these more nutritious, and serve as a quick breakfast, brunch, or even as a late-night snack.
Banana Milkshake Recipe | Wholesome Banana Shake
This banana milkshake recipe includes sweet bananas and coconut milk for a rich and creamy consistency that everyone (especially kids) will love. Plus we add a bit of vanilla and cinnamon for an extra delicious drink.
Avocado Toast (Easy, Simple and Healthy)
An easy, simple and flavorful Avocado toast recipe that makes for a quick, healthy, and satisfying breakfast or snack. Add a bit of flair and make vegan avocado toast with garlic bread for an extra flavorful version that's great to load up with your favorite savory toppings.
Avocado Sandwich | Guacamole Sandwich
Easy, filling, tasty and hearty avocado sandwich made with a guacamole filling of ripe avocado, onions, herbs and spices.
Potato Salad Recipe With Creamy Mayo Dressing
An easy American style classic Potato Salad Recipe that tastes delicious and is too good. This salad is made with a creamy mayonnaise dressing with mildly sweet, tangy and pungent notes. It also features pickled olives for a tangy taste.
Eggless Pancakes (Soft Whole Wheat Pancakes)
This best homemade Eggless Pancake recipe makes for fluffy, light and soft pancakes that are made with whole wheat flour, milk, sugar, flavorings and without eggs.
Indian Masala Chai Recipe (Spiced Milk Tea)
Masala Chai or Indian Masala Tea is an Indian spiced tea made with whole spices, water, black tea and milk. A perfect drink for your breakfast or evening time.
Dry Fruit Milkshake Recipe
Healthy, refreshing, and energy-boosting, this dry fruit milkshake recipe is the perfect beverage to give you a quick boost throughout the day! It includes dried fruits, nuts, and plant-based milk making it a great gluten-free and vegan option.
Fruit Salad Recipe (Simple, Easy & Healthy)
Juicy, sweet, healthy and delicious, this tropical Fruit Salad recipe is sure to become part of your regular summer recipe repertoire. Quick to prepare, easy to digest and packed with nutrients, fruit salads are perfect for any season.
Sprouts Salad | Sprouted Moong Salad (Easy & Healthy)
Sprouts Salad is an easy, tasty, healthy, protein packed salad recipe made with moong bean sprouts, veggies, herbs and spices.
Fresh and Creamy Avocado Salad Recipe
Creamy avocado, piquant onions, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy lemon dressing join forces in this simple recipe for Avocado Salad. This tasty side takes just 15 minutes to prepare, so it makes a regular appearance on our table during warmer months. Plus, it's both naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Russian Salad
Russian salad is an easy, healthy, wholesome salad made with peas, carrots, potatoes, capsicum, french beans and eggless mayonnaise. It makes for a delicious side dish or a nutritious snack.
Easy Vegetable Salad (Healthy Summer Salad)
This vegetable salad is a healthy and delicious summer salad made with fresh raw veggies, avocado, nuts, seeds, herbs and feta in a light vinaigrette dressing.
Apple Salad Recipe
This easy, creamy apple salad recipe is a wonderful side for any gathering. It is sweet, crunchy and perfect on any buffet table. It is naturally gluten free and perfectly kid-friendly.
Banana Smoothie
Banana smoothies are wonderfully healthy and delicious to enjoy for breakfast or as a snack. This is a healthy, delicious and filling smoothie made with ripe bananas, coconut milk and flavored with ground cinnamon.
This Iftar Recipes collection post from the archives first published in July 2012 has been updated and republished on April 2022.
I want a diet recipe for those who r fatty and suffering from thyroid
i am not about thyroid related recipes, but you can check low fat recipes here – https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/recipe/low-fat-recipes/
Very delicious recepie 🙂
Thanks Taqdees