10+ Indian Curry Recipes You’ll Love to Cook

Indian curry recipes are a delightful way to explore the rich culinary traditions of India. These recipes are known for their vibrant flavors and aromatic spices that create a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you are new to cooking or an experienced chef, there’s something special in every curry that can appeal to your taste buds.

From classic dishes to innovative twists, Indian curries can be made with various ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, or lentils. You can enjoy the warmth of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which not only enhance the taste but also add health benefits.

Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that brings the essence of Indian cuisine straight to your kitchen.

1) Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish. It features marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. This dish has a rich, buttery flavor that’s loved by many.

You start by marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices. Then, you grill or cook the chicken until it’s tender. Finally, it simmers in a delicious sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and spices.

This dish is usually served with rice or naan. It’s perfect for a comforting meal and can be made at home easily.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Spices: garlic, ginger, garam masala, and chili powder
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for at least 1 hour.
2. Grill or sauté chicken pieces until cooked through.
3. In a pan, melt butter and add garlic and ginger.
4. Stir in tomato puree and cook for a few minutes.
5. Add cooked chicken and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Pour in heavy cream and mix well.
7. Serve hot with rice or naan.

2) South Indian Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk

South Indian Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk is a delightful dish. It’s rich in flavor and has a creamy texture thanks to the coconut milk. This curry is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

You will need chicken pieces, fresh spices, and green chilies for heat. Coconut milk adds a smoothness that complements the spices well. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (about 450 g) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add mustard seeds and let them pop.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies.
5. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
6. Mix in turmeric and cumin powder, then add salt.
7. Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

3) Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala

Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, spiced sauce. This dish combines yogurt-marinated chicken with a creamy tomato base, creating a flavorful experience.

To make this dish, start with boneless chicken. Marinate it to enhance tenderness and flavor. The sauce is made from ingredients like tomatoes, cream, and various spices that bring warmth and depth.

This curry pairs well with rice or naan, making it perfect for any meal. Enjoy the delightful mix of spices that makes this dish a favorite at Indian restaurants.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
3. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add marinated chicken and cook until no longer pink.
6. Stir in cream and garam masala. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Serve with rice or naan. Enjoy!

4) Spicy Chicken Vindaloo

Spicy Chicken Vindaloo is a classic Indian curry known for its bold flavors. This dish combines chicken with a spicy vindaloo paste, making it both tangy and fiery. You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your taste.

To prepare Vindaloo, you marinate the chicken in a mix of spices and vinegar. This gives it a unique flavor that pairs well with rice or bread.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken, cut into pieces
• 4 tablespoons vinegar
• 4-5 Kashmiri chilies
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1-inch piece ginger
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 2 onions, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the Kashmiri chilies in warm water for 15 minutes.
2. Blend the soaked chilies with garlic, ginger, spices, and vinegar.
3. Marinate the chicken with this paste for at least 1 hour.
4. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
5. Add marinated chicken and cook until done, about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

5) Creamy Chicken Korma

Creamy Chicken Korma is a comforting dish rich in flavor. You’ll enjoy marinated chicken simmered in a smooth, creamy sauce made with yogurt and spices. This curry has a mild heat that makes it perfect for everyone.

To make this korma, you can use spices like cumin and coriander. The addition of cashews adds a nice texture and richness. Pair it with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) yogurt
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• ½ cup (75 g) cashews
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, and coriander for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add onions and cook until golden.
4. Stir in marinated chicken and cook until browned.
5. Add cashews and water; simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

6) Rich Lamb Rogan Josh

Lamb Rogan Josh is a classic Indian curry known for its rich flavors and tender lamb. This dish features a creamy tomato sauce filled with warm spices. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

You’ll start by heating oil in a large pot. Then, add onion paste and sauté until golden. Stir in a mix of spices and add the lamb pieces, allowing them to brown.

Next, reduce the heat and let it simmer. The longer it cooks, the more flavors develop. Serve it hot with rice or naan for a wonderful meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) lamb, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, pureed
• 2 teaspoons garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the onion puree and cook until golden.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger pastes.
4. Mix in the spices and cook for a minute.
5. Add the lamb chunks and brown on all sides.
6. Pour in the tomato puree and season with salt.
7. Lower the heat to medium-low (about 250°F or 120°C) and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

7) Vegetarian Chana Masala

Vegetarian Chana Masala is a hearty and tasty dish made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a popular choice in Indian cuisine and easy to prepare.

You can customize it to your liking by adjusting the spices. Chana Masala goes well with rice or flatbreads, making it a versatile meal.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to get started:

Ingredients

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown.
3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Mix in chickpeas, cumin, garam masala, and salt.
6. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

8) Flavorful Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a delightful Indian dish made with fresh spinach and paneer, a type of Indian cheese. This dish is both creamy and rich in flavor.

You start by cooking spinach until it’s tender. Then, blend it until smooth to create a vibrant green sauce. Cube the paneer and lightly fry it for added texture.

Combine the spinach sauce with spices like cumin and garam masala for that authentic taste. Serve it hot with naan or rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups spinach (palak)
• 200 grams paneer
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil spinach in water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Blend spinach into a smooth paste.
3. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Cook until the seeds sizzle.
4. Add chopped onions and fry until golden.
5. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until soft.
6. Add the spinach paste and mix well.
7. Add fried paneer cubes and garam masala. Stir gently.
8. Cook for 5 minutes, adding water if needed. Serve warm.

9) Tasty Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a flavorful Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. It’s a simple recipe that brings together warm spices and fresh ingredients. Perfect for any meal, it pairs well with rice or flatbreads.

To make this dish, you will need a few basic ingredients. Start with potatoes and cauliflower as your main vegetables. The spices create a delicious aroma and taste.

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they start to sizzle.
3. Add chopped onions and cook until they are golden brown.
4. Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes soften.
5. Add potatoes and cauliflower. Mix well and season with salt.
6. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Once the vegetables are tender, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

10) Fragrant Fish Curry

Fragrant Fish Curry is a delightful dish that brings the taste of India to your table. This recipe combines tender fish with aromatic spices and a creamy sauce. You’ll love how the flavors come together.

Start by frying onions until they are golden. Then add garlic and ginger to enhance the aroma. Mixing in spices like turmeric and red chili powder adds warmth and richness.

Coconut milk gives this curry its creamy texture. You can also add tomatoes for a tangy flavor. Let it simmer until the fish is cooked through.

Serve this dish hot with rice or naan. You’ll find it to be a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• Fish fillets (like salmon or tilapia)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Turmeric powder
• Red chili powder
• Coconut milk
• Tomatoes
• Salt
• Fresh cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Sauté chopped onions until they turn golden.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger, and cook until they start to smell good.
4. Stir in turmeric and red chili powder.
5. Add tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
6. Pour in coconut milk and stir well.
7. Add fish and simmer until it cooks through, about 10 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.