Andhra Curry Recipes Vegetarian: Delicious & Easy Ideas

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Andhra cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, vibrant spices, and hearty vegetarian dishes that awaken your taste buds with every bite. Andhra curry recipes vegetarian style offer a delightful blend of heat, tanginess, and rich textures, making them a favorite across India and beyond.

These curries are not only flavorful but also packed with nutritious ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, making them perfect for a wholesome meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, these authentic Andhra vegetarian curries will add a burst of South Indian flair to your dining table.

In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of Andhra vegetarian curry recipes that are easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. From the fiery Gutthi Vankaya (stuffed brinjal curry) to the comforting Pesara Pappu (moong dal curry), these recipes showcase the richness of Andhra Pradesh’s culinary heritage.

So, let’s dive into these delicious curries that promise to spice up your meals and impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Andhra vegetarian curries are a perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and versatility. They are:

  • Rich in spices: These recipes use traditional Andhra spices like red chili powder, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, creating a unique and bold flavor profile.
  • Nutritious: Many recipes incorporate lentils, fresh vegetables, and minimal oil, making them healthy without compromising on taste.
  • Easy to customize: You can adjust the spice levels and ingredients based on your preference or what’s available in your pantry.
  • Perfect for everyday meals: These curries pair well with rice, roti, or even as side dishes, making them ideal for daily cooking.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Brinjal (Eggplant) 4 medium-sized For Gutthi Vankaya (Stuffed Brinjal)
Turmeric powder 1 tsp Essential spice for color and flavor
Red chili powder 2-3 tsp Adjust to taste for heat
Mustard seeds 1 tsp For tempering
Cumin seeds 1 tsp Adds warm aroma
Curry leaves 1 sprig Fresh preferred
Green chilies 2, slit Optional, for extra heat
Fresh coriander leaves Handful Chopped, for garnish
Chana dal (split chickpeas) 1/2 cup For stuffing and thickening
Peanuts 1/4 cup Roasted and coarsely ground
Sesame seeds 2 tbsp Roasted
Tamarind paste 1 tbsp For tanginess
Oil 3 tbsp Preferably sunflower or peanut oil
Salt To taste Essential seasoning
Moong dal (yellow lentils) 1 cup For Pesara Pappu (lentil curry)
Tomatoes 2 medium, chopped Used in dal curry
Fresh ginger 1 inch piece, grated Enhances aroma

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pan or kadai
  • Pressure cooker (for cooking lentils faster)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Grinding stone or food processor (for making stuffing)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the stuffing: Soak chana dal for 30 minutes, then drain. Dry roast the dal until golden and fragrant. Similarly, roast peanuts and sesame seeds separately. Once cooled, grind all three together coarsely with red chili powder and salt. Add a bit of water to form a thick paste suitable for stuffing the brinjals.
  2. Prepare the brinjals: Wash and slit each brinjal into four sections without cutting through the stem. Carefully stuff the prepared dal and peanut mixture into each slit, ensuring the stuffing is packed well.
  3. Cook the stuffed brinjals: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add curry leaves and green chilies. Gently place the stuffed brinjals in the pan. Cover and cook on low heat, turning occasionally to cook evenly. This should take about 20-25 minutes until the brinjals are tender.
  4. Make Pesara Pappu (Moong dal curry): Rinse moong dal thoroughly. In a pressure cooker, add dal, chopped tomatoes, turmeric, salt, and 2 cups of water. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until dal is soft. Mash slightly and keep aside.
  5. Prepare tempering for dal: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant. Pour this tempering over the cooked dal and mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
  6. Finishing touches: Add tamarind paste to the cooked stuffed brinjals for a tangy finish. Adjust salt and spice levels in both curries. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

“To reduce bitterness in brinjals, soak them in salted water for 15 minutes before stuffing.”

  • Variation with vegetables: Try these curry bases with other vegetables like drumsticks, ridge gourd, or snake gourd for different textures.
  • Spice level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies based on your heat preference.
  • Use of fresh tamarind: For a more authentic tang, soak tamarind pulp in warm water and strain instead of using paste.
  • For a richer curry: Add a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking to mellow the spices and add creaminess.
  • Make it vegan: These recipes are naturally vegan, but be sure to use oil instead of ghee to keep it plant-based.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 180 kcal
Protein 7 g
Carbohydrates 25 g
Fat 7 g
Fiber 6 g
Sodium 350 mg
Iron 2.5 mg

Serving Suggestions

These Andhra vegetarian curries are best enjoyed with hot steamed white rice or fluffy Jeera rice (cumin rice). For a traditional experience, pair them with millet rotis or chapatis.

You can also serve alongside cooling sides like cucumber raita or simple yogurt to balance the spiciness.

For a more festive meal, complement these curries with Breakfast Wellington Recipe or a hearty Bread And Gravy Recipe. If you enjoy exploring diverse flavors, the Blueberry Mule With Blueberry Vodka Recipe makes for a refreshing drink to serve alongside.

Conclusion

Andhra vegetarian curry recipes are a treasure trove of flavors that bring warmth and richness to your everyday meals. Their use of fresh ingredients, bold spices, and traditional cooking methods results in dishes that are both comforting and exciting to the palate.

Whether you choose the stuffed brinjal curry or the simple moong dal curry, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

By experimenting with different vegetables and spice levels, you can keep these curries fresh and interesting every time you make them. Plus, their nutritious profile makes them a great option for health-conscious eaters.

So, embrace the fiery and tangy essence of Andhra cuisine and treat yourself to these delicious vegetarian curries today!

📖 Recipe Card: Andhra Curry Vegetarian

Description: A spicy and flavorful vegetarian curry from Andhra Pradesh, rich in traditional spices and fresh vegetables. Perfect as a side dish or main with rice or roti.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas), chopped
  • 1/2 cup tamarind juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they splutter.
  2. Add chopped onions and green chilies; sauté until golden brown.
  3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
  5. Mix turmeric, red chili, and coriander powders; cook for 1 minute.
  6. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes.
  7. Pour tamarind juice and salt; simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Marta K

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