10+ Indian Potluck Recipes That Everyone Will Love

Indian potluck recipes are a wonderful way to share the rich flavors and diverse culinary traditions of India with friends and family. These recipes provide a delightful opportunity to bring a taste of Indian cuisine to communal gatherings, making them a favorite for any celebration.

Each dish reflects the vibrant culture, blending spices and ingredients that create unforgettable meals.

Preparing Indian dishes for a potluck can be both fun and rewarding. From hearty main courses to tasty appetizers, there are endless options to explore.

Your guests will surely appreciate the chance to enjoy these delicious flavors, and you’ll love the joy of sharing your favorite recipes.

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a favorite Indian dish. It features tender chicken pieces in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This dish is both flavorful and comforting.

To start, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices like turmeric and garam masala. This step adds depth to the flavors.

Next, cook the chicken until it’s browned. In a separate pan, prepare the sauce with tomatoes, cream, and more spices. Combine everything and let it simmer.

Serve your Butter Chicken with warm basmati rice or naan for a delightful meal. It’s perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken, boneless
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, turmeric, and garam masala for at least 1 hour.
2. Cook chicken in a pan until browned.
3. In another pan, melt butter and add tomato puree.
4. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt.
5. Add cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

2) Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a popular Indian dish that you can easily make for a potluck. This delightful recipe combines spinach and paneer, a fresh cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful meal.

To start, you’ll need fresh spinach. Boil some water and add the spinach leaves for a quick blanch. Then, blend the cooked spinach into a smooth paste. This adds that vibrant green color and rich taste.

Next, in a skillet, heat some oil. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and garam masala until fragrant. Add your spinach paste and then cube in the paneer. Let it simmer so the flavors blend beautifully.

Serve Palak Paneer warm with naan or rice. It’s a nutritious dish that everyone at your potluck will love!

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 200 grams paneer
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and add spinach leaves for 2 minutes.
2. Blend spinach into a smooth paste.
3. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onions and garlic.
4. Add cumin seeds and garam masala; cook until fragrant.
5. Stir in spinach paste and let simmer.
6. Add cubed paneer and cook for a few minutes.
7. Serve warm with naan or rice.

Biryani

Biryani is a beloved Indian dish that is perfect for potlucks. It is a flavorful rice dish made with spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. Each region in India has its own style of biryani, giving you a variety of tastes to explore.

You can easily make a vegetarian version with fresh vegetables and spices. For a richer taste, try adding chicken or lamb. The best part about biryani is its aroma; it fills the kitchen with a delightful smell.

When cooking biryani, ensure you use basmati rice for the best texture. Layer the rice with cooked meat or vegetables, and don’t forget to add fragrant spices like cinnamon and cardamom.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (or meat)
• 2 tablespoons biryani spice mix
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice in cold water and soak for 30 minutes.
2. In a pot, heat oil and sauté the sliced onion until golden brown.
3. Add the vegetables or meat and cook until tender.
4. Stir in the spices, then add the soaked rice.
5. Pour in water and add salt. Bring to a boil.
6. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
7. Fluff with a fork and garnish with cilantro before serving.

4) Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish you can serve at potlucks. This meal includes spicy chickpea curry, known as Chole, paired with fluffy, deep-fried bread called Bhature. It’s a delightful combination that many people enjoy.

You can make Chole Bhature easily at home. The rich spices in the curry blend perfectly with the soft bread, creating a comforting dish. It’s often served with pickles and yogurt on the side for added flavor.

When preparing for a potluck, consider making a large batch. It’s hearty and satisfying, making it a great choice for sharing. Your guests will love the unique taste and texture of this classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 2 large onions (finely chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed)
• 2 green chilies (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yogurt
• Oil (for frying)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook soaked chickpeas until soft.
2. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds.
3. Add onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste; sauté until onions are golden.
4. Stir in tomato puree and spices; cook until thick.
5. Add cooked chickpeas and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. For Bhature: Mix flour, yogurt, and water; knead into a dough.
7. Roll out into circles and deep fry until golden brown.

5) Samosa

Samosas are a popular Indian snack that you can’t resist. They are fried or baked pastries filled with spicy potatoes, peas, or meat. These crispy delights are perfect for a potluck because everyone loves them.

You can serve samosas with various chutneys, like mint or tamarind sauce. This adds extra flavor and a nice touch to your dish. They are also easy to eat as finger food.

You can make your samosas from scratch or buy them frozen for convenience. Either way, they will surely be a hit at your gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup green peas, cooked
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, oil, and salt. Knead into a smooth dough.
2. In another bowl, combine mashed potatoes, peas, cumin, and garam masala.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten each ball into a circle.
4. Place filling in the center, fold, and seal the edges.
5. Heat oil in a pan at 350°F (175°C). Fry samosas until golden brown.

6) Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a favorite Indian sweet. These small, round balls are made from milk solids and are soaked in a sweet syrup. They are soft, sweet, and simply delightful.

To make Gulab Jamun, you start with khoya, which is dried milk. This gives the dessert a rich flavor. You shape the dough into small balls and fry them until golden brown.

Once fried, you soak the balls in sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and rose water. The syrup makes them sweet and moist. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 cup khoya (dried milk)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Rose water (to taste)
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix khoya, flour, and baking powder.
2. Shape the mixture into small balls.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
4. Fry the balls until golden brown.
5. In another pot, combine sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
6. Add cardamom and rose water to the syrup.
7. Soak the fried balls in the warm syrup for at least 30 minutes.

7) Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a delicious and popular Indian starter. It features cubes of paneer marinated in spices and yogurt. Then, these tasty pieces are grilled or baked.

You can serve it with mint chutney or yogurt sauce. The smoky flavor from grilling makes it special. You can easily prepare this dish at home, whether using an oven or a stovetop.

This dish is perfect for a potluck or any gathering. It’s vegetarian-friendly and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 500 grams paneer
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Bell peppers, chopped
• Onion, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the paneer into cubes.
2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, and salt.
3. Add paneer, bell peppers, and onion to the marinade. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Thread paneer and veggies onto skewers.
6. Grill or bake for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian dish that combines potatoes and cauliflower. This recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to make, making it great for potlucks.

To prepare Aloo Gobi, start by heating some oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Next, toss in chopped potatoes and cauliflower florets. Sprinkle in spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander for a warm, aromatic taste.

You can add a splash of water to prevent the dish from drying out. Cook until the vegetables are tender. This dish pairs well with rice or flatbreads, making it a perfect addition to your potluck spread.

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
3. Add potatoes and cauliflower florets.
4. Stir in turmeric, coriander, and salt.
5. Cook for about 20 minutes, adding water as needed.
6. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

9) Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani is a popular Indian dish made with lentils and beans. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it a favorite at potlucks.

This dish uses whole black lentils and red kidney beans, cooked slowly for a delicious, smooth texture. You’ll often add butter and cream for richness.

You can make Dal Makhani using either a stovetop or an instant pot. Both methods yield great results. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole black lentils (urad dal)
• 1/4 cup red kidney beans (rajma)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, chili powder)
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the lentils and beans overnight.
2. Drain and rinse, then boil them in water until tender.
3. In a pan, heat butter and sauté onions until golden.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste, then stir in tomato puree and spices.
5. Mix in the cooked lentils and beans.
6. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, adding cream towards the end.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

10) Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is a flavorful dish perfect for any potluck. The key is in the marinade, which includes yogurt and spices like cumin and coriander. This gives the chicken a deliciously rich taste.

You can prepare it by grilling or baking. If you prefer grilling, use a medium-high heat. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook until the chicken is fully done.

Tandoori chicken is best served with naan and a cooling cucumber salad. This helps balance the spices and makes for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs whole chicken or cut pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean the chicken and pat it dry.
2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, oil, lemon juice, and spices.
3. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.
4. Grill or bake at 400°F (200°C) until fully cooked.