10+ Indian Cooking Recipes You’ll Love to Try at Home

Indian cooking is a vibrant and flavorful journey that offers an amazing variety of dishes. Spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients make Indian cuisine unique and exciting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

From fragrant curries to delicious tandoori dishes, Indian recipes reflect diverse cultures and traditions. You can explore simple recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners or more elaborate dishes for special occasions.

1) Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, also known as chicken makhani, is a popular Indian dish. It’s made with marinated chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This dish is full of flavor and perfect for pairing with rice or naan.

To make butter chicken, you’ll need boneless chicken pieces. Marinate them in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices. Then, cook the chicken until it’s tender and juicy.

Next, prepare the sauce with tomatoes, butter, and cream. Combine everything and let it simmer for a bit. This allows the flavors to blend nicely, making a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Spices (garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, salt)

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices for at least 1 hour.
2. Cook chicken in a pan until done.
3. In another pan, melt butter and add crushed tomatoes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes before serving.

2) Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its smoky flavor and vibrant color. It is often marinated in a mix of yogurt and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. This marinade helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.

You can cook tandoori chicken in a tandoor oven, but it works well on a grill or in the oven too. The high heat creates a charred exterior while the inside stays tender. It’s perfect served with mint chutney or raita.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (about 900 grams) 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 paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, oil, and spices.
2. Add chicken pieces and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

3) Saag Paneer

Saag paneer is a popular Indian dish made with spinach and paneer, which is Indian cottage cheese. It is creamy and flavorful, making it a favorite in many households.

To make saag paneer, you’ll start by cooking the spinach with spices until it’s soft. Then, blend it into a smooth paste. Cook the paneer separately until golden brown, and mix it with the spinach.

You can serve saag paneer with rice or naan for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture that this dish offers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups spinach
• 200 grams paneer
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ cup cream or coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spinach in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and blend into a smooth paste.
2. Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
3. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste, then add tomatoes. Cook until soft.
5. Add turmeric and chili powder, then the spinach paste. Mix well.
6. Cube and fry the paneer until golden and add to the spinach.
7. Pour in cream or coconut milk, and stir until heated through.
8. Add salt to taste and serve hot with rice or naan.

4) Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is a delicious lamb curry that hails from Kashmiri cuisine. This dish is known for its fragrant spices and rich flavor. You will love how tender the lamb becomes as it cooks slowly in a creamy tomato sauce.

To make this dish, you’ll need a mix of spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Use yogurt to add creaminess and balance flavors. The bright red color comes from Kashmiri chili, giving it a unique taste without too much heat.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lamb, cut into pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 1 stick cinnamon
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add lamb pieces, browning them on all sides.
5. Mix in the yogurt, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and salt.
6. Add cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon; stir well.
7. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours (about 150°F to 160°F / 65°C to 70°C) until lamb is tender.
8. Serve hot with rice or naan.

5) Biryani

Biryani is a popular Indian dish known for its rich flavors and fragrant aromas. This rice dish often includes marinated meat, spices, and fluffy basmati rice. You can prepare it in different styles, like homestyle or restaurant-style, to suit your taste.

To make biryani, you’ll need to layer partially cooked rice over seasoned chicken. Don’t forget to add toppings like caramelized onions and saffron-infused milk for extra flavor.

Creating this dish can be a rewarding experience, and it’s perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 pound chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 teaspoon saffron strands
• Spices: bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, and cumin
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes.
2. In a pan, heat oil and cook the onions until golden.
3. Add chicken, tomatoes, and spices. Cook until chicken is done.
4. Mix in yogurt and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Layer the chicken mixture in a pot with the rice.
6. Drizzle saffron milk on top and cover the pot.
7. Cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Enjoy your biryani!

6) Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a delicious Indian appetizer made with soft cubes of paneer. You marinate the paneer in a mix of yogurt and spices to create wonderful flavors. This dish is great as a starter or a snack.

You can cook Paneer Tikka on a grill or in your oven. It’s often served with mint chutney and onions. The smoky flavor and vibrant spices make this dish a favorite among many.

Ingredients

• 250 grams paneer
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tandoori masala
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Skewers

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the paneer into cubes.
2. Mix yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and salt in a bowl.
3. Add the paneer, onion, and bell pepper to the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Thread the marinated paneer and veggies onto skewers.
6. Place the skewers on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
7. Serve hot with mint chutney.

7) Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a simple and delicious Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. It’s packed with flavors from spices, making it a favorite in many households.

To make Aloo Gobi, you will need basic ingredients like potatoes, cauliflower, onions, and tomatoes. The spices typically include cumin, turmeric, and coriander, giving it that warm flavor.

This dish can be served as a main or a side. Pair it with rice or flatbreads for a complete meal.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Stir in the onions and sauté until golden.
4. Add tomatoes, potatoes, and cauliflower.
5. Mix in turmeric, coriander, and salt.
6. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

8) Chana Masala

Chana masala is a delicious and popular dish in Indian cooking. It features chickpeas cooked in a mix of onions, tomatoes, and spices. You will love its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

To make this dish, start by sautéing onions and ginger in a pan. Add chopped tomatoes and spices like cumin and coriander for depth. Then, mix in canned or cooked chickpeas.

Serve chana masala with rice or naan for a complete meal. It’s a healthy, vegan option that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and vibrant taste!

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (or 1.5 cups cooked)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 green chilies, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add onions and ginger, then sauté until golden.
3. Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Add spices, chickpeas, and stir well.
5. Cook for 10 minutes, adding water if needed.
6. Top with cilantro before serving.

9) Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani is a delicious North Indian dish. It combines whole black lentils and red kidney beans cooked slowly with butter and cream. This dish is rich and creamy, perfect for a comforting meal.

To make it, you start by soaking the lentils and beans. Then, cook them slowly to bring out the flavors. The addition of spices enhances the taste.

You can enjoy Dal Makhani with rice or naan. It’s a favorite in many Indian restaurants and can easily be made at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup black lentils (urad dal)
• 1/4 cup red kidney beans (rajma)
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Spices: salt, chili powder, garam masala

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak black lentils and kidney beans overnight.
2. In a pot, boil lentils, beans, and water for about 1 hour until tender.
3. In a pan, heat butter and cumin seeds.
4. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden.
5. Mix in ginger-garlic paste and tomato puree.
6. Stir in cooked lentils and beans with spices.
7. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
8. Add cream before serving. Enjoy!

10) Korma

Korma is a rich and creamy dish that often features chicken, lamb, or vegetables. This flavorful recipe is popular in Indian and Pakistani cuisine and is loved for its spices and creamy sauce.

To make a delicious korma, you start by marinating meat or vegetables in yogurt and spices. After that, you simmer them with onions, nuts, and coconut or cream to create a velvety sauce.

Korma is usually served with rice or naan, making it a comforting meal perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken or vegetables
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup nuts (cashews or almonds)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or cream
• 2 tablespoons korma spice blend
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken or vegetables in yogurt and korma spices for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a pan, cook the onions until they turn golden brown.

3. Add the marinated mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes.

4. Stir in nuts and coconut milk, and cook for another 10-15 minutes.

5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.