10 Easy Indian Recipes for Beginners – Tried and Tested

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10 Easy Indian Recipes for Beginners – Tried and Tested


Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and vibrant colors. It can seem intimidating to cook Indian food, especially for beginners, but fear not! In this article, we will share 10 easy Indian recipes that have been tried and tested, perfect for those who are new to Indian cooking. These recipes are simple, delicious, and can be prepared in under an hour. So let's dive in and explore the wonders of Indian cuisine!

Tips for Choosing Easy Indian Recipes

When searching for easy Indian recipes, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, look for recipes that use basic spices and ingredients. This will make it easier for beginners to gather the necessary ingredients and follow the recipe. Second, consider the cooking time. Look for recipes that can be prepared in under an hour or even 30 minutes. This will save you time and make the cooking process more manageable. Lastly, choose recipes that have been tried and tested by others. User reviews and ratings can give you valuable insights into the recipe's taste and authenticity.

Now that we have our tips in mind, let's explore 10 easy Indian recipes that are perfect for beginners.

1. Tandoori Chicken



Tandoori Chicken is a classic Indian dish known for its smoky flavors and juicy chicken. This recipe uses a masala-yogurt marinade that coats the chicken, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. The best part? You can marinate the chicken in the morning and roast it for just 30 minutes when you're ready to eat. Serve it with naan bread or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken pieces
  • Yogurt
  • Lemon juice
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Tandoori masala
  • Red chili powder
  • Turmeric powder
  • Cumin powder
  • Coriander powder
  • Salt
  • Oil

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.
  2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  3. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray and drizzle with oil.
  4. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and slightly charred.
  5. Serve hot with naan bread or rice.

2. Butter Chicken



Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish that is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. This recipe uses a tomato-based sauce, cream, and spices to create a luscious gravy that coats the tender chicken. It pairs perfectly with naan bread or rice.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken pieces
  • Yogurt
  • Lemon juice
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Garam masala
  • Red chili powder
  • Turmeric powder
  • Butter
  • Onion
  • Tomato puree
  • Heavy cream
  • Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • Salt

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
  2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  3. Heat butter in a pan and sauté finely chopped onions until golden brown.
  4. Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
  5. Add marinated chicken and cook until it is cooked through.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and kasuri methi. Simmer for a few minutes until the flavors are well combined.
  7. Serve hot with naan bread or rice.

3. Chana Masala



Chana Masala, also known as Chole, is a popular vegetarian dish made with chickpeas cooked in a spiced tomato-based gravy. It is flavorful, hearty, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Serve it with rice or naan bread for a satisfying Indian feast.

Ingredients:

  • Chickpeas
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Green chilies
  • Cumin seeds
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Coriander powder
  • Garam masala
  • Amchur powder (dried mango powder)
  • Salt
  • Oil
  • Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves

Instructions:

  1. Soak chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse.
  2. In a pressure cooker or a large pot, cook chickpeas until tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for a minute.
  5. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined.
  7. Add cooked chickpeas and mix well. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  8. Sprinkle amchur powder and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

4. Vegetable Biryani


Vegetable Biryani is a fragrant rice dish cooked with an assortment of vegetables, aromatic spices, and basmati rice. It is a one-pot meal that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests. Serve it with raita (yogurt sauce) for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • Basmati rice
  • Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower, etc.)
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Green chilies
  • Bay leaves
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Cardamom pods
  • Cloves
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Garam masala
  • Saffron strands (optional)
  • Milk (optional)
  • Ghee (clarified butter)
  • Salt
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves

Instructions:

  1. Rinse basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. In a large pot, heat ghee and add whole spices (bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves). Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  3. Add finely chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for a minute.
  5. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined.
  7. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
  8. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Mix well to coat the rice with the spices.
  9. Add water to the pot, ensuring that the water level is about an inch above the rice and vegetables.
  10. Cover the pot and cook on low heat until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
  11. If desired, dissolve saffron strands in warm milk and drizzle it over the cooked rice for added aroma and color.
  12. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and cilantro before serving.

5. Palak Paneer



Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese). The creamy spinach gravy combined with the soft paneer cubes makes for a delightful and nutritious meal. Serve it with naan bread or rice for a complete and satisfying vegetarian dish.

Ingredients:

  • Spinach
  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Green chilies
  • Cumin seeds
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Garam masala
  • Salt
  • Oil
  • Fresh cream (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Blanch spinach leaves in boiling water for a few minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of cold water. Drain and blend the spinach into a smooth puree.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for a minute.
  4. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined.
  6. Add the spinach puree and mix well. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. Cut paneer into cubes and lightly fry them in oil until golden brown.
  8. Add the fried paneer cubes to the spinach gravy and mix gently.
  9. If desired, stir in fresh cream for a creamier texture.
  10. Serve hot with naan bread or rice.

6. Aloo Gobi



Aloo Gobi is a simple and comforting dish made with potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). It is a popular vegetarian dish in Indian households and pairs well with roti or rice. With its combination of earthy flavors and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

  • Potatoes
  • Cauliflower
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Green chilies
  • Cumin seeds
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Garam masala
  • Coriander powder
  • Salt
  • Oil
  • Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves

Instructions:

  1. Cut potatoes into cubes and cauliflower into small florets. Rinse them in cold water and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for a minute.
  4. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined.
  6. Add the potatoes and cauliflower to the pan and mix well to coat them with the spices.
  7. Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

7. Dal Tadka



Dal Tadka is a comforting lentil dish made with split yellow lentils (toor dal) cooked to perfection and tempered with aromatic spices. It is a staple in Indian cuisine and is often served with rice or roti. The smoky flavor of the tempering (tadka) takes this simple dish to a whole new level.

Ingredients:

  • Toor dal (split yellow lentils)
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Green chilies
  • Cumin seeds
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Garam masala
  • Salt
  • Ghee (clarified butter)
  • Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves

Instructions:

  1. Rinse toor dal in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the dal in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. In a pressure cooker or a large pot, cook the soaked dal with water until tender. Mash the cooked dal with a spoon or a whisk and set aside.
  3. In a pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for a minute.
  5. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined.
  7. Add the cooked dal to the pan and mix well. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  8. In a separate small pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds and dried red chilies. Once they splutter, pour the tempering (tadka) over the dal.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

8. Chicken Biryani



Chicken Biryani is a flavorful rice dish made with marinated chicken, fragrant spices, and basmati rice. It is a complete meal on its own and is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests. Serve it with raita (yogurt sauce) and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken pieces
  • Basmati rice
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Green chilies
  • Bay leaves
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Cardamom pods
  • Cloves
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Biryani masala
  • Garam masala
  • Saffron strands
  • Milk
  • Ghee (clarified butter)
  • Salt
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves

Instructions:

  1. Rinse basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. In a bowl, marinate chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, biryani masala, garam masala, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  3. In a large pot, heat ghee and add whole spices (bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves). Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  4. Add finely chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
  5. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
  6. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  7. Add marinated chicken and cook until it is almost cooked through.
  8. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Mix well to coat the rice with the spices and chicken.
  9. Add water to the pot, ensuring that the water level is about an inch above the rice and chicken.
  10. Cover the pot and cook on low heat until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
  11. Dissolve saffron strands in warm milk and drizzle it over the cooked rice for added aroma and color.
  12. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and cilantro before serving.

9. Malai Kofta



Malai Kofta is a popular vegetarian dish made with fried vegetable and cheese dumplings (koftas) served in a creamy tomato-based gravy. It is rich, indulgent, and perfect for special occasions. Serve it with naan bread or rice for a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • Potatoes
  • Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
  • Carrot
  • Green beans
  • Green peas
  • Onion
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Cashews
  • Tomato
  • Fresh cream
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Garam masala
  • Salt
  • Oil
  • Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves

Instructions:

  1. Boil, peel, and mash potatoes. Grate paneer and finely chop carrots, green beans, and green peas.
  2. In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, grated paneer, chopped vegetables, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Shape the mixture into small balls (koftas).
  3. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the koftas until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel and set aside.
  4. In a separate pan, heat oil and add finely chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.
  5. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
  6. In a blender, blend cashews and tomatoes into a smooth puree.
  7. Add the cashew-tomato puree to the pan and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
  8. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined.
  9. Stir in fresh cream and simmer for a few minutes.
  10. Add the fried koftas to the gravy and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  11. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

10. Egg Curry



Egg Curry is a simple and comforting dish made with hard-boiled eggs cooked in a spiced tomato-based gravy. It is a popular dish in Indian households and is often served with rice or roti. The combination of eggs and flavorful spices makes it a satisfying meal for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Ingredients:

  • Eggs
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Green chilies
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Garam masala
  • Salt
  • Oil
  • Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves

Instructions:

  1. Hard-boil eggs, then peel and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and add finely chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for a minute.
  4. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined.
  6. Add water to the pan to create a gravy consistency.
  7. Gently add the hard-boiled eggs to the gravy and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Conclusion

Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors and aromas. With these 10 easy Indian recipes, you can embark on a culinary journey that will delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones. Whether you're a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, there's something for everyone in Indian cuisine. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the magic of Indian cooking unfold in your kitchen.


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