Indian Vegan Instant Pot Recipes for Quick Healthy Meals

Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect match for vegan cooking. When combined with the convenience of an Instant Pot, preparing authentic Indian vegan dishes becomes faster and more accessible than ever.

Whether you are a seasoned home cook or just starting your plant-based journey, Indian vegan Instant Pot recipes bring the best of both worlds: rich tradition and modern ease.

In this blog post, we’ll explore several delicious Indian vegan recipes that you can whip up in your Instant Pot. From comforting dals to hearty vegetable curries, these dishes are packed with nutrition and bursting with flavor.

Plus, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Ready to dive into the wonderful world of Indian vegan cooking with your Instant Pot?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Using an Instant Pot to prepare Indian vegan dishes offers numerous benefits. First, it significantly reduces cooking time without compromising on flavor, thanks to the pressure-cooking magic.

You can enjoy deeply spiced, well-cooked meals in a fraction of the time it usually takes with traditional stovetop methods.

Second, these recipes are entirely plant-based, making them ideal for vegans and anyone looking to eat more healthfully. They are packed with protein-rich legumes, vibrant vegetables, and nourishing whole grains, ensuring balanced nutrition.

Finally, Indian spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala not only add incredible taste but also provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, making these meals as wholesome as they are delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried red lentils (masoor dal)
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 green chilies, sliced (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, etc.)

Equipment

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Bowl for soaking lentils (optional)
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse red lentils and basmati rice separately under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and vegetables.
2. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode: Heat the oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them sputter for about 30 seconds.
3. Add chopped onions: Sauté until they turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Stir for another minute until fragrant.
4. Mix in spices: Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
5. Add tomatoes and vegetables: Stir well to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften.
6. Add rinsed lentils and rice: Pour in the water or vegetable broth and salt. Give everything a good stir to combine.
7. Close the Instant Pot lid: Set the valve to sealing and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
8. Natural release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
9. Open the lid and stir: The dal and rice should be perfectly cooked and thickened. Adjust salt if needed.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top and serve hot with vegan naan or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup of coconut milk after pressure cooking and stir well.

You can swap red lentils for yellow moong dal or split pigeon peas (toor dal) depending on your preference.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

For a spicier version, increase green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper.

Try including other vegetables like spinach or cauliflower for added nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Indian vegan Instant Pot meal pairs wonderfully with freshly made vegan flatbreads or steamed basmati rice for an even more filling experience.

For a complete meal, add a side of lightly sautéed greens or a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and cumin powder.

To explore more vegan Indian dishes, check out our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for inspiration.

Delicious Indian Vegan Instant Pot Recipes to Try

Instant Pot Chana Masala (Spiced Chickpeas)

• Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas (soaked overnight), 2 tomatoes, 1 onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, oil, salt, water.
• Instructions: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in Instant Pot. Add spices and tomatoes. Add chickpeas and water, pressure cook for 35 minutes. Natural release, garnish with cilantro.

This hearty and tangy chickpea curry is perfect served with rice or vegan naan. Chickpeas provide excellent protein and fiber, making this dish both nutritious and satisfying.

Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani

• Ingredients: 1.5 cups basmati rice, mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans), onions, garlic, ginger, whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon), saffron, mint, cilantro, oil, salt, water.
• Instructions: Sauté onions and spices, add ginger, garlic, and vegetables. Stir in rice and water with saffron. Pressure cook for 6 minutes. Natural release, fluff rice, garnish with herbs.

This fragrant and colorful biryani is a celebration of spices and textures. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions.

Instant Pot Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)

• Ingredients: 2 cups cauliflower florets, 2 medium potatoes diced, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander, garam masala, oil, salt, water.
• Instructions: Sauté cumin seeds, onion, garlic, and ginger. Add spices and tomatoes. Add potatoes, cauliflower, and water. Pressure cook for 4 minutes. Quick release and garnish with cilantro.

Aloo Gobi is a classic dry curry bursting with warm spices. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy while locking in all the flavors.

Tips to Master Indian Vegan Cooking in Your Instant Pot

Always rinse lentils and rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and impurities.

Adjust water quantities carefully; too much water can make dishes mushy, too little can burn the pot.

Use the sauté function to build complex flavors by blooming spices before pressure cooking.

Nutrition Facts for Chana Masala (Per Serving)

Serving Suggestions for Chana Masala

Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or vegan bread machine recipe loaves for a hearty meal. A side of fresh cucumber raita made with vegan yogurt pairs perfectly to balance the spices.

Nutrition Facts for Vegetable Biryani (Per Serving)

Serving Suggestions for Vegetable Biryani

Pair with a simple salad or vegan vegetable dips for a refreshing contrast. A side of steamed or roasted vegetables also complements this dish beautifully.

Nutrition Facts for Aloo Gobi (Per Serving)

Serving Suggestions for Aloo Gobi

Serve with warm whole wheat chapatis or basmati rice. Add a side of steamed greens or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

Conclusion

Indian vegan Instant Pot recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, diverse flavors of India without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes combine wholesome plant-based ingredients with the power of modern cooking technology, making meal preparation easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re craving a comforting dal, a fragrant biryani, or a spiced vegetable curry, these recipes deliver authentic taste and balanced nutrition. Plus, they’re highly adaptable—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.

Give these dishes a try, and you’ll soon discover that vegan Indian cooking with an Instant Pot can be both simple and delicious.

For more exciting vegan recipes, don’t forget to explore our collection including Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore, Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, and Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.

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