Best Indian Vegetarian Keto Recipes for Healthy Eating

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, spices, and textures that can be perfectly adapted to fit a ketogenic lifestyle. If you’re a vegetarian following keto, finding satisfying recipes that balance traditional Indian tastes with low-carb ingredients can sometimes feel challenging.

But worry not! In this post, we’ll explore some of the best Indian vegetarian keto recipes that are bursting with flavor, rich in healthy fats, and low in carbs.

These dishes not only keep your keto journey exciting but also pay homage to the vibrant Indian culinary heritage.

Whether you’re craving creamy paneer dishes, spiced vegetable curries, or innovative snacks, these recipes will delight your taste buds while keeping you in ketosis. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and use wholesome ingredients that nourish your body.

Ready to embark on a delicious keto Indian adventure? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Indian vegetarian keto recipes are designed to bring you authentic flavors without compromising your keto goals. They use low-carb vegetables, healthy fats like ghee and coconut oil, and protein-packed paneer or tofu, making them perfectly balanced for keto dieters.

With a focus on spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, you’ll enjoy the comforting and aromatic experience that Indian food is famous for. These recipes are also satisfying and filling, ensuring you won’t miss the carbs.

Plus, they’re adaptable and can be tailored to your taste preferences!

Ingredients

  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) – 200 grams
  • Cauliflower – 1 medium head (about 500 grams)
  • Spinach – 200 grams fresh or frozen
  • Coconut oil – 3 tablespoons
  • Ghee – 2 tablespoons
  • Heavy cream – 100 ml
  • Tomatoes – 2 medium, finely chopped
  • Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic cloves – 4, minced
  • Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
  • Green chilies – 1-2, finely chopped (optional)
  • Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
  • Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
  • Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Red chili powder – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Fresh cilantro – for garnish
  • Almond flour – 2 tablespoons (optional, for thickening)

Equipment

  • Non-stick frying pan or skillet
  • Large saucepan or pot
  • Blender or food processor (for cauliflower rice)
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Mixing bowls

Instructions

  1. Prepare cauliflower rice: Chop the cauliflower into florets and pulse them in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds. Then add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook until onions turn golden brown.
  3. Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften and oil begins to separate from the masala.
  4. Cook spinach: Add fresh or frozen spinach to the pan, stir well, and cook until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume. This should take about 5 minutes.
  5. Add paneer: Cut paneer into cubes and add them to the pan. Stir gently to coat the paneer with the masala and spinach mixture.
  6. Prepare cauliflower rice: In a separate non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender but not mushy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Combine and finish: Pour heavy cream into the spinach and paneer mixture. Add almond flour if you want a thicker consistency. Sprinkle garam masala and mix well. Simmer for 3-4 minutes on low heat.
  8. Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Plate the creamy paneer and spinach curry alongside warm cauliflower rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. You can also add mushrooms or bell peppers to increase the vegetable variety and nutrients.

To keep things exciting, try this recipe with tofu instead of paneer, or turn it into a dry stir-fry by reducing the cream and cooking a little longer to evaporate excess moisture.

If you enjoy this recipe, check out Leek Recipes Indian for more innovative low-carb vegetable dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Fat 25 g
Protein 15 g
Carbohydrates 7 g
Fiber 3 g
Net Carbs 4 g

Serving Suggestions

This creamy paneer and spinach curry pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or keto-friendly flatbreads like almond flour roti. You can also serve it alongside a fresh cucumber raita to cool down the spices.

For a full meal, add a simple salad of mixed greens dressed with lemon and olive oil. If you want to explore more keto-friendly side dishes, try the Kale Tonic First Watch Recipe for a nutrient-packed addition.

Conclusion

Indian vegetarian keto cooking is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich flavors of India without breaking your keto diet. These recipes strike a perfect balance between satisfying spices and keto-friendly ingredients, making your meals both delicious and wholesome.

Whether you’re a seasoned keto follower or just starting out, these dishes can seamlessly fit into your weekly meal plan.

By incorporating fresh vegetables, paneer, and healthy fats, you’ll stay energized and satiated throughout the day. Remember, keto doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or variety—Indian cuisine offers endless possibilities.

For more inspiring recipes, don’t miss the Magic Dough Recipe and Low Sodium Hummus Recipe, which make great keto-friendly snacks and sides. Enjoy your culinary journey!

📖 Recipe Card: Paneer Butter Masala – Indian Vegetarian Keto

Description: A rich and creamy paneer dish made with keto-friendly ingredients. Perfect for a low-carb Indian vegetarian meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 250g paneer, cubed
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat butter and ghee in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala; stir well.
  5. Pour in tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
  6. Add cubed paneer and mix gently.
  7. Pour heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
  8. Season with salt and garnish with cilantro.
  9. Serve hot with keto-friendly bread or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 28 g | Carbs: 6 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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