Broccoli is one of those versatile vegetables that can be transformed into countless delicious dishes, especially in Indian cuisine where spices and flavors create magic in every bite. If you’re vegan and craving Indian food that is both healthy and packed with flavor, broccoli is a fantastic ingredient to incorporate.
From spicy stir-fries to comforting curries, this humble green vegetable shines brilliantly with the right blend of spices and cooking techniques. Indian vegan broccoli recipes not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide essential nutrients, making them perfect for a wholesome meal.
In this blog post, we’ll explore several exciting vegan Indian broccoli recipes that are easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, these recipes will inspire you to bring a touch of India to your kitchen with fresh broccoli as the star.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indian vegan broccoli recipes are a wonderful way to enjoy the health benefits of broccoli while indulging in bold, aromatic flavors. The combination of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and other spices creates a symphony of tastes that elevate simple broccoli into something extraordinary.
These recipes are:
- Nutritious and packed with vitamins and fiber
- Completely plant-based and suitable for vegans
- Easy to prepare with common pantry spices
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- Flexible enough to customize with your favorite ingredients
By using simple techniques like sautéing, tempering spices, and slow simmering, these dishes bring out the best in broccoli’s texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- Broccoli florets – 500 grams (fresh or frozen)
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomatoes – 2 medium, pureed or chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Green chili – 1, finely chopped (optional)
- Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 tablespoon
- Garam masala – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Cooking oil – 2 tablespoons (preferably mustard or coconut oil)
- Fresh cilantro – handful, chopped (for garnish)
- Water – as needed
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (optional, for freshness)
Equipment
- Large frying pan or wok
- Knife and chopping board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving dish
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and drain. If using fresh broccoli, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat oil: In a large frying pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them crackle for a few seconds.
- Sauté onions and spices: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chili, cooking for another minute until aromatic.
- Add tomatoes and dry spices: Mix in the chopped or pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate from the masala, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir well to coat the florets with the spice mixture. Add a splash of water (about ¼ cup) to help the broccoli steam and cook evenly.
- Simmer and cover: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let the broccoli cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but still crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with garam masala and garnish: Sprinkle garam masala over the cooked broccoli and mix gently. Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing touch, if desired.
- Serve hot: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with steamed rice, roti, or quinoa.
Tips & Variations
“To enhance the flavor, try tempering the spices in ghee or vegan butter instead of oil, especially for special occasions.”
- Make it a curry: Add a cup of coconut milk after step 4 and simmer until rich and creamy.
- Add other vegetables: Mix in diced potatoes, carrots, or peas for a more filling meal.
- Use fresh spices: Grinding your own coriander and cumin seeds will elevate the dish’s aroma.
- For a tangy twist: Include a teaspoon of tamarind paste or amchur powder (dry mango powder) for sourness.
- Spicy option: Increase the quantity of green chili or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Vitamin C | 90% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan Indian broccoli dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of staples. Serve it alongside warm Muthiya Kadhi Recipe or fluffy basmati rice for a comforting meal.
It can also be enjoyed with chapati or paratha to soak up the flavorful gravy.
For a lighter option, try serving it with a simple quinoa pilaf or alongside a fresh salad. If you want to explore more vegan Indian dishes, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe and Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for creative plant-based ideas.
Delicious Vegan Indian Broccoli Recipes You Must Try
Broccoli Masala Stir Fry
This quick stir fry combines broccoli with aromatic spices and a touch of lemon for a zesty side dish.
- Ingredients: Broccoli, mustard seeds, curry leaves, dried red chili, turmeric, salt, lemon juice
- Instructions: Temper mustard seeds and curry leaves in oil, add broccoli and spices, sauté until crisp-tender, finish with lemon juice.
Broccoli and Potato Curry (Aloo Broccoli)
A hearty vegan curry featuring tender broccoli and potatoes simmered in a spiced tomato gravy.
- Ingredients: Broccoli, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander
- Instructions: Sauté onions and spices, add tomatoes and potatoes, cook partially, then add broccoli and simmer until done.
Broccoli Pakoras (Fritters)
Crispy and flavorful broccoli fritters made with chickpea flour and Indian spices, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
- Ingredients: Broccoli florets, chickpea flour (besan), rice flour, carom seeds (ajwain), red chili powder, salt
- Instructions: Mix chopped broccoli with flours and spices, form small fritters, deep fry until golden and crispy.
Broccoli Palak Soup
A comforting vegan soup combining broccoli and spinach, flavored with cumin and garlic.
- Ingredients: Broccoli, spinach, garlic, cumin seeds, vegetable broth, black pepper
- Instructions: Sauté garlic and cumin, add broccoli and spinach with broth, simmer and blend until smooth.
Broccoli Biryani
A fragrant vegan biryani where broccoli florets are cooked with basmati rice and layered with spices and fried onions.
- Ingredients: Broccoli, basmati rice, whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf), onions, mint, coriander, saffron (optional)
- Instructions: Cook rice with spices, sauté broccoli with onions and herbs, layer and steam together for a perfect biryani.
Conclusion
Broccoli is a wonderfully adaptable vegetable that fits seamlessly into vegan Indian cooking. These flavorful recipes not only bring out the best in broccoli but also highlight the richness of Indian spices and cooking methods.
Whether you prefer a quick stir fry, a comforting curry, or a crispy snack, there’s a broccoli-based vegan dish here for every occasion.
By incorporating these recipes into your meal rotation, you’ll enjoy nutritious, vibrant meals that satisfy your taste buds and support your healthy lifestyle. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our site such as the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for non-vegan options or the Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for light starters.
Happy cooking and enjoy your culinary journey with vegan Indian broccoli dishes!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Indian Broccoli Curry
Description: A flavorful and spicy vegan broccoli curry inspired by Indian cuisine. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili; sauté until golden.
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook until oil separates.
- Mix turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets and stir well.
- Pour water, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Sprinkle garam masala and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g
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