30 Must-Try Indian Recipes

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy dish that beautifully marries the flavors of tomato, cream, and aromatic spices.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Cooking Method:

1. Marinate the chicken in ginger paste, garlic, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a pan, heat butter and sauté onions until golden brown, then add marinated chicken.
3. Cook the chicken until it's no longer pink, then add tomato puree and garam masala.
4. Simmer for 15 minutes, stir in the heavy cream, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice.

Mango Lassi Chia Pudding

This Mango Lassi Chia Pudding offers a refreshing twist on the traditional Indian drink by turning it into a delightful dessert or healthy breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mango pulp
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp honey
• A pinch of cardamom

Cooking Method:

1. In a bowl, mix mango pulp, Greek yogurt, milk, honey, and cardamom until smooth.
2. Stir in chia seeds and let the mixture sit for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
3. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mango slices.

Paneer Masala Tacos

Paneer Masala Tacos bring together the creamy texture of paneer with the crunchy delight of tacos for a fusion meal that's both satisfying and inventive.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 6 taco shells

Cooking Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds until they splutter.
2. Add onions and sauté until golden, then add tomatoes and cook until soft.
3. Stir in coriander powder, turmeric, and salt, then add paneer cubes.
4. Cook for 5 minutes and spoon into taco shells.
5. Serve warm with a side of mint chutney.

Masala Grilled Corn

Masala Grilled Corn is a street-food favorite that brings smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors to the forefront in a simple yet captivating way.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Salt to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat the grill on medium heat and place the corn directly over the flame.
2. Rotate until all sides are evenly charred.
3. Mix the melted butter, chaat masala, red chili powder, and salt.
4. Brush the mixture over the hot corn and serve with lime wedges.

Coconut Lentil Curry

Coconut Lentil Curry combines creamy coconut milk with robust lentils and vibrant spices, creating a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp curry powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Method:

1. Rinse lentils and boil in a pot until tender, then drain.
2. In a separate pan, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add cumin, turmeric, and curry powder, and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Combine cooked lentils, coconut milk, and salt in the pan.
5. Simmer for 15 minutes, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot.

Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry

This Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry is a quick and healthy meal, packed with protein and full of bold flavors that make it a standout vegetarian option.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• A handful of spinach
• Salt to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add onion, bell pepper, and chickpeas.
2. Stir-fry until onions are translucent.
3. Add soy sauce, red chili flakes, cumin powder, and salt.
4. Toss in spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Serve hot as a main or side dish.

Tandoori Cauliflower Steaks

Tandoori Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious, plant-based alternative that retains the robust flavors of traditional tandoori spices, perfect for grilling.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower, cut into 1-inch steaks
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tbsp tandoori masala
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Whisk together yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Brush the mixture generously over cauliflower steaks.
3. Grill the steaks over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.

Indian Spiced Omelette

This Indian Spiced Omelette is a savory and spicy way to start your day, incorporating traditional Indian spices into a breakfast classic.

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Method:

1. Beat the eggs in a bowl and stir in onion, green chili, turmeric, and salt.
2. Pour the mixture into a non-stick pan over medium heat.
3. Cook until the omelette is set, then fold and serve hot.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Keema Stuffed Bell Peppers

Keema Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a delicious twist on traditional fillings, using spiced ground meat to create a hearty meal that's both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 250g ground beef or lamb
• 4 bell peppers, halved and deseeded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a pan, cook onion and garlic until soft, then add ground meat, garam masala, cumin, and salt.
3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the cooked meat mixture.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Cardamom Saffron Rice Pudding

Cardamom Saffron Rice Pudding is an indulgent and fragrant dessert that combines the richness of milk with the delicate flavors of cardamom and saffron.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron threads
• Chopped nuts for garnish

Cooking Method:

1. Cook rice in a pot with milk over low heat, stirring frequently, until thickened.
2. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron, and continue cooking until the pudding reaches desired consistency.
3. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with chopped nuts.