Craving spices, flavors that burst, and a culinary journey without leaving your kitchen? Get ready, because today, I’m revealing easy Indian recipes to make at home. Dishes rich in colors, tastes, and no need to be a Michelin star chef to succeed with these little gems of Indian cuisine!
Come on, let’s put on our apron, heat up the pan, and embark together on a culinary adventure that your taste buds won’t soon forget!
1. Chicken tikka masala
Who doesn’t love chicken tikka masala? This creamy, fragrant dish is a great Indian classic that always makes an impression! The secret lies in the marinade and the spice blend.
Ingredients:
- 500g of chicken (ideally fillets)
- 1 natural yogurt
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon of garam masala (if you don’t have it, a mixture of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom will do the trick!)
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 chopped onion
- 200ml of cream or coconut milk
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken into pieces and mix with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Sauté the onion in a bit of oil until translucent.
- Add the chicken and brown it, then add the crushed tomatoes and let it simmer.
- Add the cream and let cook for another 5 minutes. There you go, it’s ready! You can serve this dish with some aromatic basmati rice.
2. Lentil dhal
Lentils, not glamorous? Wait until you taste this dhal! This lentil curry is not only good for your health, but it’s also delicious and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 200g of red lentils
- 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tomato
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 400ml of coconut milk
Instructions:
- Rinse the lentils. In a saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of oil.
- Add the spices and the diced tomato.
- Add the lentils and coconut milk, then cover with water and let simmer for 15-20 minutes. And there, it’s ready!
3. Homemade naan
Nothing beats a warm naan to accompany your Indian dishes. And if you think it’s difficult to make, you’re wrong!
Ingredients:
- 250g of flour
- 1 natural yogurt
- 1 packet of baker’s yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients and knead until you get a smooth dough. Let it rest for 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into small balls, roll them out and cook in a hot pan (without oil). Simple and delicious!
4. Butter chicken
Ah, the butter chicken! This creamy, slightly sweet dish is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. A real treat for lovers of spicy and creamy cuisine.
5. Chickpea curry
A super simple and quick vegetarian option! This chickpea curry is perfect for evenings when you want to eat something healthy without too much preparation.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas | 400g (canned) |
| Onion | 1 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Curry | 1 tablespoon |
| Canned tomatoes | 1 can |
| Coconut cream | 200ml |
Instructions:
- In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic.
- Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, curry, and coconut cream.
- Let simmer for 15 minutes and it’s ready! This dish pairs perfectly with basmati rice.
6. Vegetarian samosas
Samosas are perfect for an appetizer or a snack. Plus, you can customize them with whatever vegetables you want!
Ingredients:
- Potatoes, carrots, peas
- Brick pastry
- 1 teaspoon of cumin, coriander, and turmeric
- Salt, pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the vegetables and mix them with the spices.
- Fold the brick pastry into triangles, adding a little filling.
- Cook in the oven at 180°C for 15 minutes or in a pan if you want crispy samosas.
7. Vegetable biryani
Biryani is a bit like an Indian rice gratin. Here, we make it with vegetables, but you can add meat or shrimp if you want!
Ingredients:
- 200g basmati rice
- Carrots, peas, bell peppers, potatoes
- 1 tablespoon of curry
- Vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Cook the rice in the broth with the vegetables.
- Add the curry and cook until everything is tender. For even more flavor, add a few strands of saffron.
8. Cucumber raita
Raita is the refreshing sauce that complements spicy dishes perfectly. The cucumber raita is simple, quick, and so good!
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber
- 200g natural yogurt
- 1 pinch of salt, pepper, and cumin
Instructions:
- Grate the cucumber, add the yogurt and spices.
- Mix well and let cool. Serve chilled for a guaranteed refreshing effect!
9. Shrimp curry with coconut milk
Shrimp and coconut milk is a perfect match! This shrimp curry is a delight for seafood lovers.
10. Mango lassi
Finally, to finish on a sweet and exotic note, prepare yourself a mango lassi! This drink is sweet, refreshing, and perfect for calming the heat of spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe mango
- 250g yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (or honey)
Instructions:
- Blend the mango with the yogurt and sugar until smooth.
- Pour into a glass, add some ice cubes, and enjoy!
These dishes are not only delicious, but they are also simple to prepare. With a few basic ingredients and spices, you can transform your kitchen into a little corner of India. So, why not give it a try?
If this article has inspired you to try one of these recipes, feel free to share your creations on social media! And if you want to dive even deeper into the world of Indian flavors, I recommend checking out our special guide on Indian spices and their benefits – it’s time to enrich your spice collection!
