10+ Quick and Easy Indian Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Cooking a delicious Indian dinner doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. Many quick and easy recipes can help you create flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent juggling multiple tasks, these recipes will allow you to enjoy authentic Indian flavors with minimal effort.

In this article, you’ll discover a variety of dishes perfect for any night of the week. From comforting rice dishes to hearty curries, these meals are designed to be simple and satisfying. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these easy-to-make Indian recipes that will bring joy to your dinner table.

1) Khichdi with Vegetables

Khichdi is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables. The combination of rice and lentils makes it a nutritious option.

To make vegetable khichdi, start by soaking rice and lentils for about 10 minutes. This helps them cook faster. You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, and spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

After soaking, heat some ghee in a pot and sauté the chopped onion until golden. Then, add the soaked rice, dal, and mixed vegetables. Pour in 4 cups of water, season with spices, and cook until everything is soft (about 15-20 minutes).

2) Aloo Jeera (Cumin Potatoes)

Aloo Jeera is a simple and tasty Indian dish you can whip up quickly. It features potatoes sautéed with cumin seeds, making it flavorful and comforting. This dish pairs well with rice or flatbreads.

To start, you will need boiled potatoes. You can cut them into small cubes for even cooking. Heat some oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them crackle to bring out their aroma.

Now, add your potato cubes along with spices like turmeric and salt. Stir everything together until the potatoes are heated through and coated with spices.

This dish can be ready in under 30 minutes!

3) Paneer Bhurji with Bread

Paneer Bhurji is a quick and simple dish that you can enjoy with bread. It’s full of flavor and packed with protein. This dish can be ready in about 20 minutes.

You will need crumbled paneer, spices, and veggies. It’s an easy way to use pantry staples for a hearty meal. Toast some bread, and you’re all set!

Serve the paneer mixture on the bread and enjoy. It pairs beautifully with a side of chutney or salad for extra flavor.

4) Tomato Rice

Tomato rice is a tasty and simple dish you can prepare quickly. It combines rice with ripe tomatoes and spices to create a flavorful meal. You can make it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, depending on your preference.

This dish is great for busy nights or when you want something comforting. You can serve it with yogurt or a side salad for a complete dinner.

5) Dal Tadka with Rice

Dal Tadka is a comforting dish made with lentils and seasoned with spices. Pairing it with rice makes for a satisfying meal.

To start, cook your choice of lentils until soft. You can use split yellow lentils (toor dal) or a mix of lentils for variety.

Next, prepare a simple tempering with cumin seeds, garlic, and dry red chili. This adds flavor to the dish. Mix the tempering into the cooked lentils.

Serve your Dal Tadka hot over steaming rice. This combination is a staple in many Indian homes.

6) Pudina (Mint) Rice

Pudina Rice is a fragrant and tasty dish that’s easy to make and perfect for dinner. The freshness of mint makes this rice dish unique and delightful.

To prepare it, you’ll need rice, fresh mint leaves, and some spices. It’s a one-pot meal that saves you time on busy nights. You can enjoy it as is, or pair it with yogurt or salad.

7) Egg Bhurji

Egg Bhurji is a tasty Indian scrambled egg dish. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a simple dinner.

To start, chop some onions, tomatoes, and green chilies. You can also add spices like turmeric and garam masala for an extra kick.

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Sauté the onions until they are golden brown. Then, add the tomatoes and cook until soft.

Now, add the beaten eggs and stir well. Cook until the eggs are just set. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a nice touch.

8) Upma (Savory Semolina)

Upma is a delicious and quick Indian dish made with semolina. It’s perfect for dinner or breakfast and is packed with flavors from spices and veggies. You can easily customize it based on what you have at home.

To make Upma, start with roasting semolina until it’s golden. This adds a nice flavor. Next, sauté mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies in a pan. Then, stir in some chopped vegetables like carrots or peas.

Add water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, slowly add the roasted semolina while stirring to avoid lumps. Cook until the water is absorbed. Your Upma is now ready to serve!

9) Chana Pulao (Chickpea Rice)

Chana Pulao is a flavorful and easy Indian dish. It combines rice with tender chickpeas and spices. This meal is great for busy evenings when you want something delicious without a lot of effort.

To make Chana Pulao, you’ll need basmati rice, white chickpeas, onions, and some aromatic spices. The dish cooks in one pot, so cleanup is simple.

You can top it with fresh herbs for added flavor. Serve it with yogurt or a salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Spices: cumin, bay leaf, and cardamom
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions until golden.
2. Add spices and cook for a minute.
3. Then, add chickpeas and rice, mixing well.
4. Pour in 2 cups of water (480 ml) and add salt.
5. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Finally, fluff with a fork and garnish with cilantro before serving.

10) Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a tasty and simple dish that adds a tropical twist to your dinner. Made with fragrant rice and fresh coconut, it’s both delicious and easy to prepare.

You start by cooking rice according to package instructions. While it cooks, heat some oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. When they sizzle, toss in curry leaves and grated coconut.

Mix this tempering into your cooked rice. Stir until all the rice is coated with the flavorful coconut mixture. You can serve this dish warm, and it pairs well with many curries or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1 cup grated fresh coconut
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal
• 1 teaspoon chana dal
• A few curry leaves
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Let them sizzle.
4. Then, add curry leaves and grated coconut. Sauté briefly.
5. Mix the coconut mixture into the cooked rice.
6. Serve warm.