From easy crowd-pleasing recipes to classic dishes, try our Indian Vegetarian menu ideas for a fuss free entertaining. Whether it is a intimate get together or a big celebration, these dishes will surely please your friends and family.
Sharing my collection of Vegetarian appetizers, main course and desserts, with helpful tips to make your next party stress free!
Also sharing a new quick and easy dessert peda recipe at the end of this post!
1- Get the final head count
2 – Ask about allergies or dietary restrictions ahead of time.
3 – Pick recipes which you are comfortable in making them.
4 – Start planning at least a week in advance.
5 – Do the shopping 3 days in advance.
6 – Clean and prep the veggies 1- 2 days in advance.
7 – Preferably pick dessert which can be made 1-2 days in advance.
8 – You can make dal/lentils or 1-2 curries a day in advance.
9 – Don’t stress out for smallest details.
10 – If some one offers to help take it
11 – To make it less stressful- order few dishes from outside or make semi home made recipes.
12- Use an instant pot or Indian style pressure cooker to make some of these recipes in very little time.
A typical dinner party has drinks, appetizers, main course and dessert.
Drinks – you can serve home made beverages like lassi, punch or lemonade or serve store bought soft drinks or juices.
Appetizers – 2 to 3. I like to serve 1 or 2 appetizers and one salad or pre mixed chaats. You can order the appetizers, use a pre mix dhokla mix, or bake the Costco spring rolls, puffs, and more.
Main Course – can be divided in to curries, sabzi, dal, roti and rice.
Desserts – 1-2. I usually pick something simple, but something loved by both adults and kids. You can also serve cake, brownies or ice cream.
I usually like to serve one fried item and atleast one fresh vegetable based dish like chaat, dip or kosambari.
Some of the Non Indian Appetizers which are favorite among friends and family are –
Indian Store Appetizers –
Follow the instructions on the package and cook or bake accordingly.
I usually serve one dal and one lentil curry. They are great make ahead dishes and easy to make for a crowd.
If I am serving more curries, I usually serve plain rice. But if you prefer to serve pulao or biryani, you can make that and reduce the amount of curries.
No Indian meal is complete with out a side of pickle. While store bought pickles are easily available, here are some of my favorite homemade pickles. These can be made few days in advance.
I prefer making desserts which are simple and can be made a day in advance.
Some other side dishes which can be served for the party are
Though I don’t make a separate menu for kids, there are certain recipes which are liked by kids and they always come back for seconds.
Sharing some of the regional cuisines I make for get together’s and the recipes I have blogged so far.
Hope all these recipes and tips will be helpful in planning your next get together.
If you tried any of these recipes, do share your feedback in the comment section below. For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
Here is the recipe for a quick and easy peda –
