10+ Indian Recipes to Spice Up Your Cooking

Indian cuisine offers a rich variety of flavors and textures that can delight your taste buds. Exploring Indian recipes allows you to create delicious and aromatic dishes right in your kitchen. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, there are recipes for everyone to try.

The vibrant spices and fresh ingredients in Indian cooking play a key role in its popularity. Making these dishes can be both fun and rewarding, as you bring the essence of Indian culture into your home.

1) Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken is a classic Indian dish known for its vibrant flavors and beautiful color. You can enjoy tender, juicy chicken marinated in a mix of spices and yogurt. The preparation involves cooking the chicken in a traditional tandoor or a regular oven.

To make Tandoori Chicken, you will need a few key ingredients. Start by marinating the chicken to soak in all those wonderful spices. This dish pairs well with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 grams) chicken pieces (legs or whole)
• 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Tandoori spice mix
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, Tandoori spice mix, lemon juice, salt, and vegetable oil.
2. Add chicken to the marinade, coating well. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
5. Garnish with cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious Tandoori Chicken!

2) Paneer Butter Masala

Paneer Butter Masala is a delicious Indian dish that you can make at home. It features soft paneer cubes in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. The dish is flavored with spices and buttery goodness, making it a favorite for many.

To start, you will need some basic ingredients. You can serve Paneer Butter Masala with naan or rice for a complete meal. It’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday dinners.

Ingredients

• 250 grams paneer
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup tomatoes, pureed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cashew nuts
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
4. Add the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the cashew paste, salt, and garam masala; mix well.
6. Add the paneer cubes and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

3) Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable Biryani is a popular Indian dish known for its delicious flavors and aromatic rice. You can prepare it using basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and fragrant spices. This dish is a favorite among many and easy to make at home.

The key ingredients include fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes. Spices like saffron and cardamom add depth and warmth. Garnish with cilantro or fried onions for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear and soak for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pot and add cumin seeds and sliced onions. Sauté until golden.
3. Stir in the mixed vegetables and spices, cooking for a few minutes.
4. Add the soaked rice and water. Season with salt.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice and garnish with cilantro before serving.

4) Saag Paneer

Saag Paneer is a delicious Indian dish made using spinach and paneer, which is Indian cheese. The greens are cooked until soft and then blended into a creamy sauce. This dish is often flavored with spices like cumin and garam masala.

You can serve Saag Paneer with rice or flatbreads like naan or roti. It’s a nutritious option packed with vitamins from the spinach. If you enjoy vegetarian meals, this dish is a great choice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup paneer, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes. Cook until soft.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste.
7. Return to the pan, add paneer, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
8. Serve hot with rice or bread.

5) Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish. It features marinated boneless chicken cooked in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is known for its bold flavors and beautiful color.

To make it, you’ll first marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices. Then, you grill or cook it until it’s tender. The sauce includes tomatoes, cream, and a mix of spices for a delicious taste.

You can enjoy Chicken Tikka Masala with rice or naan bread. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup cream
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt for at least 1 hour.
2. Grill or cook the marinated chicken in a pan until fully cooked.
3. In a separate pot, cook tomatoes until soft.
4. Add cream and mix well.
5. Combine the chicken with the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve hot with rice or naan.

6) Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a delicious and comforting Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. It’s seasoned with various spices, making it flavorful and aromatic. You can enjoy it as a main course or a side dish.

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Fresh vegetables and spices come together to create a tasty meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect with rice or bread.

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 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 garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add potatoes, cauliflower, turmeric, garam masala, and salt.
6. Mix well and cook covered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

7) Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a delicious and popular Indian dish made with spinach and paneer, which is Indian cottage cheese. It has a creamy texture and a rich flavor that you will enjoy. This dish is great served with naan or rice.

To make Palak Paneer, start by blending fresh spinach into a smooth puree. Cook the paneer in a pan until golden brown. Mix the paneer with the spinach puree and add spices like cumin and garam masala for extra flavor.

This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Spinach is high in vitamins, while paneer adds protein to your meal. Enjoy making this comforting dish at home!

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 200 grams paneer
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Blanch the spinach in hot water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and puree.
2. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add the spinach puree and mix well.
6. Stir in the paneer and cook for 5 minutes.
7. Season with garam masala and salt before serving.

8) Daal Tadka

Daal Tadka is a comforting dish from North India. It features split lentils cooked with spices and finished with a buttery tempering. This dish offers a wonderful mix of flavors and aromas.

To make Daal Tadka, you will need your favorite lentils, such as toor dal or a mix of dals. The dish gets its rich taste from spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, mixed in with garlic and onions.

You can serve Daal Tadka with rice or flatbread. It makes for a hearty meal that warms you up and fills you up nicely.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup toor dal
• ¼ cup moong dal
• ¼ cup chana dal
• 4 cups water
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• Spices (cumin, garlic, onion, and garam masala)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils well.
2. In a pot, combine lentils, water, turmeric, and salt.
3. Cook until the lentils are soft, about 20 minutes on medium heat.
4. In a pan, heat ghee or oil.
5. Add cumin, chopped garlic, and onion; sauté until golden.
6. Mix the tempering into the cooked lentils.
7. Add garam masala and stir well.
8. Serve hot with rice or bread.

9) Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish that combines a spicy chickpea curry with deep-fried bread. The chickpeas, called chole, are cooked with flavorful spices, making them delicious and aromatic.

The Bhature is a fluffy bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It pairs perfectly with the spicy chole, creating a delightful meal.

Often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch, it is also a favorite at street food stalls.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpeas (chole)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Spices: cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, and red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Water as needed
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak chickpeas overnight and cook until soft.
2. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies.
5. Add tomato puree and spices, then cook until oil separates.
6. Mix in the cooked chickpeas and simmer.
7. For Bhature, knead flour with water and rest.
8. Roll out the dough and fry in hot oil until puffed.

10) Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy taste. The chicken is usually marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled or roasted for extra flavor.

This dish simmers in a delicious tomato gravy, giving it a smooth, buttery texture. It’s often served with rice or naan to soak up the sauce.

You can easily make butter chicken at home with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and spices for at least 1 hour.
2. Grill or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through.
3. In a pan, melt butter and add tomato sauce. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cream and cooked chicken. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot with rice or naan.