10+ Indian Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Indian cuisine has vibrant flavors and diverse dishes. Indian recipes can bring a unique taste and richness to your meals, making them a wonderful addition to any home cooking repertoire. From rich curries to fresh chutneys, the variety is endless and offers something for everyone.

Exploring these recipes can unleash your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing traditional vegetarian dishes or succulent meat options, Indian recipes can elevate your cooking experience and impress your friends and family. You’ll find joy in experimenting with spices and techniques that have been perfected over generations.

1) Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy flavor. This recipe features marinated chicken cooked in a delicious tomato gravy. You will appreciate the blend of spices that gives it a unique taste.

To make this dish, start with tender chicken pieces. Marinate them in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices for added flavor. Cooking the chicken in a tandoor oven gives it a smoky taste, but you can also use a regular oven.

The sauce is made from tomatoes, butter, and cream, creating a smooth texture that pairs well with rice or naan bread.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in yogurt, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the marinated chicken in a pan until golden brown.
3. In another pan, melt butter and add tomato sauce, cooking for a few minutes.
4. Stir in the cream and spices, mixing well.
5. Add the chicken to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve hot with rice or naan.

2) Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer Tikka Masala is a delightful Indian dish. It features grilled paneer in a rich, spicy gravy made from tomatoes and onions. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

To make it, start by marinating cubes of paneer with yogurt and spices. Grill or pan-fry the paneer until golden brown for extra flavor. Then, cook onions, tomatoes, and spices to create a delicious sauce. Combine the grilled paneer with the sauce and simmer.

This dish pairs well with naan or rice. It’s a favorite for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Ingredients

• 250 grams paneer
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• Spices: cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate paneer in yogurt and spices for 30 minutes.
2. Grill or pan-fry the marinated paneer until golden.
3. Heat oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions until soft.
4. Add tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in spices and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add grilled paneer and mix well; cook for an additional 5 minutes.

3) Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a beloved Indian dish that brings together potatoes and cauliflower. This dish is easy to prepare and filled with flavor. The combination of spices makes it a favorite for many.

To make Aloo Gobi, you will need potatoes, cauliflower, onions, and tomatoes. Don’t forget the spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. These ingredients blend together to create a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Green chilies (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Add onions and cook until golden brown.
4. Stir in tomatoes and spices, cooking for a few minutes.
5. Add potatoes and cauliflower, mixing well.
6. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
7. Season with salt and serve hot.

4) Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its vibrant flavor and smoky aroma. It’s made by marinating chicken in a mix of yogurt and spices, then cooking it in a tandoor oven or grill. You can easily make it at home using your oven or an air fryer.

The marinade includes spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, which give the chicken its rich taste. After marinating, the chicken becomes tender and juicy. Cooking it at high heat adds a lovely char.

For a delightful side, serve your tandoori chicken with Indian-style rice or naan bread.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, oil, and spices in a bowl.
2. Coat chicken pieces in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
4. Place chicken on a baking tray and cook for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Serve hot with rice or naan.

5) Biryani

Biryani is a popular Indian dish known for its rich flavors and fragrant rice. You can enjoy different styles, including Hyderabadi and Mughlai. It often features marinated chicken or other meats, layered with basmati rice.

To make biryani, cook the rice separately to fluffy perfection. Then layer it with spiced meat and other ingredients. The dish is usually slow-cooked to let the flavors blend.

You can also add caramelized onions and saffron for extra taste. Biryani is great for special occasions and gatherings. It’s delicious and always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons biryani masala
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander and mint leaves for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, biryani masala, and salt. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Heat oil in a pot and sauté the sliced onions until golden brown. Remove half for garnishing.
4. Add marinated chicken and cook until tender.
5. In a separate pot, boil water and cook the soaked rice until 70% done. Drain.
6. Layer partially cooked rice over the chicken in the pot. Top with saffron dissolved in warm milk, if using, and fried onions.
7. Cover and cook on low heat for about 25 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander and mint before serving.

6) Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a popular Indian dish that combines spinach with paneer, a type of Indian cheese. It is creamy and flavorful, making it a favorite among many.

To make Palak Paneer, you’ll start by cooking spinach. Once it softens, blend it into a smooth paste. Then, cook the paneer until golden brown.

Mix the paneer with the spinach paste and add spices for taste. Serve it hot with naan or rice for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 200 grams paneer
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and blend into a paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the spinach paste and salt. Cook for 5 minutes.
6. Cut the paneer into cubes and add to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot with naan or rice.

7) Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish made with tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy spiced sauce. You can find it in many restaurants around the world. Making it at home is easier than you might think!

Start by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices. This step adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. Then, grill or cook the chicken until it’s charred.

For the sauce, use tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and cream. This mixture creates a rich and tasty base. Combine everything and let it simmer for a while to blend the flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt and garam masala for at least 1 hour.
2. Grill the chicken at 400°F (200°C) until cooked.
3. In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions until golden.
4. Add pureed tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in cream and add the grilled chicken.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy!

8) Chole (Chickpea Curry)

Chole is a beloved dish from North India made with chickpeas and a mix of spices. It has a rich flavor and is often enjoyed with rice, parathas, or bhaturas.

To make Chole, you start by cooking soaked chickpeas until they are tender. Then, you mix them with a spicy gravy made from onions, tomatoes, and various spices.

This dish is not only tasty but also healthy, as chickpeas are high in protein. It’s perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook soaked chickpeas in water until tender, about 30 minutes. You can also use a pressure cooker.

2. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.

4. Mix in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies.

5. Stir in tomato puree and cook until thick.

6. Add coriander powder and salt. Mix well.

7. Add cooked chickpeas and some water. Simmer for 10 minutes.

8. Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

9) Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is a delicious Indian lamb curry that you can easily make at home. It comes from Kashmiri cuisine and is known for its rich flavor and tender meat. The dish features a blend of aromatic spices and a creamy tomato sauce that enhances the lamb’s taste.

To prepare Rogan Josh, you’ll need several ingredients to get that authentic flavor. It’s a comforting meal great for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) lamb, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 cups yogurt
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder
• 4 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.

3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add lamb chunks and brown on all sides.

5. Mix in yogurt, spices, and salt.

6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours, or about 90 minutes, until tender.

7. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

10) Dal Tadka

Dal Tadka is a tasty and popular Indian dish made with lentils. It’s known for its rich flavors and comforting texture. You can enjoy it with rice or naan for a filling meal.

To make Dal Tadka, you will need a mix of lentils, spices, and herbs. The cooking process involves boiling the lentils until soft, then adding spices for flavor. The best part is the tempering, where spices are cooked in oil or ghee to enhance the taste.

Ingredients

• ½ cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• ¼ cup moong dal (split green gram)
• ¼ cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 4 cups water
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or ghee

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.

2. In a pot, combine the lentils, water, turmeric, and salt.

3. Cook the mixture on medium heat until the lentils are soft. This should take about 20 minutes.

4. In a separate pan, heat oil or ghee.

5. Add spices and cook until they become fragrant.

6. Pour the tempering over the cooked lentils and mix well.