Moo-ve Over Dairy: 25+ Unique Dairy-Free (And Gluten-Free) Indian Recipes

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Indian cuisine without the dairy (OR gluten)! From creamy curries to fruity desserts, this collection of recipes has something for everyone to enjoy. With this delicious recipe collection up your sleeve, you'll be cooking dairy-free Indian recipes like a pro in no time. Explore these simple yet exquisite, dairy-free, AND gluten-free creations that promise a burst of flavor in every bite.

Pumpkin chickpea curry served with rice. — Pumpkin Chickpea Curry. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bharwa Bindi

Bharwa bhindi in a grey bowl. — Bharwa Bhindi / Stuffed Okra. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Looking for a side dish that is both delicious and unique? Look no further than Bharwa Bhindi, a popular Indian dish made with tender okra stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spices. The okra is perfectly cooked, and the stuffing is packed with flavor. It is a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Get the recipe: Bharwa Bhindi.

Pumpkin Chickpea Curry

Enjoy warm and aromatic flavors of Pumpkin Chickpea Curry, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot! This hearty dish combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the rich creaminess of chickpeas and a blend of spices. Ready in a flash, it's the ideal comfort food for cozy Fall evenings.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Chickpea Curry.

Cucumber Peanut Salad (Kakdi Chi Koshimbir)

Cucumber peanut salad in a brown bowl. — Indian Cucumber Peanut Salad. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Keep it crisp and refreshing with this Indian Cucumber Peanut Salad (Kakdi Chi Koshimbir). Crunchy cucumbers, nutty peanuts, and a dash of spice - a refreshing experience in every bite! Simple, tasty, and oh-so-satisfying!

Get the recipe: Koshimbir.

Kosambari (Carrot and Lentil Salad)

Kosambari served in a bowl. — Indian Carrot and Lentil Salad. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Colorful, crunchy, and packed with goodness – that's Kosambari for you! This Carrot and Lentil Salad is a refreshing South Indian delight that brings together the freshness of carrots, the protein punch of lentils, and a burst of flavors. A bowl full of health and happiness!

Get the recipe: Kosambari.

Coconut Milk Pulao

Indulge in the wholesome flavors of coconut milk pulao - a healthy and delicious rice dish that is naturally gluten-free and vegan! Prepared in the Instant Pot, this comforting dish features aromatic spices, tender vegetables, and fragrant coconut milk in perfectly cooked Basmati rice.

Get the recipe: Coconut Milk Pulao.

Beans Poriyal (South Indian Green Beans Stir-Fry)

Green beans poriyal in a traditional kadhai. — Green Beans Poriyal. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Looking for a simple, delicious, and versatile side dish? Try Beans Poriyal, a South Indian classic made with green beans, spices, and coconut. It's the perfect accompaniment to rice or roti or can be enjoyed on its own. Beans Poriyal is easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Get the recipe: South Indian Green Beans Stir Fry.

Cabbage Pulao

Cabbage rice served in a brown plate with boondi and yogurt. — Cabbage Pulao. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Transform humble cabbage into a delicious and satisfying meal with this flavorful cabbage rice recipe. With a medley of aromatic spices, this Instant Pot Cabbage Rice is hearty and nourishing.

Get the recipe: Cabbage Pulao.

South Indian Lemon Rice

Brighten up your meal with the zesty goodness of South Indian Lemon Rice! This simple yet flavorful dish is a burst of citrusy freshness. A tasty one-pot meal that's quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!

Get the recipe: Lemon Rice.

Spicy Pan-fried Plantains

Pan-fried plantains served in a coconut bowl. — Pan-fried Plantains. Image Credit: Easy Indian

Savor the goodness of Pan-Fried Plantains (Balekai Palya)! A South Indian delight that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With a hint of spice, it's the perfect side dish or snack. Quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious!

Get the recipe: Pan-fried Plantains.

Coconut Rice

South Indian Coconut Rice is a simple, delicious, and versatile side dish. It is made with rice, grated coconut, spices, and herbs. Coconut Rice is a staple food in South India and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a popular dish to serve at festivals and special occasions, but it is also easy to make at home for a quick and easy meal.

Get the recipe: Coconut Rice.

Tomato Rice

Instant Pot tomato rice is a flavorful dish made with rice, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Tomato rice can be served plain or with your favorite Indian dishes, such as raita, chutney, dal, or sambar. Also called tomato pulao, this one-pot meal is a crowd-pleaser, providing a quick and satisfying option for both busy weeknights and gatherings.

Get the recipe: Tomato Rice.

Instant Pot Beets

Beetroot poriyal served in a steel kadhai. — Beetroot Poriyal / Instant Pot Beets. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Instant Pot Beetroot Poriyal - the fastest route to a plate full of vibrant goodness! Made with minimal spices and finished with coconut, transforming humble beets into a flavorful delight has never been this easy. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Beetroot Poriyal.

Instant Pot Chayote Squash Curry

Chayote squash curry served with rice and dal. — Chayote Squash Curry. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Whip up a delicious side with Instant Pot Chayote Squash Palya. With just a few simple steps in your Instant Pot, you'll have a flavorful stir-fry ready to complement any meal. Enjoy the goodness of chayote, perfectly spiced for a delightful experience.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chayote Squash Curry.

Bagara Baingan

Bagara baingan is a popular Indian eggplant curry that is known for its tangy and flavorful sauce. This recipe uses the Instant Pot to make the dish quickly and easily in just 30 minutes. The Instant Pot Bagara Baingan is a great option for a vegetarian or vegan meal.

Get the recipe: Bagara baingan.

Pan-roasted Chayote Squash

Pan fried chayote squash served in white bowl. — Pan-Roasted Chayote Squash. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Crisp and juicy pan-fried chayote squash is perfect if you are looking for a quick and easy meal. The pan-frying process brings out the natural sweetness of the chayote squash, and the aromatic spices add a complex and flavorful profile to the dish.

Get the recipe: Pan-roasted Chayote Squash.

Baingan Bharta

Spice up your day with this lip-smacking Baingan Bharta recipe! A medley of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors that's sure to delight your taste buds.

Get the recipe: Baingan Bharta.

Aloo Gobi

Aloo gobi, a classic Indian dish, is a flavorful combination of potatoes and cauliflower cooked with aromatic spices. Enjoy this delicious vegan dish that is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Get the recipe: Aloo Gobi.

Chana Masala

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Chana Masala. This classic Indian dish is made with chickpeas cooked in a flavorful spiced curry sauce. It's a satisfying meal that you'll love.

Get the recipe: Chana Masala.

Kala Chana Curry

Delicious kala chana curry is made using black chickpeas and a blend of aromatic spices. This one-pot dish can be made using pantry staples that are easy to find, making it a perfect choice for a simple weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch option.

Get the recipe: Kala Chana Curry.

Chicken Vindaloo

Spice up your dinner with Instant Pot Chicken Vindaloo! This flavorful and aromatic Indian curry is made with tender chicken, fiery spices, and a tangy vinegar-based sauce, all cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot.

Get the recipe: Chicken Vindaloo.

Chana Dal

Experience the rich flavors of Instant Pot chana dal - a hearty and wholesome dish made with split chickpeas infused with aromatic spices. An easy and delicious addition to your everyday meals!

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chana Dal.

Jeera Rice

Whip up a batch of fragrant and fluffy Jeera Rice (cumin-flavored rice) in no time with your Instant Pot! Infused with the warmth of cumin, this versatile side dish is perfect for pairing with any Indian curry or dish.

Get the recipe: Jeera Rice.

Lamb Vindaloo

Lamb vindaloo is a tasty and spicy Goan dish with Portuguese roots. To prepare this dish, the lamb is typically marinated in a flavorful vindaloo masala paste and cooked until the meat is tender and soaks up all the flavors. You can replace lamb with pork or beef to make pork vindaloo and beef vindaloo. Don't forget to finish the meal with a glass of chilled sweet lassi.

Get the recipe: Lamb Vindaloo.

Chettinad Chicken

Chicken Chettinad served in a copper bowl. — Chicken Chettinad. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Chettinad chicken is a distinctive and flavorful chicken curry that boasts a unique blend of spices, fresh coconut, and poppy seeds. This recipe brings the rich flavors of Chettinad cuisine to your kitchen with the convenience of an Instant Pot.

Get the recipe: Chicken Chettinad.

Fish Curry

Bengali fish curry is a dish that is near and dear to the hearts of Bengalis everywhere, and it is a dish that is sure to bring back fond memories of home. The fish is cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you are a Bengali, then you know that there is nothing quite like a plate of fish curry and rice.

Get the recipe: Bengali Fish Curry.

Chilli Chicken

Spice up your next meal with this delicious and easy-to-make chilli chicken. This Indo-Chinese delight showcases the perfect marriage of flavors, combining fiery spices, tangy sauces, and succulent chicken.

Get the recipe: Chili chicken.

Banana Rasayana (Dessert Salad)

Banana salad topped with fresh coconut. — Banana Rasayana (Dessert Salad). Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Indulge in the sweetness of tradition with Banana Rasayana! This delightful Dessert Salad is a South Indian classic that combines ripe bananas, fresh coconut, jaggery, and a sprinkle of cardamom. Pure bliss in every bite!

Get the recipe: Banana Rasayana.

Mango Rasayana (Sweet Mango Pulp)

Mango rasayana in two bowls. — Mango Rasayana / Sweet Mango Pulp. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Mango Rasayana is a sweet and creamy Indian dessert that is made using just four ingredients. Mango Rasayana is easy to make and can be served chilled or at room temperature. A treat that's perfect anytime!

Get the recipe: Mango Rasayana.