10+ Indian Potluck Recipes to Delight Your Guests

Indian potluck recipes offer a delicious way to share food and culture with friends and family. These dishes will impress your guests and bring everyone together.

From savory snacks to flavorful main courses, there are countless options to suit every taste.

Preparing for a potluck can be exciting and a little overwhelming at times. With so many tasty recipes to choose from, you’ll find something that is easy to make and sure to please a crowd.

Enjoy exploring these Indian potluck ideas that will make your event memorable.

1) Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that is perfect for any potluck. This classic Indian recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with spices. It’s flavorful and comforting, making it a favorite for many.

To prepare butter chicken, you typically start by marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices. This helps to infuse great flavor into the meat.

After marinating, you cook the chicken and let it simmer in a creamy tomato sauce.

Your guests will love the combination of spices and creaminess. Serve it with naan or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Cream for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Cook the marinated chicken until browned.
4. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in cream, and season with salt.
6. Serve hot with naan or rice.

2) Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani is a creamy and delicious dish that many enjoy. It is made with whole black lentils and red kidney beans. The slow cooking process gives it a rich flavor that is perfect for pots of warmth.

You will need butter and cream to add a silky touch. Spices like cumin and garam masala bring out the authentic taste. This dish works well as a main or side option at any potluck.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole black lentils (urad dal)
• 1/4 cup red kidney beans (rajma)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 pureed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 cup cream
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the black lentils and kidney beans overnight.
2. Cook them in a pot with enough water until soft.
3. In another pan, melt the butter, and add cumin seeds.
4. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden.
5. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for a few minutes.
6. Mix in the cooked lentils and beans.
7. Add garam masala, salt, and simmer for 15 minutes.
8. Stir in the cream before serving.

3) Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a delicious and popular Indian dish. It features cubes of paneer, marinated in a mix of yogurt and spices. This dish is often served as an appetizer or snack.

To make Paneer Tikka, you can cook it in a tandoor, oven, or grill. When cooked, the paneer becomes soft and smoky, while the spices bring a burst of flavor. You can pair it with mint chutney for an extra kick.

Ingredients

• 200 grams paneer
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tandoori masala
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and salt.
2. Cut paneer into cubes and add it to the marinade. Include bell pepper and onion.
3. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Skewer the marinated paneer and veggies.
6. Grill or bake for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden.

4) Biryani

Biryani is a popular Indian dish that combines fragrant rice and flavorful meat. It is perfect for any potluck, as it can feed many people and tastes amazing. You can make it with chicken, beef, or even vegetables.

This dish is known for its rich spices and vibrant colors. You can choose to prepare it in a homestyle way or a more restaurant-style method. Both are delicious!

When making biryani, layering rice and meat is key. Cooking it in one pot allows the flavors to mix beautifully. Serve it with raita or a side salad for added freshness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3-4 tablespoons biryani masala
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• Fresh cilantro and mint leaves
• Salt to taste
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes.
2. In a pot, cook onions until golden brown. Add tomatoes and sauté.
3. Add chicken and biryani masala. Cook until the chicken is browned.
4. Stir in yogurt, salt, and fresh herbs. Cook for a few minutes.
5. Drain the soaked rice and layer it over the chicken mixture.
6. Pour enough water to cover the rice by an inch. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes (180°F / 82°C).
8. Fluff the rice gently before serving. Enjoy!

5) Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a popular Indian dish that showcases flavorful chickpeas and fluffy fried bread. This meal is especially loved in North India.

The spicy chickpea curry, known as chole, is rich and tangy. You often enjoy it with warm, deep-fried bhature, which adds to its deliciousness.

Chole Bhature is perfect for gatherings or potlucks. It’s satisfying and sure to please your guests. Serve it with some yogurt or pickles for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpeas
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 chopped tomatoes
• 2 slit green chilies
• 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
• Spices (cumin, coriander powder, garam masala)
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Water (for dough)
• Oil (for frying)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak chickpeas overnight and boil until soft.
2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
3. Add ginger garlic paste, chilies, and tomatoes; cook until soft.
4. Stir in spices and cooked chickpeas; simmer for 10 minutes.
5. For bhature, mix flour with water and knead into a dough.
6. Roll into circles and deep fry until puffed up and golden.

6) Samosas

Samosas are a popular Indian snack that you can easily make for potlucks. They are crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas. Their crunchy exterior and flavorful filling make them a favorite among many.

To prepare samosas, you will need a few key ingredients. You can serve them with chutneys for added taste. They are perfect for sharing, making them a great choice for gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 chopped green chilies
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying
• Samosa wrappers or flour for dough

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
2. Add onions and chilies. Cook until soft.
3. Mix in mashed potatoes, peas, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
4. Shape the dough into small triangles, fill with the potato mix, and seal.
5. Deep fry in hot oil (350°F or 175°C) until golden brown.

7) Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a must-try dish for any Indian potluck. This Mumbai street food features a mix of spicy mashed vegetables served with buttered bread rolls called pav. It is comforting and full of flavor.

To make Pav Bhaji, you’ll need potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and a blend of spices. The mix is mashed together and cooked until creamy. You can top it with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.

Serve the hot bhaji with toasty buns for a delightful experience. Guests will love customizing their own plates with toppings. It’s a dish that brings everyone together for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots)
• 2 chopped tomatoes
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons Pav Bhaji masala
• 4 buttered pav (bread rolls)
• Optional: chopped cilantro, lime, and diced onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil and mash the potatoes and mixed vegetables.
2. In a pan, sauté chopped onions until golden.
3. Add diced tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Stir in the Pav Bhaji masala and mashed vegetables.
5. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Serve hot with buttered pav, chopped onions, and cilantro.

8) Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is a classic Indian curry that’s perfect for your potluck. It features tender lamb cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with fragrant spices. The blend of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser.

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. The slow simmering allows the spices to infuse into the meat, resulting in a flavorful dish. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lamb, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 piece ginger, minced
• 2 cups tomato puree
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp Rogan Josh spice mix
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and sauté until golden.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for a minute.
4. Add lamb and brown on all sides.
5. Mix in the tomato puree, yogurt, and spices.
6. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours at 350°F (175°C) until tender.
7. Serve warm with rice or naan.

9) Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. It is full of flavor and easy to prepare, making it perfect for potlucks.

For this recipe, you will need potatoes, cauliflower, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices like cumin and turmeric. The cooking process enhances the vegetable flavors and makes a warm, satisfying dish.

First, cut the potatoes and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Then, sauté onions until they turn golden, and add tomatoes and spices. After that, stir in the vegetables and cook until they are tender.

This dish pairs well with rice or flatbreads. It’s a great addition to any meal, and your guests will love its taste.

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes
• 1 small head of cauliflower
• 1 onion
• 1 tomato
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt, to taste
• Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut potatoes and cauliflower into small pieces.
2. Heat oil in a pan.
3. Sauté chopped onions until golden.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and spices; cook until soft.
5. Stir in potatoes and cauliflower.
6. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
7. Serve warm.

10) Dahi Vada

Dahi Vada is a delicious Indian snack that brings together soft lentil fritters and creamy yogurt. These fritters are deep-fried until golden and then soaked in yogurt. The dish is usually topped with tangy and sweet chutneys for extra flavor.

This dish is popular at gatherings and is sure to impress your guests. It’s often served as a part of chaat, a savory street food. Each bite offers a mix of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup split urad dal (black gram)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying
• 2 cups yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tamarind chutney
• 1 tablespoon green chutney
• Red chili powder (to taste)
• Chaat masala (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak urad dal in water for 4-5 hours.
2. After soaking, drain and blend the dal with cumin seeds and salt to make a smooth batter.
3. Heat oil in a pan for frying.
4. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
5. Soak fried vadas in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
6. Serve vadas topped with yogurt, tamarind chutney, green chutney, red chili powder, and chaat masala. Enjoy!