Dairy-Free Onion Besan Curry

Dive into the comforting, bold flavors of Dairy-Free Onion Besan Curry, a wholesome and aromatic Indian-inspired dish that’s both vegan and gluten-free. This vibrant recipe features caramelized onions simmered in a silky chickpea flour (besan) base, seasoned with a medley of earthy spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Naturally thickened with a gluten-free besan slurry, this curry delivers a creamy texture without the need for dairy. Finished with a splash of zesty lemon juice and fresh cilantro, it’s perfect for pairing with steamed rice, quinoa, or warm flatbreads. Ready in just 40 minutes, this plant-based curry is a simple yet flavorful addition to your weeknight meal rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 large Onions
• 1 cup Besan (chickpea flour)
• 2 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Oil
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 optional Green chili

Directions

Step 1

Peel and thinly slice the onions. If you choose to use green chili, slit it lengthwise.

Step 2

In a bowl, mix the besan with 2 cups of water. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps and set aside.

Step 3

Heat oil in a large pan on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, allowing them to sizzle until aromatic, about 30 seconds.

Step 4

Add the sliced onions and optional green chili to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent and slightly golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for another minute.

Step 6

Slowly pour the besan mixture into the pan while stirring continuously. This helps avoid lumps from forming.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 15 minutes until the curry thickens to your preferred consistency.

Step 8

Add garam masala and stir well. Cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 9

Turn off the heat and add lemon juice. Mix thoroughly.

Step 10

Garnish the curry with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or any flatbread of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1043.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	904.6

Total Fat 38.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2472.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 108.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.4g	0%
Total Sugars 34.5g
Protein 32.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 216.9mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 1911.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.0%

Protein: 14.2%

Carbs: 47.9%