Barbecue Vegetarian Recipes Tarla Dalal for Delicious Meals

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Barbecues are often synonymous with sizzling meats and smoky flavors, but that doesn’t mean vegetarians have to miss out on the fun! Thanks to the creative genius of Tarla Dalal, one of India’s most beloved culinary icons, there are plenty of barbecue vegetarian recipes that bring bold flavors and vibrant textures to the table.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or simply craving something deliciously smoky and grilled, these vegetarian recipes will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. From marinated paneer skewers to grilled corn with tangy chutneys, Tarla Dalal’s recipes make vegetarian barbecuing an exciting and flavorful experience.

In this post, we’ll explore a selection of her barbecue vegetarian recipes that are easy to prepare, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the delicious world of vegetarian barbecues and discover how to elevate your grilling game without meat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tarla Dalal’s barbecue vegetarian recipes are a perfect blend of health, taste, and simplicity. These dishes are:

  • Rich in flavors: Using traditional Indian spices and marinades, the recipes offer a smoky, tangy, and spicy profile that excites the palate.
  • Easy to prepare: Most recipes use readily available ingredients and simple grilling techniques perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
  • Versatile: Whether you have a grill, oven, or stovetop grill pan, these recipes adapt beautifully to your cooking setup.
  • Healthy and wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables, paneer, and legumes, these dishes provide nutritious alternatives to conventional barbecue fare.
  • Great for gatherings: These vegetarian barbecues cater to diverse dietary preferences, making them ideal for family and friends.

Ingredients

  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) – 250 grams, cut into cubes
  • Bell peppers – 1 medium, cut into chunks
  • Onion – 1 medium, cut into chunks
  • Cherry tomatoes – 10-12, whole
  • Yogurt – 1 cup (preferably thick, hung curd)
  • Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
  • Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
  • Chaat masala – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – to taste
  • Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
  • Mustard oil – 2 tablespoons (or olive oil)
  • Fresh coriander leaves – handful, chopped
  • Skewers – wooden or metal, soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden

Equipment

  • Grill or barbecue pit – charcoal or gas grill works well
  • Mixing bowls – for marinating ingredients
  • Brush – for oiling the grill
  • Skewers – for assembling the vegetables and paneer
  • Grill tongs – for turning the skewers
  • Knife and chopping board – for preparing vegetables
  • Serving platter – to serve the grilled items

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chaat masala, salt, lemon juice, and mustard oil. Whisk until smooth and well mixed.
  2. Marinate the paneer and vegetables: Add the paneer cubes, bell peppers, onion chunks, and cherry tomatoes to the marinade. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to seep in.
  3. Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill or barbecue pit by heating it to a medium-high temperature. Brush the grill grate lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables alternately onto the skewers. For example, start with a piece of paneer, then bell pepper, onion, tomato, and repeat.
  5. Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade or oil to keep them moist.
  6. Check for doneness: The paneer should be lightly charred but still soft inside, and the vegetables tender-crisp.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a pinch of chaat masala for an extra tangy kick.

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor, use fresh mustard oil in the marinade, but if unavailable, olive oil is a good substitute.”

  • Try adding mushrooms or zucchini slices to your skewers for more variety and texture.
  • For a vegan alternative, substitute paneer with firm tofu and use coconut yogurt in the marinade.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can use an oven grill/broiler or a stovetop grill pan to achieve similar results.
  • Serve with a side of mint chutney or tamarind sauce to enhance the smoky taste.
  • To add a smoky flavor without a grill, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika into the marinade.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (2 skewers)
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 14 g
Fat 15 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Fiber 2 g
Sodium 350 mg

Serving Suggestions

These barbecue vegetarian skewers are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:

  • Fresh green salads with lemon vinaigrette to balance the smoky flavors.
  • Indian flatbreads like naan or roti for a wholesome meal.
  • Chutneys and dips such as mint, tamarind, or coriander chutney.
  • Grilled corn on the cob slathered with spiced butter complements this dish perfectly.
  • For a hearty meal, add a serving of Half Runner Beans Recipe or Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe on the side.

Additional Barbecue Vegetarian Recipes by Tarla Dalal

Grilled Corn with Spicy Masala

  • Ingredients: Fresh corn cobs, butter, chaat masala, red chili powder, lemon juice.
  • Method: Boil or grill the corn, then coat with spiced butter and grill again until charred.
  • Why try it? A classic street food favorite, easy and satisfying.

Tandoori Mushroom Skewers

  • Ingredients: Button mushrooms, hung yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic paste.
  • Method: Marinate mushrooms and grill until juicy and flavorful.
  • Why try it? Mushrooms absorb spices beautifully, making for a meaty texture without the meat.

Veggie Tikka Kebabs

  • Ingredients: Paneer, capsicum, onion, tomato, hung curd, tikka masala.
  • Method: Marinate and grill skewers just like the paneer recipe above.
  • Why try it? Perfect for a party platter or as a starter.

For a sweet finish, consider trying Tarla Dalal’s Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or indulge in a treat like the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

Conclusion

Barbecue vegetarian recipes by Tarla Dalal offer a delightful way to enjoy smoky, flavorful grilled dishes without sacrificing health or taste. These recipes are accessible for cooks of all skill levels and bring an exciting twist to traditional vegetarian fare.

By incorporating fresh vegetables, paneer, and vibrant spices, you can create meals that are both satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re grilling for family, friends, or just yourself, these dishes are sure to impress and inspire your next barbecue session.

Explore the variety of vegetarian barbecue options and complement your meal with other delicious recipes like the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a complete feast. Embrace the flavors, enjoy the grilling, and savor every bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Barbecue Vegetarian Skewers

Description: A delicious and smoky vegetarian barbecue recipe inspired by Tarla Dalal. Perfect for grilling with a mix of marinated vegetables and paneer.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 200g paneer, cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup button mushrooms
  • 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp barbecue sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. Add paneer and vegetables to the marinade and toss gently to coat.
  3. Thread paneer and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  5. Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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