Besan curry, a delightful and hearty vegetarian dish, is a wonderful way to enjoy the wholesome goodness of chickpea flour (besan) combined with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious, protein-packed meal without meat, besan curry offers a rich texture and vibrant flavors that can satisfy both your taste buds and your health goals.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen beginner, this recipe is easy to prepare and versatile enough to customize according to your preferences.
In this blog post, we’ll explore multiple delicious besan curry recipes veg that bring out the best in this humble ingredient. From a classic tomato-based curry to a mixed vegetable besan curry and a creamy coconut twist, these recipes are bound to become staples in your vegetarian repertoire.
Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving ideas to make every meal memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Besan curry is a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor. Made with chickpea flour, it’s naturally gluten-free and loaded with protein and fiber.
The curry’s rich spice blend awakens your palate while the vegetables add freshness and color. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — you can make it with whatever vegetables you have on hand or tailor it to your preferred spice level.
This dish is also budget-friendly and quick to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. It pairs wonderfully with rice, roti, or even a simple salad for a complete vegetarian meal.
If you love dishes like this, don’t miss out on our Leek Recipes Indian or the hearty Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for more inspiration.
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, bell peppers)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups water (adjust for desired curry consistency)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon (optional)
Equipment
- Deep non-stick pan or kadai
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the besan slurry: In a mixing bowl, whisk the besan with 1 cup of water until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
- Heat oil and temper spices: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the masala until oil starts to separate, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add your choice of mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes to coat with the spices.
- Cook the besan curry base: Slowly pour the besan slurry into the pan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the remaining 2 cups of water and mix well.
- Simmer: Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the curry thickens to your liking.
- Finish with garam masala and lemon juice: Stir in garam masala and squeeze lemon juice if using. Adjust salt and spice levels according to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving hot with steamed rice or Indian flatbreads.
Tips & Variations
“For a creamier curry, add a splash of coconut milk at the end of cooking.”
You can customize this recipe by using different vegetables based on seasonal availability. Try adding spinach for extra greens or potatoes for heartiness.
For a tangy twist, adding a spoonful of tamarind paste works beautifully.
If you prefer a thicker curry, reduce the water or cook longer. To make it spicier, increase the red chili powder or add green chilies during the sautéing step.
Besan curry also pairs well with a dollop of yogurt to cool down the heat.
Looking for more vegetarian curry ideas? Check out our Leek Recipes Indian or try the flavorful Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipes for a quick meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Sodium | 400 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Besan curry is wonderfully versatile. Serve it hot with steamed basmati rice or fluffy Indian breads like chapati or naan for a satisfying meal.
For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh cucumber raita or a crunchy salad. It also works great as a filling for wraps or stuffed parathas.
For more creative serving ideas, you might enjoy our Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe or the indulgent Meatballs And Alfredo Sauce Recipe for non-vegetarian options to complement your meals.
Delicious Besan Curry Recipes Veg Variations
Classic Tomato Besan Curry
This straightforward version highlights the tangy richness of tomatoes and the nutty flavor of besan. Perfect for everyday meals, it’s quick and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan
- 3 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil and add cumin seeds until they crackle.
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook until oil separates.
- Add turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
- Mix besan with water to form a smooth slurry.
- Slowly add besan slurry to the tomato mixture, stirring continuously.
- Simmer until the curry thickens and cook for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with coriander and serve hot.
Mixed Vegetable Besan Curry
A colorful, nutritious curry packed with your favorite vegetables. This recipe is perfect for using up whatever is fresh and available in your fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan
- 1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, potatoes)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp oil
- 3 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil and temper cumin seeds.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden.
- Add tomatoes and spices, cooking until soft.
- Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Mix besan with water and add to the pan, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender and the curry thickens.
- Finish with garam masala and garnish with coriander.
Coconut Besan Curry
For a creamy, tropical twist, add coconut milk to your besan curry. The mild sweetness balances the spices beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh curry leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil and add mustard seeds and curry leaves until they pop.
- Sauté onions until translucent.
- Add vegetables and spices, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Mix besan with water and slowly add to the pan, stirring well.
- Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 10 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Adjust salt and garnish with fresh coriander.
Conclusion
Besan curry is a true testament to the versatility and richness of vegetarian cooking. These recipes showcase how simple ingredients like chickpea flour and everyday vegetables can come together to create a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether you prefer the tangy tomato base, the wholesome mixed vegetable version, or the creamy coconut-infused curry, each variation brings its own unique charm to your dining table.
Not only is besan curry delicious, but it’s also quick to prepare and budget-friendly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Experiment with different vegetables and spices to suit your palate, and don’t forget to check out other tasty recipes like our Magic Dough Recipe or Kosher Short Ribs Recipe for more culinary inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: Besan Curry Veg
Description: A flavorful vegetarian curry made with roasted gram flour and mixed vegetables. This dish is rich in protein and perfect for a wholesome meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, chopped)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
- Mix in turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Slowly add besan while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Pour water gradually and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender and curry thickens.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or roti.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 35 g
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