Burmese Veg Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals to Try

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Burmese cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Myanmar. Among its many treasures, Burmese vegetarian recipes stand out for their vibrant use of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and unique spices.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or looking to explore plant-based dishes with an exotic twist, Burmese veg recipes offer a perfect balance of nutrition and taste. From hearty salads to flavorful stir-fries and comforting soups, these dishes are simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying.

In this post, we’ll dive into some classic Burmese vegetarian recipes that are not only healthy but also bursting with authentic flavors. These dishes are perfect for anyone wanting to add something new to their weekly meal plan.

Plus, they can easily be adapted to suit your palate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Burmese vegetarian recipes are a treasure trove of fresh, wholesome ingredients combined in creative ways. The use of ingredients like tamarind, garlic, ginger, and chili creates a depth of flavor that’s both exciting and comforting.

You’ll love how these dishes capture the essence of Burmese cooking—light yet intensely flavorful. They’re also versatile and can be adjusted to fit vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary preferences.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with something truly unique!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 green chili, sliced (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot or pressure cooker
  • Frying pan or wok
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Strainer or colander

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chickpeas: Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse well. Cook them in a pot with water or a pressure cooker until tender (about 45 minutes in a pot or 15 minutes in a pressure cooker). Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the potatoes and green beans: In a large pot, bring water to boil and add the cubed potatoes and green beans. Cook until tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and keep aside.
  3. Make the tempering: Heat peanut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they start to pop, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until golden and fragrant.
  4. Add spices and tomato: Stir in turmeric powder, chili powder, and tamarind paste. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the chopped tomato and cook until soft and pulpy.
  5. Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked chickpeas, potatoes, and green beans into the pan. Pour in vegetable broth and season with salt. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes so all the flavors meld together.
  6. Adjust seasoning: Taste the curry and add more tamarind or chili if desired. Add sliced green chili for extra heat.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top, and serve hot with steamed rice or flatbreads.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try roasting the chickpeas slightly before cooking. You can also substitute green beans with yardlong beans or snap peas for more crunch.

To make this dish vegan, ensure your vegetable broth does not contain animal products. You can also add tofu cubes or tempeh for extra protein.

If you prefer a thicker curry, mash some of the potatoes into the sauce or add a spoonful of peanut butter for creaminess and nutty undertones.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 12 g
Carbohydrates 40 g
Fat 6 g
Fiber 8 g
Sodium 450 mg

Serving Suggestions

This Burmese vegetable curry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant basmati rice. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside Burmese-style salads or fresh cucumber slices.

Complement your meal with a side of Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or a refreshing drink like a Jawa Juice Recipe to balance the spices.

If you’re looking to explore more hearty meat options after enjoying these veg dishes, check out our Lamb Tenderloin Recipes for inspiration.

Conclusion

Burmese vegetarian recipes are a fantastic way to explore the vibrant and diverse flavors of Myanmar’s traditional cuisine. With fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and bold spices, these dishes bring a taste of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking for healthier meal options, Burmese veg dishes provide a nutritious and delicious alternative that everyone will enjoy.

By mastering this vegetable curry, you’ll gain a new appreciation for Burmese cooking and its unique balance of flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or spice levels to make the recipe your own.

Happy cooking and enjoy your culinary journey!

📖 Recipe Card: Burmese Vegetable Curry

Description: A flavorful and aromatic Burmese vegetable curry made with a blend of spices and fresh vegetables. Perfect as a comforting vegan meal served with rice.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, potatoes), chopped
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup water
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds until they pop.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
  5. Mix in turmeric, chili powder, and paprika.
  6. Add mixed vegetables and stir well.
  7. Pour in water and coconut milk, bring to a boil.
  8. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  9. Season with salt.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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