Chef Vikas Khanna is a culinary maestro renowned for his exquisite Indian cuisine, especially his innovative and wholesome vegetarian recipes. With a passion for blending tradition and modernity, Vikas Khanna’s veg recipes celebrate the rich flavors of India while focusing on health and nutrition.
Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner, his vegetarian recipes offer a perfect balance of taste and simplicity, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Today, we dive into some of Chef Vikas Khanna’s most loved vegetarian dishes that are sure to elevate your kitchen game.
From flavorful dals to hearty vegetable curries, these recipes promise to bring vibrant colors and aromatic spices to your dining table.
In this blog post, you’ll not only find detailed recipes but also cooking tips, ingredient insights, and serving ideas inspired by Chef Khanna’s style. If you love Indian vegetarian food or want to explore nutritious and delicious plant-based meals, these recipes are tailor-made for you.
Let’s embark on this flavorful journey and bring a touch of Vikas Khanna’s magic to your home kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chef Vikas Khanna’s vegetarian recipes stand out because they draw from authentic Indian flavors while incorporating a health-conscious approach. These dishes are:
- Rich in spices and herbs that not only enhance taste but also boost immunity.
- Balanced and nutritious, focusing on vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
- Easy to prepare with readily available ingredients and clear cooking steps.
- Versatile, making them perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.
Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a wholesome family meal, Vikas Khanna’s veg recipes are sure to become your go-to favorites.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, cauliflower)
- 1 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (preferably mustard or vegetable oil)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 4 cups water
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan or pressure cooker
- Frying pan or kadhai
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Blender or hand blender (for pureeing tomatoes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Rinse the moong dal thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it for 15 minutes to soften.
- Cook the dal in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric powder. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until soft. If using a saucepan, boil until the dal is tender, about 25-30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a frying pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Mix in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes till the oil separates from the masala.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cook covered for 8-10 minutes until they are tender but still retain their shape.
- Pour the cooked dal into the vegetable mixture. Add remaining water if needed to adjust consistency. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix gently. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian breads like roti or naan.
Tips & Variations
“For a richer flavor, you can temper the dal with a tadka of garlic and dried red chilies right before serving.”
- Use a pressure cooker for faster cooking, especially for the dal and vegetables.
- Swap the mixed vegetables with seasonal veggies like pumpkin or bottle gourd for a different twist.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt at the end.
- To make it spicier, increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Sodium | 400 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This hearty vegetable dal is perfect when paired with simple steamed basmati rice or Indian flatbreads such as roti, chapati, or naan. Add a side of crisp cucumber raita or a fresh green salad to balance the spices and add coolness to your meal.
For a complete traditional Indian feast, try pairing it with a mango pickle or papadam. If you want to explore more vegetarian delights, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for an interesting vegetable side or add a sweet finish with the Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese.
Chef Vikas Khanna’s Popular Veg Recipes
Classic Dal Tadka
A simple yet flavorful yellow lentil dish, dal tadka is a staple in Indian households. Vikas Khanna’s version uses fresh spices and a tempering method that brings out deep aromas and a comforting taste.
Baingan Bharta (Smoky Roasted Eggplant)
This rustic dish features roasted eggplants mashed and cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It’s smoky, tangy, and perfect with hot chapatis or parathas.
Paneer Butter Masala
A creamy, rich tomato-based curry with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). This dish is a vegetarian favorite that balances buttery sweetness and mild spices.
Vegetable Biryani
A fragrant one-pot rice dish layered with mixed vegetables, saffron, and aromatic spices. This recipe is perfect for festive occasions or weekend dinners.
Conclusion
Chef Vikas Khanna’s vegetarian recipes beautifully encapsulate the essence of Indian cooking—rich, diverse, and full of flavor. These dishes are thoughtfully designed to be nutritious and approachable, making them perfect for everyday meals or special gatherings.
The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates meals that are not only delicious but also nourishing for the body and soul. By trying these recipes, you invite a world of vibrant tastes and wholesome goodness into your kitchen.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations and tips shared above to make these recipes your own. For more inspiring recipes, explore our other favorites such as the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe or the indulgent Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.
Happy cooking, and may your meals be as joyful as they are flavorful!
📖 Recipe Card: Chef Vikas Khanna's Paneer Tikka Masala
Description: A flavorful and creamy vegetarian dish featuring marinated paneer cubes cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy. Perfect for a hearty meal packed with Indian spices and textures.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 250g paneer, cubed
- 1 cup thick yogurt
- 2 tbsp gram flour (besan)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Mix yogurt, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt to marinate paneer for 20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Add garam masala and mix well.
- Add marinated paneer and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat.
- Stir in fresh cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 25 g | Carbs: 10 g
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