In the vibrant world of Indian cuisine, innovation and tradition blend beautifully to create dishes that are both nutritious and flavorful. One such trend gaining popularity is the incorporation of almond milk into vegetarian recipes.
Almond milk, with its creamy texture, subtle nutty flavor, and health benefits, is an excellent dairy alternative for those looking to enjoy Indian vegetarian dishes without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Whether you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to add variety to your meals, almond milk-based vegetarian recipes offer a delightful twist on classic Indian dishes. From rich curries to light soups and wholesome desserts, almond milk enhances the flavors while keeping the dishes light and healthy.
Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorite almond milk vegetarian recipes inspired by Indian flavors that you can easily make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Using almond milk in Indian vegetarian recipes brings multiple benefits. It’s a nourishing alternative to dairy, perfect for those with lactose intolerance or anyone looking to reduce dairy intake.
Almond milk’s mild nutty flavor complements Indian spices beautifully without overpowering the dish.
These recipes are easy to prepare, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, making them suitable for a wide variety of diets. Plus, almond milk adds a lovely creaminess that makes curries and soups indulgent yet light.
You’ll also appreciate how almond milk enhances the nutritional profile by providing vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Whether you are making a comforting shahi paneer style curry, a spiced almond milk kheer, or a hearty vegetable stew, these recipes promise authentic flavors with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
- Almond milk – 2 to 3 cups (unsweetened, preferably homemade or store-bought)
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, beans) – 2 cups, chopped
- Paneer (optional for vegetarians, skip for vegans) – 200 grams, cubed
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomatoes – 2 medium, pureed or finely chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Green chili – 1, slit (adjust to taste)
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 tablespoon
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Oil or ghee – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish
- Cashews – 10-12 (optional, soaked and ground for extra creaminess)
Equipment
- Non-stick pan or heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Blender (for pureeing tomatoes and cashews)
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spatula or spoon
- Serving bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili: Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Mix in pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala (spice mix), about 7-8 minutes.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well to combine all spices.
- Add chopped mixed vegetables: Stir and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat.
- If using cashew paste, add it now along with ½ cup of water or almond milk to create a rich gravy base.
- Pour in the almond milk slowly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent almond milk from splitting.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Add paneer cubes during the last 5 minutes of cooking if desired.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix gently. Turn off the heat and let the curry rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread.
Tips & Variations
For a vegan option, simply omit paneer and use coconut oil or mustard oil instead of ghee.
Homemade almond milk adds a fresh, nutty flavor—soak 1 cup of almonds overnight, blend with 4 cups of water, and strain before using.
Try adding fresh fenugreek leaves (methi) or spinach for added nutrition and taste.
For a sweeter twist, make an almond milk-based Brazil Nut Fruit Cake Recipe using almond milk in place of dairy.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180-220 kcal |
Protein | 6-8 grams (higher with paneer) |
Fat | 10-12 grams (mostly healthy fats from almonds and oil) |
Carbohydrates | 15-20 grams |
Fiber | 3-4 grams |
Calcium | 150-200 mg (from almond milk and paneer) |
Vitamin E | 5-7 mg (high due to almond milk) |
Serving Suggestions
Almond milk curries pair wonderfully with soft, warm Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. They are also excellent served with steamed basmati rice or fragrant pulao.
For a wholesome meal, serve alongside a crunchy cucumber and carrot salad or a tangy mint chutney to balance the creamy richness of the curry. You can also enjoy these dishes with a cup of refreshing buttermilk or a light dessert like Brazil Nut Fruit Cake Recipe for a complete Indian meal experience.
Delicious Almond Milk Veg Recipes India
Almond Milk Palak Paneer
A creamy twist on the classic palak paneer, this recipe uses almond milk to replace cream. Spinach is sautéed with garlic and spices, then blended with almond milk and paneer cubes for a luscious, healthy dish.
Try it for a nutritious dinner and check out a similar vegetarian delight like the Bok Choy Indian Recipe for more greens inspiration.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach – 4 cups, washed
- Almond milk – 1 cup
- Paneer – 150 grams, cubed
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Green chili – 1, chopped
- Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Oil – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Blanch spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock in cold water. Drain and puree.
- Heat oil, sauté onions, garlic, and green chili until translucent.
- Add spinach puree, almond milk, salt, and garam masala. Cook on low for 5-7 minutes.
- Add paneer cubes, simmer gently for 3 minutes.
- Serve hot with roti or rice.
Vegetable Korma with Almond Milk
A rich and fragrant curry using seasonal vegetables, almond milk, and aromatic spices. Cashew paste and almond milk make the gravy creamy without cream.
Perfect for special occasions or weekend meals.
Ingredients
- Mixed vegetables – 3 cups (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes)
- Almond milk – 2 cups
- Cashews – 10, soaked and ground
- Onion – 1 large, sliced
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Fennel seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Cloves – 3
- Cardamom – 2 pods
- Cinnamon stick – 1 inch
- Turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala – 1 teaspoon each
- Oil or ghee – 3 tablespoons
- Salt – to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil, add whole spices and sauté until fragrant.
- Add onions, cook until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, sauté 2 minutes.
- Add vegetables, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cashew paste and almond milk, stir well.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender and gravy thickens.
- Sprinkle garam masala, garnish with coriander, and serve.
Almond Milk Kheer (Rice Pudding)
A light, dairy-free version of the traditional Indian rice pudding made with almond milk. Sweetened with jaggery or sugar and flavored with cardamom and saffron, this kheer is perfect for festivals or a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
- Almond milk – 4 cups
- Basmati rice – ½ cup, washed and soaked
- Jaggery or sugar – ½ cup (adjust sweetness)
- Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
- Saffron strands – a few (optional)
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Drain soaked rice and cook in almond milk on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Once rice softens (about 25-30 minutes), add jaggery or sugar and cardamom powder.
- Add saffron strands soaked in a teaspoon of warm water for extra aroma.
- Cook for another 10 minutes until kheer thickens slightly.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm or chilled.
Inspired to try more exciting vegetarian recipes? Don’t miss out on the delightful 50 Cupcake Recipes for a sweet ending or explore hearty dishes like Bread And Gravy Recipe to complement your meals.
Conclusion
Incorporating almond milk into Indian vegetarian recipes is a delicious and healthful way to enjoy traditional flavors with a modern twist. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also cater to a variety of dietary needs, making them perfect for family meals or special gatherings.
From creamy curries to luscious desserts, almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture that enhances every dish. Experiment with these recipes to bring wholesome, dairy-free options to your kitchen, and enjoy the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine in a lighter, more nutritious form.
For more inspiration and diverse recipes, explore my collection of dishes like the Bok Choy Recipe Indian, or indulge in unique treats from the Brazil Nut Fruit Cake Recipe. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Almond Milk Vegetable Curry
Description: A creamy and flavorful Indian vegetable curry made with almond milk for a dairy-free twist. Perfect as a healthy and comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add turmeric, coriander powder, and tomatoes; cook until oil separates.
- Add chopped vegetables and mix well.
- Pour almond milk and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle garam masala and salt; stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 22 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Almond Milk Vegetable Curry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and flavorful Indian vegetable curry made with almond milk for a dairy-free twist. Perfect as a healthy and comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups almond milk”, “1 cup chopped carrots”, “1 cup chopped green beans”, “1 cup diced potatoes”, “1 medium onion, finely chopped”, “2 tomatoes, pureed”, “2 tbsp oil”, “1 tsp cumin seeds”, “1 tsp ginger-garlic paste”, “1 tsp turmeric powder”, “1 tsp coriander powder”, “1/2 tsp garam masala”, “Salt to taste”, “Fresh coriander leaves for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onions and saut\u00e9 until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add turmeric, coriander powder, and tomatoes; cook until oil separates.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped vegetables and mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour almond milk and bring to a simmer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook until vegetables are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle garam masala and salt; stir gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “22 g”}}