What if we told you that you needed only six spices, many of which you may already have in your pantry, to make delicious, authentic Indian recipes? You’d be as amazed as we were when we taste-tested a selection of recipes from The Indian Vegan Kitchen: More Than 150 Quick and Healthy Homestyle Recipes, by Indian cuisine expert and registered dietitian Madhu Gadia. “I didn’t try to simplify recipes, this is how I cook all the time,” Gadia explains. “I use just a few spices to enhance the flavors of food, and less is often more.”

RECIPES:

Black-Eyed Pea Dip

Stuffed Cauliflower

Okra and Onions

Onion-Stuffed Flat Bread (pictured)

6 Spice Essentials
You don’t need a superexotic spice collection to make Madhu Gadia’s aromatic Indian dishes. None of these recipes call for more than these six staples:

1. Whole cumin seeds
2. Ground coriander
3. Cayenne pepper
4. Ground turmeric
5. Garam masala
6. Amchoor

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  Breakfast Tacos with Cheesy-Hemp-Scrambled Tofu

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  Beet-and-Lentil Hummus

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  Southwestern Tofu Scramble

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  Baby Romaine Salad with Date Vinaigrette

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  Eggplant Provençale

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  Carrot Dip with Crushed Walnuts and Olives

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  Mixed Green Salad with Maple-Nut Clusters and Blueberry Dressing

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  Soy-Sesame Bok Choy Rolls

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  Zucchini-Goat Cheese Pizza