Punjabi Veg Recipes: Delicious Dishes to Try Today

Punjabi cuisine is renowned for its rich, hearty flavors and vibrant vegetarian dishes that bring warmth and comfort to any meal. From creamy dals to spicy vegetable curries, Punjabi vegetarian recipes are a delightful way to explore the culinary traditions of northern India.

These dishes often use fresh, wholesome ingredients paired with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of taste that can satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Whether you’re looking to try something new for dinner or impress your guests with authentic flavors, Punjabi veg recipes offer something for everyone.

In this post, we’ll dive into some beloved Punjabi vegetarian recipes that are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. You’ll learn about the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make these dishes your own.

Get ready to cook up a feast that celebrates the heart of Punjabi cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Punjabi vegetarian dishes are comforting, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful. They use simple ingredients but pack a punch with robust spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric.

These recipes are perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or festive occasions.

You’ll appreciate the balance of textures and tastes, from creamy chickpeas in Chole to the lightly spiced potatoes in Aloo Jeera. Plus, they are naturally vegan or easily made vegan, fitting perfectly into plant-based diets.

Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, these recipes are designed to be approachable while delivering authentic Punjabi flavors.

Ingredients

Chole (Punjabi Chickpea Curry)

• 2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
• Salt to taste
• 3 tbsp oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Aloo Jeera (Cumin-Spiced Potatoes)

• 4 medium potatoes, boiled and diced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Makki di Roti (Cornmeal Flatbread)

• 2 cups cornmeal (makki ka atta)
• Warm water as needed
• Salt to taste
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Equipment

• Pressure cooker or large pot (for cooking chickpeas)
• Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling board and rolling pin (for makki di roti)
• Spatula or tongs
• Knife and chopping board
• Serving bowls and plates

Instructions

Chole (Punjabi Chickpea Curry)

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight in enough water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Cook the chickpeas in a pressure cooker with water and a pinch of salt until soft (about 20-25 minutes). Alternatively, boil them in a large pot until tender.
3. Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
5. Mix in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
7. Add the cooked chickpeas along with some cooking liquid. Mix well and simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
8. Sprinkle garam masala and amchur powder, stir, and cook for another 2 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Aloo Jeera (Cumin-Spiced Potatoes)

1. Heat oil in a pan on medium flame.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
3. Add chopped green chilies, sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Add diced boiled potatoes, turmeric, and salt. Toss gently to coat the potatoes with spices.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes until potatoes are slightly crispy on the edges.
6. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve warm.

Makki di Roti (Cornmeal Flatbread)

1. Mix cornmeal and salt in a bowl.
2. Add warm water little by little and knead into a firm dough. Cornmeal dough is less elastic, so be gentle.
3. Divide dough into equal-sized balls.
4. Using a rolling board and pin, flatten each ball into a round disc, dusting with dry cornmeal to prevent sticking.
5. Heat a tava or griddle on medium-high heat.
6. Cook each roti on the hot tava, flipping occasionally until golden brown spots appear on both sides.
7. Apply ghee or oil on both sides and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For creamier chole, you can mash some of the chickpeas after cooking.

Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) in tempering for added digestive benefits and flavor.

Try adding kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to chole for an authentic aroma.

For a twist on aloo jeera, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.

If you don’t have makki atta, you can mix cornmeal with a bit of whole wheat flour to make rolling easier.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Punjabi vegetarian dishes are best enjoyed with a side of fresh yogurt or raita to balance the spices. Serve Chole with Makki di Roti for a traditional meal that is both filling and satisfying.

Add a simple salad of sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed with lemon juice and chaat masala to complement the flavors.

For a complete Punjabi dining experience, pair this meal with a glass of lassi (sweet or salty yogurt drink) or traditional Indian pickles.

Conclusion

Punjabi vegetarian recipes are a celebration of bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and comforting textures. By mastering dishes like Chole, Aloo Jeera, and Makki di Roti, you bring a piece of Punjab’s rich culinary heritage right into your kitchen.

These recipes are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and ingredients to suit your taste, and enjoy the warm, hearty meals that Punjabi cuisine offers. For more inspiring vegetarian dishes from around the world, be sure to check out our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore, Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas, and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Happy cooking!

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