20 South Indian Simple Vegetarian Recipe Taste The Magic Today!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
South Indian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and unique spice blends, making it a popular choice for vegetarians. With a wide variety of vegetables, lentils, and rice, South Indian cuisine offers a plethora of simple and delicious vegetarian recipes that are suitable for all occasions. In this article, we will explore one such recipe that is easy to prepare, yet bursting with authentic South Indian flavors. So, put on your apron and let's get cooking!
This flavorful dish combines the earthy flavors of potatoes with the bold spices of South Indian cuisine. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course with rice or naan bread. The potatoes are cooked with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and finished off with a splash of tangy lemon juice. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Indian Chickpea Coconut Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Curry
Chickpeas are a staple in Indian cuisine, and this coconut curry is a delicious and hearty way to enjoy them. The chickpeas are cooked in a flavorful blend of onions, garlic, ginger, and spices, and then simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce. This dish is perfect for vegetarians and vegans, and it pairs well with rice or naan.
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South Indian paruppu
Main Ingredients: Water, Turmeric, Asafoetida, Salt, Oil, Mustard, Urad
This traditional South Indian dish is a simple and comforting lentil stew. The lentils are cooked with a blend of spices and finished off with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. It can be served as a soup or poured over rice for a hearty meal.
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South Indian Coconut Rice
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Curry Leaves, Coconut Oil, Dried
This fragrant and flavorful rice dish is a staple in South Indian cuisine. It is made by cooking basmati rice with a blend of coconut milk, spices, and curry leaves. The result is a creamy and aromatic rice dish that pairs well with any curry or vegetable dish.
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Bread Uttapam, South Indian Snack
Main Ingredients: White Bread, Sooji, All Purpose Flour, Yogurt, Salt
If you're looking for a quick and easy snack, look no further than bread uttapam. This South Indian street food is made by topping slices of bread with a savory batter made from rice flour and lentils. It is then pan-fried until crispy and served with chutney or sambar for dipping.
Eggs are a versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine, and this spicy curry is a delicious way to enjoy them. The eggs are boiled and then cooked in a fragrant sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or served as a side dish with any Indian meal.
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South Indian-style Red Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Red Cabbage, Olive Oil, Mustard Seeds, Curry Leaves
This colorful and flavorful side dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The cabbage is cooked with a blend of spices and coconut, giving it a unique South Indian twist. It is a great accompaniment to any meal and can be served hot or cold.
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Indian Dal Nirvana (Dal Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Dry Lentils, Crushed Tomato, Fresh Ginger, Minced
Dal Nirvana, also known as Dal Makhani, is a rich and creamy lentil dish that is popular in North India. The lentils are cooked in a flavorful blend of spices and finished off with a generous amount of butter and cream. It is a delicious and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions.
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South Indian Green Beans Poriyal
Main Ingredients: French Beans, Oil, Mustard Seeds, Onion, Curry Leaves
This simple and nutritious dish is a staple in South Indian households. The green beans are cooked with a blend of spices and coconut, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course with rice or bread.
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South Indian Lemon Rice
Main Ingredients: Coriander Seeds, Vegetable Oil, Mustard Seeds, Curry
Lemon rice is a popular dish in South India that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Cooked rice is tossed with a flavorful mixture of lemon juice, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. It can be served as a side dish or as a light lunch with some yogurt or chutney on the side.
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Indian Coconut Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Fresh Grated Ginger
This creamy and comforting curry is a great way to enjoy lentils. The lentils are cooked in a flavorful blend of coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and spices, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish. It can be served with rice or bread for a hearty meal.
This unique and flavorful rice dish is a popular street food in South India. The rice is flavored with a blend of peanuts, spices, and tamarind, giving it a tangy and nutty taste. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish to any Indian meal.
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Neer Mor / South Indian Spiced Buttermilk
Main Ingredients: Yogurt, Water, Asafoetida, Grated Ginger, Coriander
Neer Mor, also known as spiced buttermilk, is a refreshing and delicious drink that is perfect for hot summer days. It is made by blending buttermilk with spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger, and is often served with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It is a great accompaniment to any meal or can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy and cooling beverage.
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South Indian breakfast trail#7-Dosai platter
Main Ingredients: Rice, Seeds, Urad Dal
Dosai, also known as dosa, is a popular South Indian breakfast dish. It is made by fermenting a batter made from rice and lentils and then cooking it on a hot griddle until crispy. It can be served with a variety of fillings and chutneys, making it a versatile and delicious breakfast option.
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Simple Toor Dal, South Indian Style
Main Ingredients: Toor Dal, Onion, Green Chili, Garlic, Mustard Seeds
Toor dal, also known as pigeon peas, is a staple in South Indian cuisine. This simple and comforting dish is made by cooking the lentils with a blend of spices and finished off with a tempering of mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves. It can be served as a soup or poured over rice for a satisfying meal.
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South Indian Coconut Chutney (For Idli's & Dosa's)
Main Ingredients: Coconut, Channa Dal, Almonds, Green Chillies, Ginger
This versatile and flavorful chutney is a must-have accompaniment for any South Indian meal. It is made by blending coconut with a blend of spices and can be served with idlis, dosas, or any other South Indian dish. It adds a delicious and creamy element to any meal.
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Masala Dosa with potato curry (South Indian breakfast)
Main Ingredients: Potato, Onion, Curry Leaves, Green Chili, Ginger, Green
Masala dosa is a popular South Indian breakfast dish that is loved by people all over the world. It is made by stuffing a crispy dosa with a flavorful potato curry and served with coconut chutney and sambar on the side. It is a hearty and satisfying breakfast option that will keep you full until lunchtime.
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South Indian Vegan Cabbage Fritters (Cabbage Pakoda)
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Medium Red Onion, Jalapeno, Cilantro, Besan
Cabbage pakodas are a delicious and crispy snack that is perfect for a rainy day. The cabbage is mixed with a flavorful batter made from chickpea flour and spices and then deep-fried until golden brown. They are a great way to enjoy cabbage and can be served with chutney or ketchup for dipping.
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cauliflower poriyal | South Indian cauliflower poriyal
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower Florets, Onion, Chili Powder, Mustard
Cauliflower poriyal is a simple and delicious side dish that is popular in South Indian cuisine. The cauliflower is cooked with a blend of spices and coconut, giving it a unique and flavorful taste. It is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and can be served with rice or bread.
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Tamarind Rice/Imli Chawal/South Indian Style
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Chilli, Curry Leaves, Mustard Seed, Urad
Tamarind rice, also known as imli chawal, is a tangy and flavorful rice dish that is popular in South India. The rice is cooked with a blend of tamarind paste, spices, and peanuts, giving it a unique and delicious taste. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish to any Indian meal.
The Versatile Vegetable Sambar
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of toor dal (pigeon peas)
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, eggplant, drumsticks, etc.)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp of tamarind paste
- 1 tsp of sambar powder
- ½ tsp of turmeric powder
- ½ tsp of mustard seeds
- ½ tsp of cumin seeds
- A few curry leaves
- 2 tbsp of oil
- Salt to taste
- Coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
1. Wash and soak the toor dal for 30 minutes. Then, pressure cook it with 2 cups of water until soft.
2. In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add cumin seeds and curry leaves.
3. Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Add turmeric powder, sambar powder, and salt. Mix well.
7. Add tamarind paste and 2 cups of water. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Add the cooked toor dal and mix well. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with coriander leaves and turn off the heat.
10. Serve hot with steamed rice or idli.
The Flavors of South India in Your Plate
The vegetable sambar is a staple dish in South Indian households and is a perfect representation of the region's cuisine. The flavorful blend of spices and vegetables makes it a nutritious and wholesome meal. The sambar powder used in this recipe is a unique blend of roasted spices like coriander, cumin, fenugreek, and red chilies, giving it a distinctive taste and aroma. The use of tamarind paste adds a tangy touch to the dish, balancing out the flavors perfectly.
Customizable and Adaptable
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use any vegetables of your choice, making it a great dish to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge. You can also adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference, making it suitable for all taste buds. This dish can also be made in larger quantities and stored for a few days, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays.
Final Thoughts
The vegetable sambar is a quintessential South Indian dish that is simple, yet bursting with flavors. It is a perfect meal for vegetarians and can be enjoyed by anyone looking to explore the diverse cuisine of South India. So, why not give this recipe a try and add a touch of South India to your dining table?