15+ Indian Recipes to Savor and Share with Loved Ones

15+ Indian Recipes to Savor and Share with Loved Ones

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 13 minutes

India is famous for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. These offer a wide array of recipes that cater to different tastes. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, Indian recipes can inspire your kitchen adventures.

A table filled with colorful spices, pots, and cooking utensils for preparing traditional Indian recipes

From vibrant curries to mouthwatering breads and desserts, each recipe tells a story rooted in culture and tradition. Indian cuisine not only satisfies hunger but also provides an opportunity to connect with a rich heritage. Embracing these recipes can bring warmth and joy to your dining table.

1) Chicken Tikka Masala

A sizzling skillet of Chicken Tikka Masala surrounded by colorful spices and herbs on a rustic wooden table

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish that has gained fans worldwide. This creamy curry mixes marinated chicken with a rich sauce made from tomatoes and spices.

For the marinade, you’ll use yogurt, garlic, and ginger to tenderize the chicken. After marinating, the chicken is grilled or cooked in a pan, giving it a nice char.

The sauce is where the magic happens. It combines onions, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and coriander. Finally, cream adds a smooth richness.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) boneless chicken
  • 1 cup (240 g) yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cream
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix yogurt, garlic, and ginger. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Grill or pan-cook chicken until fully cooked.
  3. In a pan, sauté onions until golden.
  4. Add tomatoes and spices. Cook until thickened.
  5. Stir in the chicken and cream. Simmer for a few minutes.
  6. Serve hot with rice or naan.

2) Paneer Butter Masala

A steaming pot of Paneer Butter Masala simmers on a stove, surrounded by vibrant spices and fresh ingredients

Paneer Butter Masala is a delicious Indian dish that many love for its rich and creamy flavor. It’s made with paneer, which is Indian cottage cheese, cooked in a spicy tomato and butter sauce.

The dish is often served with naan or rice, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. The creamy texture comes from using cashews and butter, which add a wonderful taste.

You can easily make this recipe at home. It’s not only tasty but also a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 250 grams paneer
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup tomatoes (pureed)
  • 1/2 cup onions (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup cashew nuts
  • Spices: garam masala, chili powder, and salt
  • 1/2 cup cream

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and sauté until golden.
  3. Stir in the tomato puree and cook until thick.
  4. Add spices and cashew nuts, blending well.
  5. Add paneer and coat it in the sauce.
  6. Pour in the cream and simmer for a few minutes.

3) Lamb Vindaloo

A steaming pot of lamb vindaloo simmers on a stovetop, surrounded by a colorful array of spices, including cardamom, cumin, and turmeric

Lamb Vindaloo is a spicy and flavorful dish that comes from the Goan region of India. It features tender lamb pieces marinated in a special vindaloo paste made from vinegar, garlic, and spices. You can make it spicy or adjust the heat to your taste.

To prepare, you will need lamb, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a mix of spices. The cooking process involves marinating the lamb and then simmering it until it’s tender. This dish goes well with rice or bread.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) lamb, cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 2 dried kashmiri chilies
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Marinate lamb with vinegar, garlic, ginger, and spices for at least 2 hours.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the marinated lamb and cook until browned.
  4. Add water, cover, and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours.
  5. Adjust seasoning and serve hot with rice or bread.

4) Tandoori Chicken

A sizzling tandoori chicken dish surrounded by a variety of aromatic Indian spices and herbs

Tandoori chicken is a delicious and popular dish. This dish is known for its smoky flavor and vibrant color. It is marinated in yogurt and spices, which makes the chicken tender and full of flavor.

To prepare this dish, you can use an oven or a grill. Ensure your cooking temperature is around 450°F (232°C) for the best results. The charred bits add to its unique taste.

You can serve tandoori chicken with rice or naan bread. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and salt.
  2. Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  3. Preheat your oven or grill to 450°F (232°C).
  4. Cook the chicken for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.

5) Chole Bhature

A table set with steaming Chole Bhature, accompanied by traditional Indian spices and condiments

Chole Bhature is a delicious Indian dish that combines spicy chickpea curry and fluffy, deep-fried bread. It’s popular in northern India and makes for a hearty meal.

The chickpeas, called chole, are cooked with various spices to create a rich and flavorful curry. Bhature is the bread that is soft and puffy, perfect for scooping up the curry.

You can find this dish in many street food stalls and restaurants. It’s a great choice for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1-2 green chilies, chopped
  • Spices: cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook soaked chickpeas in water until soft.
  2. In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions until golden.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook briefly.
  4. Stir in tomato puree and spices; cook until thick.
  5. Add cooked chickpeas and some water; simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. For bhature, mix flour with water and knead into a dough.
  7. Roll out dough into rounds and fry until golden and puffed.
  8. Serve hot with chole. Enjoy!

6) Aloo Gobi

A plate of steaming Aloo Gobi surrounded by vibrant spices and fresh herbs

Aloo Gobi is a loved Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. It is popular for its delicious blend of spices and simplicity. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side.

To make Aloo Gobi, you will need some basic ingredients. These include potatoes, cauliflower, onions, tomatoes, and various spices like turmeric and cumin. The flavors combine to create a comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
  3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
  4. Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, and salt.
  5. Add potatoes and cauliflower, mixing well.
  6. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

7) Saag Paneer

A steaming pot of saag paneer simmering on a stove, surrounded by vibrant spices and fresh ingredients

Saag Paneer is a delicious Indian dish made with spinach and paneer, which is Indian cheese. It has a creamy texture and a rich flavor. You will love its blend of spices that create a warm and comforting meal.

This dish is packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in iron, while paneer provides protein. It’s a great choice for vegetarians or anyone looking for a hearty meal.

You can serve Saag Paneer with naan or rice. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces paneer, cut into cubes
  • 4 cups spinach, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup cream (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden.
  3. Stir in turmeric and sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  5. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste.
  6. Return it to the pan, add paneer and garam masala.
  7. Cook for 5 minutes, adding cream if desired.

8) Butter Chicken

A steaming pot of butter chicken simmering on a stove, surrounded by vibrant spices and fresh ingredients

Butter Chicken is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine. It features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The combination of spices creates a warm and flavorful experience.

You can marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices to enhance the taste. Cooking it in a tandoor (Indian oven) adds a unique smoky flavor. If you don’t have a tandoor, using a regular oven or stovetop will work just fine.

This dish is often served with rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and salt for at least 1 hour.
  2. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet until browned.
  3. Add tomato sauce, butter, and garam masala. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and heat through.
  5. Serve with rice or naan bread. Enjoy!

9) Biryani

A steaming pot of biryani surrounded by colorful spices and ingredients

Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic dish loved by many. It combines tender meat, usually chicken or lamb, with fragrant basmati rice. The spices used make it truly special.

You can prepare Biryani in different styles. Some prefer a homestyle recipe, while others enjoy a restaurant-style version. Each has its own unique taste.

To make a delicious Biriyani, gather fresh ingredients and spices. The process involves layering rice and meat, often finished with caramelized onions or saffron for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 pound chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons biryani masala
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander and mint leaves
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the basmati rice and soak for 30 minutes.
  2. In a pot, heat oil and sauté onions until golden.
  3. Add chicken, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. Cook until the chicken is browned.
  4. Stir in tomatoes and yogurt. Cook for a few minutes.
  5. Add soaked rice on top and pour in water (double the rice volume).
  6. Cover and cook on low heat for about 25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fluff the rice, garnish with coriander and mint, and serve hot.

10) Rogan Josh

A steaming pot of Rogan Josh simmering on a stovetop, surrounded by vibrant spices and herbs

Rogan Josh is a flavorful Indian curry, often made with tender lamb. Its warming spices and creamy tomato sauce make it a comforting dish that many enjoy.

To prepare this dish, you will need a mix of spices, lamb, and yogurt. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic meal.

This dish originates from Kashmiri cuisine and is perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. You can serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs lamb, cut into pieces
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 180°C).
  2. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the lamb and brown on all sides.
  5. Mix in the spices and yogurt, ensuring the lamb is well coated.
  6. Pour in water to cover the lamb, bring to a simmer, and then reduce heat to low.
  7. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until tender.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

11) Daal Makhani

A steaming pot of Daal Makhani simmers on a stove, surrounded by vibrant spices and fresh ingredients

Daal Makhani is a delicious North Indian dish made with whole black lentils and red kidney beans. It is slow-cooked with spices, butter, and cream. This recipe gives the daal a rich, creamy texture and a wonderful flavor.

To make Daal Makhani, you’ll need basic ingredients like lentils, beans, and common spices. The slow cooking process helps blend all the flavors, making it a comforting meal.

You can serve it with rice or naan for a complete dish. Don’t forget to add a splash of cream on top for extra richness.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup black urad dal (dried black lentils)
  • 1/3 cup rajma (red kidney beans)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup cream
  • Spices (cumin, coriander, and garam masala)
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse lentils and beans. Soak them overnight.
  2. In a pot, cook lentils and beans with water until soft.
  3. In a separate pan, melt butter and add spices.
  4. Combine cooked lentils with spices and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Stir in cream and adjust salt before serving. Enjoy!

12) Palak Paneer

A steaming pot of palak paneer simmering on a stove, surrounded by vibrant spices and fresh ingredients

Palak Paneer is a delightful Indian dish that combines paneer and spinach in a creamy sauce. It’s loved for its rich flavor and is often enjoyed with rice or flatbreads.

To make it, you start by cooking fresh spinach until tender. Then, blend it into a smooth puree. In a pan, cook onions, garlic, and spices before adding the spinach puree.

Next, add the paneer cubes and let them simmer in the mixture. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, making it perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spinach
  • 8 ounces paneer
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

  1. Blanch spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then blend into a puree.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until golden.
  3. Add cumin seeds and garam masala, cooking for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the spinach puree and salt, simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Add paneer and cook for another 5 minutes.
  6. Drizzle in cream and mix well before serving.

13) Pani Puri

A table set with a variety of colorful and flavorful Pani Puri ingredients, including crispy puris, tangy tamarind chutney, and spicy potato filling

Pani puri is a delightful Indian street food loved by many. It consists of crispy, hollow dough balls called puris, filled with a mixture of spicy water, potatoes, and chickpeas. The taste is bursting with flavors!

To make pani puri, you’ll create a flavored water called pani. This water is tangy and spicy, making the dish refreshing and fun. You get to burst the puris in your mouth, enjoying all the different tastes at once.

Ingredients

  • Puri (store-bought or homemade)
  • Boiled potatoes
  • Cooked chickpeas
  • Pani (spiced water)
  • Chaat masala
  • Fresh coriander leaves
  • Lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare pani by mixing water with spices and herbs.
  2. Boil and mash the potatoes, adding chaat masala.
  3. Fill each puri with the potato mixture.
  4. Pour spicy pani into each puri.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

14) Sambar

A steaming pot of sambar surrounded by colorful spices and vegetables

Sambar is a delicious South Indian stew that combines lentils and vegetables. This hearty dish is flavored with tamarind and a special spice mix called sambar powder. It’s perfect for pairing with rice, dosa, or idli.

To make sambar, you’ll typically use toor dal (yellow split peas) along with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, beans, and eggplant. The dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

You can adjust the spice levels according to your taste, making it as mild or as spicy as you like. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy traditional Indian flavors right at home!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup toor dal (yellow split peas)
  • ½ cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, eggplant)
  • 3 tamarind pods
  • 1 teaspoon sambar powder
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • Salt to taste
  • Water

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the toor dal in 4 cups of water until soft.
  2. Add the mixed vegetables and continue to cook.
  3. Soak tamarind in warm water, extract juice, and add it to the pot.
  4. Stir in the sambar powder and garlic.
  5. Simmer for 5-6 minutes and add salt to taste.

15) Dosa

A chef pours batter onto a hot griddle, spreading it into a thin, circular shape to make a dosa

Dosa is a delicious South Indian dish that you can enjoy for breakfast or as a snack. These are thin, crispy crepes made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. They are often served with chutneys or sambar.

Making dosa is simple. You can find many variations, like Masala Dosa, which includes a spiced potato filling. The outside is crispy, while the inside is soft and flavorful.

It’s a nutritious option, rich in protein and great for adding variety to your meals. You can easily make dosa at home with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups uncooked white rice
  • 1 cup urad dal (split lentils)
  • 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

  1. Soak rice and urad dal along with fenugreek seeds in water for about 8 hours.
  2. Drain and blend the mixture to a smooth batter, adding water as needed.
  3. Ferment the batter overnight.
  4. Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladle of batter, spreading it in a circular shape.
  5. Cook until the edges lift. Then, flip and cook briefly on the other side.
  6. Serve hot with chutney or sambar. Enjoy!

Similar Posts