For nearly two decades now, Holy Cow Vegan has been the go-to destination online for discerning cooks looking for Indian and vegan recipes that are authentic yet modern, full of flavor and easy to make.
I'm Vaishali and I started this blog in 2007 to help demystify the intricacies of Indian cooking and adapt its many, many delicious recipes to a vegan diet. As a former omnivore who grew up in Mumbai eating diverse Indian cuisines, I love to transform the meat- and dairy-based dishes I once enjoyed into plant-based versions that taste authentic and are healthier.
There are more than 1,200 recipes on the blog that I've created, perfected, and shared over the years. I hope you will find something here that you and your family will love. Just bring your curiosity and creativity to the party! If you're new to Indian food, I'd start with an easy recipe like this 30-minute, one-pot vegetable curry. But if your soul begs for crunchy, savory food like mine does, you might want to jump straight to the samosas or vegetable pakoras) 😉 .
Thanks for stopping by!
What you'll find on Holy Cow Vegan
- Easy, quick, healthy and hassle-free plant-based recipes, many Indian. This is food you can cook whether you are a novice or an expert, and food you will love whether you are an omnivore or a vegan or somewhere in between. All recipes use clean, wholesome, natural ingredients, most of which are already in your pantry.
- Recipes for special diets. More than half the recipes on this blog are gluten-free (including lots of gluten-free vegan desserts!). You will also find many recipes suited to a low-carb and keto vegan diet.
- Kid-friendly recipes. As a mom, I focus on creating recipes that are kid-friendly as well as adult-friendly!
- Global recipes. We love to travel, so I often post recipes from around the world, including Mexican, Italian, Irish, African and Mediterranean. You can also browse tons of vegan Indian recipes, ranging from restaurant favorites like chana masala and vegan butter chicken to more modern dishes with my own spin, like this tasty vegetable curry and chickpea curry.
- Vegan baked goods. I love to bake, so you'll find lots of recipes for homemade vegan cakes, vegan cookies, vegan pies and vegan breads. I've been baking with sourdough and nurturing a sourdough starter long before it became trendy to do so.
Frequently asked questions
I add new recipes once or twice every week. You can sign up for my newsletter so you don't miss a single recipe, or you can follow Holy Cow Vegan on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
The blog's name calls out the dichotomy in the Indian diet and religious belief system. Cows are worshipped as holy but hundreds of thousands of cows are also tortured in factory farms to supply India's love for milk and milk products. I try to show, through this blog, that Indian food can be just as delicious without the dairy.
Yes! Indian food might appear difficult but there are many recipes that are quite easy, like this basic but delicious dal or this easy vegetable curry. You will need a few spices that can easily be found at Indian grocery stores or through online retailers. In the recipe card for each recipe, you will find Amazon affiliate links to most ingredients I use. If you are new to Indian cooking or looking to scale up your skills, read my ultimate guide to vegan Indian cooking where I share lots of tips, techniques and recipes for veganizing Indian food.
You can leave a comment on the recipe (it's the quickest way to get a response and I read and appreciate every comment). Or you can email me at MyVeganWorld@gmail.com. If you'd like to share a photo of the recipe please post it on Instagram and tag me #HolyCowVegan.
Useful links
- Recipe Index
- All Recipes (by date)
- Vegan Baked Goods and Breads
- Vegan Baking Substitutes
- Sourdough Baking
Some of my top recipes
Publications
The blog and my recipes have been featured in dozens of print and online publications, including the following:
- Vegan Food and Living
- The Washington Post
- Domicile DC
- All Animals (magazine of the Humane Society of the United States)
- Parade
- VegNews
- One Green Planet
- Self
- Yahoo!
- CNet
- Everyday Health
- The Oregonian
- Boston magazine
Lynne Atwell says
Dear Vaishali,
Thank you for sharing these great recipes on your blog.
I have been trying off and on over several years to stop eating animal products for both my health and ethical concerns but so many vegan recipes are just plain boring. I just found your website recently and I am now a subscriber. I think your recipes, which look really delicious, will help me be vegan and stay vegan this time.
All the best
Lynne
Anuj Agarwal says
Hi Vaishali,
My name is Anuj Agarwal. I'm Founder of Feedspot.
I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Holy Cow! has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Indian Food Blogs on the web.
I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 100 Indian Food Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!
Also, you have the honor of displaying the badge on your blog.
best,
Anuj
Mardio says
Thank you for being such an inspiration! I just cooked pasta with roasted pepper and my family loved it! Please publish a cook book.. would love to collect your recipe on my bookshelves. Keep up the good work!
Vaishali says
Awesome, glad you tried it!
Jean says
Vaishali, thank you for your great recipes and stories.
This week my CSA box contained three little sweet potatoes and I was going to ask if you could not use measurements like "2 large sweet potatoes," but I realized that was a ridiculous question. If only this was the most difficult conversion I've ever had to do. So never mind about the measurements. I'm glad I didn't really ask!
Again, thank you for the excellent website.
Vaishali says
Jean, you can substitute three little sweet potatoes for two large ones. Since this is not a baked goods recipe, you can go with your instinct and adjust the measurements for the other ingredients upward or downward, to your taste.
Tm Wahl says
Hi Vaishali
I live in the U.K. and came across your website as I'm looking to do a curry evening with my lovely neighbours next week. However, as I'm not vegan or gluten intolerant and quite keen to change my ways to become more gluten and vegetarian, I'm desperate for some advice on what you may suggest as simple recipes.
I've found some of your lovely curry recipes and a raita but any ideas on sides or desserts ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated - I think there's an Indian store near to where I live that I could visit for some ingredients.
Thank you
Tracy x
Vaishali says
Hi Tracy, you can find quite a few Indian dessert recipes on my "Indian vegan sweets" page. I have posted tons of Indian sides over the years.
Sunny says
Pleeeeease publish a cook book! I would love a hard copy of your recipes: )
Mary Brown says
Hi Vaishali. Just found your site and am in the process of making cabbage rice as I had a cabbage in the pantry that needed a "home". We are a WFPB (Whole Foods Plant Based) household (my and my husband) and have discovered the tantalizing flavours of Indian Cuisine. Looking forward to making many more recipes from your blog. WOW 800 recipes!!!
Thanks from Canada and in the words of Rich Roll
Peace Plants
✌️?
Mary
Pree says
Hi Vaishali, Thank you for vegan recipes, I just found you on facebook now can easily find your recipes. I Just cooked this eggplant curry it is delicious . Love your recipes and thank you for being kind to animals.
Vaishali says
Hi Kris and Chris, your comment really made my day-- or my whole week! Those are such lovely words to hear and I am so happy I contributed in a small way to making your holidays more enjoyable.
Kristine Loubris says
Hi Vaishali,
My husband and I have always enjoyed Indian food. We had never done much Indian cooking, but enjoyed already prepared dishes. When we went vegan, we have had to be very careful to avoid Indian foods that may have dairy in them, which was a challenge.
For the holidays this year, my husband compiled a booklet of different recipes he found on your blog. He then went to the Indian market to select all of the ingredients and spices for each recipe. He surprised me with a large basket containing everything we needed to get started.
Since then, we have been on a culinary adventure! We’ve made 7 of your recipes, so far. Not one has been a disappointment; they are all incredibly delicious!
Thank you for putting together such a wonderful resource. You didn’t know it, but you have been a huge part of our learning and discovery of Indian cuisine! We can’t thank you enough.
Kris and Chris
Deb Cazavilan says
Vaishali-I am so happy to have found your blog. I've been on here for a few hours already. I almost never take the time to actually reach out and comment, but tonight I have to!
I absolutely LOVE your recipes. I love that they contain so many wonderful aromatic spices and herbs and interesting ingredients. I'm dying to go out and find myself a CURRY plant to nurture in my sunny Iowa window.
Your story of Opie touched my heart. I lost my very precious Goldendoodle at only 7 years of age. From diagnosis to the end was only 6 weeks. And sadly, ther'se may have been a way we could have bought more time, but our vet was not of that mind. I don't know how Opie's story played out. I can only hope that whatever may or may not have occurred, you find solace in the loving and vigilant care you generously gave him.
I love your pet names....Opie, Desi, Lucy, .... my beloved Goldendoodle was Arlo (after Alice's Restaurant) and my current standard poodle's name is Kramer (Yep, Cosmo Kramer) for the way he so indiscretely careens into the room.
I wish you well and I will be a Big FAN!! Love your blog, love your recipes and so thankful to have found you.
Blessings! (check out my Facebook Page if you like....I have a little Cooking School called Wooden Spoons Workshops)
Vaishali says
Hi Deb, I am so sorry about your dog-- the pain doesn't ever really go away, does it? I still miss Opie and I've been dreading his first anniversary-- which is tomorrow--because of how terrible I'm going to feel all over again. Desi is my husband, by the way, although he's also kind of a pet. 🙂
So glad you've liked the recipes-- I hope you will try them, and I'll be sure to check out your FB page.
SANDRA PEARSE says
Vaishali, I am so, so pleased that I have come across your website I was looking for a quinoa and chickpea burger recipe, Google brought me to your website, and I am so glad that it did!
I have had a very quick peek at a few recipes, and I am in heaven!
I can't wait to start trying some of them out. I especially want to try the sourdough starter, as I am looking into starting this, along with fermenting as well.
I know I am going to enjoy reading your blog and future recipes.
Carry on the good work, I'm looking forward to learning more.
Take care
Sandra x x
Vaishali says
Thanks for your kind words, Sandra. Hope you'll do the sourdough starter. It's a gift that keeps on giving. 🙂
Gsnchari@yahoo.com says
Hi Vaishali,
You are an absolutely amazing cook. Excellent job on posting all the recipes and the very appetizing photos . I have tried several of your recipes after getting introduced to your site by my sister Sujatha. Do you have a place where you have recipes for dog food and treats. I have a love bug called Murphey --- a labradoodle , at 60 lbs he loves to eat.
Wishing you many happy, healthy years of cooking ahead.
Sandya
Vaishali says
Hi Sandya, I have only posted one dog biscuit recipe, which is shocking now that I think of it, given that dogs are a big part of this blog. Search for "peanut butter dog biscuits" in the search bar.
Hugs to Murphey. I've never met a dog who didn't love to eat. It's part of their charm, I guess. 🙂
Cheryl Brown says
Hi Vaishali,
I cannot praise your site enough! First of all, I must give thanks to Indian cooking, which showed me the way to take my family vegetarian 35 years ago, when there was virtually no help or guidance on how to do so (no internet). I raised my three children as vegetarians, and two years ago my oldest daughter showed me why I needed to go vegan; I only regret that it took so long for me to see the light. Nevertheless, I am ever so grateful. I absolutely LOVE to cook and I use your recipes religiously, to the amazement of family and friends. My heartfelt thanks to you for all you do to educate and delight us with your recipes.
Peace,
Cheryl
Vaishali says
Thank you for your kind words, Cheryl, you are awesome. I think it's so wonderful that you raised your kids vegetarian-- it not an easy job, I know, because I am trying to keep my son, Jay, vegetarian but he is often tempted, I can see, by friends at school eating meat. I try and explain how our food "farms" work to him, and I hope one day he will understand.
Anuj Agarwal says
Hi Vaishali,
My name is Anuj Agarwal. I'm Founder of Feedspot.
I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Vegan Blogs on the web.
I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 100 Vegan Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!
Also, you have the honor of displaying the badge on your blog. Use the code to display the badge proudly on your blog.
Best,
Anuj
Vaishali says
Thanks!
Danielle says
Hi Vaishali,
I am so excited to have found your website and have added to my favorites. My husband I have been maintaining a plant based diet with occasional fish for six months now. We love how it has transformed our health, bodies, and what it does for animals! We love to cook and our daughter introduced us to Indian food several years ago. We eat a lot of curries and rajma masala is our current favorite. Can't wait to branch out and try your recipes. Thanks for sharing!!
Vaishali says
Thanks, Danielle, hope you try!
Anonymous says
Hi Vaishali, i just saw the photo of Lucy after visiting your page and she looks like such a wise doggie. beautiful pic of your pup. what she is shows clearly on her face. you were luck to have her.
Vaishali says
Hi Anon, she really was the most special pup, and I miss her so very much. I was -- and am--truly lucky.
Mavis says
Vaishali, great to have stumbled upon your blog. I haven't tried anything yet but am excited to do so. My husband and I, live in Baltimore but are both from Mumbai and love Indian food - except I am mostly vegan (weekdays and nights) and he is an omnivore. Your recipes are going to come in handy when I try to expand my repertoire beyond the simple dals and beans I usually prepare. Thanks for sharing.
Vaishali says
Hi Mavis, how lovely to meet a fellow Indian who is now almost a neighbor. 🙂 I love Baltimore, one of my favorite cities on earth. Thanks for your kind words!
Lauren says
Vaishali, I am a new fan. I LOVE your recipes and have made several recently that turned out so well. THANK YOU!! I am traveling to D.C. for work in June. Do you have any suggestions for nice restaurants where I can take people who are not vegan, but where I can eat?
Lauren
Vaishali says
Hi Lauren, thanks for your kind words. Where in D.C. will you be located? There are a number of great options for vegans/non-vegans in D.C., with Indian restaurants and Thai restaurants being the best options since they offer a variety of vegan dishes (as opposed to most other restaurants which will have one or two vegan/vegetarian options only.) If you can tell me a preferred location, I might be able to pinpoint something more specific.
Rekha says
Hello V,
i have been fllowing lots of blogs because i love cooking, ALthough these days my hubby does not care what i cook. he has certain things he eats and that is that. Perhaps those thing do agree wtih him. i wish though, he tries my creations. well! i am happy he is still with me and that says everything!
I love your vegan food. It is delish and very nutritious I have been away from my native PuNe for about 40 odd years and learned to cook lots of "new ' trendy thing from the blogs. WE are both happy that i have found your blog!
Love you and what you creat!!
Rekha
Vaishali says
How lovely you are from Pune. I spent a wonderful year there when I went to journalism school at Ranade Institute. It will always be one of my most favorite cities. 🙂
Rekha says
hello Vaishali,
I do not even remember when i started to look at your blog. for a long time i dod not know how to get to the logs. One day i googled 'goda masala" and found the blog named 'bhatukli' and i was hooked ! i also love cooking but only Marathi cooking i learned from my elders.
In 87 my hubby had a heart attack and then my mom passed away. I guess that is when i guess I found my first blog. now there no stoppong.
I have changed my cooking a whole lot. I am not young by any means but my husband's different dietary needs is when i turned to blogs. But here is the first time i have written a comment . I love your blog and i was looking at it and thught it is not nice to folow you and not tell you aboutit. So here it is!
I love your blog and am thinking about turning vegan. BUT a lot depends on my husband.SO let us see!
Vaishali says
Dear Rekha, what a lovely message, and thank you so much for your encouraging words. Whether or not you decide to go the vegan way, I hope you will find the recipes here useful. There is tons of evidence that a plant-based diet helps reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease. But I also understand that it can be hard to convince people to change their diets-- trust me, I run into that with Desi all the time. 🙂 Good luck to you both, and wishing you many years of good health.
Diane Karalunas says
I am so thrilled I found you! I was vegetarian for four years, newly vegan as of November of last year. I also was sent down the vegan pass through my beloved animal companions (rabbits), both who passed last year. I LOVE to bake, LOVE to prepare Indian food, and am so excited to get started on some of your wonderful recipes. The vegetable vindaloo is on the menu for this week!
Vaishali says
Diane, thank you for the kind words! Hope you enjoy the vindaloo! 🙂
Morgan says
For your sourdough starter can I use a large ziploc bag to store in the refrigerator? Thanks so much!!
Vaishali says
Morgan, sorry for the late response, but yes, you can.
Gerry says
Hi,
I've tried a few of your recipes and they all taste so very good. I lived in India for a few years and love Indian food though can't enjoy it too much as I'm allergic to milk products. And, that is why your recipes are such a joy to me - I can make so many dishes now that I couldn't before. Anyway, keep it up and I made the black eyed peas with sweet potatoes yesterday and it was a HIT.
Best,
Gerry
Vaishali says
Thanks for your kind words, Gerry. Glad you liked the recipes. 🙂
Vaishak says
HI Vaishali,
You have such a wonderful blog out here, with really great pictures.
What caught my notice at first glance in your site was your name since it looked similar to my name. 🙂
Really hats off to your pics. How do take such photos? Is there a course to learn how to take such beautiful pics?
And last, saw the pic of Lucy. Her skin looked gorgeous and reminds me of skin of mountain bear. I feel she was someone who would ferociously protect its loved ones. Which breed was she?
Thanks again.
Regards
Vaishak
Vaishali says
Hi Vaishak, My husband, Desi, gets credit for the photos. He's not trained, although there are a number of food photography courses and books you can google up now. Desi's really good at it. 🙂 Lucy truly had a gorgeous coat. We miss her dearly. 🙂
Margot Hunjan says
Hello Vaishali,
My Punjabi husband and I have been vegetarians for more than 40 years and I am getting more and more interested in vegan cuisine. So happy I found your website. And even happier to hear that you are an animal lover. We have 3 wonderful dogs, a sweet cat, and a very old horse.
I will definitely be a regular visitor to your website, as I absolutely love the recipes. Will make the roasted Brussels sprouts today.
Take care!
Margot
nicholed13 says
Wow, just found your website and am so sad that I've been missing out for so long! Excited to try some new recipes starting with the African Peanut Soup tonight. Thank you for sharing your beautiful plant-based creations, Vaishali.
Vaishali Honawar says
Thanks for your kind words! Hope you try the recipes and feel free to ask if you have any questions. 🙂
The Vegan Junction says
Wow. Lucy sure was a beaut! And they do stay with you, for always.
Vaishali Honawar says
Yes, she certainly was a gorgeous creature!
Ram says
Hi Vaishali.
I've just seen your site and really like the way you experiment with different cultural cuisines. It makes the dishes more interesting and flavorsome. Keep up the good work..
Ram
Vaishali Honawar says
Thanks, Ram!
mary says
Hi Vaishali.
How are you? I don't know if you remember me or not. I was the one always telling you to move to Toronto and open a restaurant. I haven't received anything in my mail box from you in quite a while, and
I can't figure out why. When I tried to sign up again it kept coming up as an error. But, anyway, I love your recipes and blog. It is truly the best. I miss getting your stuff in my email.
I hope everything is well with you and your family. How is your little boy doing?
Take care and Namaste, baby!
Vaishali Honawar says
Namaste, Mary, and of course I remember our conversations in the messages. Thanks for letting me know about the email. I tried subscribing you with the email id you had given, but it threw up an error message for me too. There doesn't seem to be a problem with the subscription widget itself. Is there another email I can subscribe you with? You can write to me at myveganworld[at]gmail.com.
Take care!