Craving something exotic yet comforting for dinner? Indian cuisine, with its kaleidoscope of spices and flavors, offers a quick escape from the mundane. Imagine this: you’re in a bustling market in Mumbai—aromas of cumin and coriander wafting through the air—only to realize you’re just standing in your kitchen, ready to whip up a delightful Indian feast.
Steps
- Chicken Korma: Marinate chicken pieces with a blend of yogurt and spices. Cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich and creamy. Serve with soft, homemade butter naan.
- Butter Chicken Curry: Cook chicken in a creamy tomato sauce with a balanced blend of spices until tender. Pair with homemade naan for a delightful meal.
- Chicken Tikka: Marinate chicken chunks in a spicy mixture, then grill or bake until juicy and flavorful. Serve as a main dish or a delicious appetizer.
- Paneer Butter Masala: Cook paneer in a rich, spiced tomato gravy with garlic, ginger, and garam masala. Serve with homemade paneer for an authentic taste.
- Saag Paneer: Cook spinach with lemon and spices, adding creamy paneer for a balanced dish. Serve with basmati rice or warm roti.
- Samosa Pie: Prepare a savory filling with traditional samosa spices, encase it in flaky pastry, and bake to golden perfection. Enjoy the taste of samosas in a pie form.
- Madras Lentils: Simmer lentils and red kidney beans in a spiced, creamy sauce for about an hour. Enjoy as a comforting vegetarian meal.
- Masoor Dal Tadka: Cook lentils with turmeric, mustard seeds, and green chilies. Serve with warm aloo naan and a cooling cucumber salad.
- Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala): Cook chickpeas and potatoes in a spiced gravy for a quick vegan and gluten-free meal. Prepare in 15 minutes for a satisfying dinner.
- Malai Kofta: Form paneer and potato balls, simmer them in a creamy tomato sauce. Serve with flaky paratha for a delightful meal.
- Indian Chicken Curry with Coconut: Cook chicken in a coconut milk-based sauce with simple spices. Use ghee for a richer flavor and serve with rice or flatbread.
- Curried Lentils in Coconut Milk: Simmer lentils in a coconut milk-based curry with warming spices. Serve as a comforting winter meal.
- Tandoori Chicken: Marinate chicken drumsticks in a spiced yogurt mixture, then grill or bake until charred and tender. Enjoy the flavorful crust and moist meat.
- Indian Fried Chicken: Marinate chicken in a yogurt-spice blend, coat with flour, and deep fry until crispy. Serve as a delicious main course.
- Ground Lamb Curry: Cook minced lamb with spices for a rich and satisfying curry. Adjust the heat to your preference and serve with rice or bread.
- Aloo Gobi: Stir-fry potatoes and cauliflower with Indian spices until tender. Enjoy this classic vegetarian dish as a main or side.
- Curry Shrimp: Cook shrimp in a spiced sauce, drawing from Indian and Jamaican flavors. Serve with rice for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Butter Chicken Pizza: Use leftover butter chicken as a topping for pizza, along with mozzarella, bell pepper, and red onion. Bake until melted and bubbly.
- Aloo Masala: Cook potatoes with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala for a simple yet flavorful curry. Serve as a hearty winter dish.
- Adarsh’s Chicken 65: Marinate chicken in a spicy mixture, then fry until crispy. Serve as a quick weeknight dinner with a spicy kick.
- Kerala Fish Fry: Coat fish in spices and fry until crispy. Serve with lime wedges and rice for a simple, flavorful meal.
- Vindaloo Pork Curry: Cook pork in a spicy sauce until tender. Use a pressure cooker for quicker results and serve with rice or bread.
- Poori Bhaji: Fry flatbreads until puffed and crispy, serving them with spiced potatoes. Enjoy this comforting South Indian dish.
- Lamb Vindaloo: Cook lamb in a spicy vindaloo sauce until tender. Serve with rice or bread for a flavorful meal.
- Shrimp Korma: Cook shrimp in a creamy sauce with tomato, yogurt, and nuts. Serve with rice for a rich and satisfying dinner.
- Palak Paneer: Cook spinach with spices and paneer for a creamy curry. Serve with rice or bread for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram of chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil or ghee
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 cup of tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup of cashew nuts, blended into a paste
- 1/4 cup of cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
FAQ
- What is the difference between Chicken Korma and Butter Chicken?
- Chicken Korma and Butter Chicken both feature rich and creamy sauces, but they differ in their flavor profiles. Korma has a lighter tomato flavor and incorporates yogurt and nuts for added richness, while Butter Chicken is known for its creamy, buttery sauce with a perfect balance of spices.
- Can I make Chicken Tikka without a grill?
- Yes, Chicken Tikka can be prepared in various ways. If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the marinated chicken in the oven or air fryer, ensuring it remains succulent and well-spiced.
- What is special about Saag Paneer?
- Saag Paneer is a traditional North Indian dish that combines creamy paneer with spinach. The dish balances the slightly bitter taste of spinach with the rich, creamy flavor of paneer, making it a delightful accompaniment to Basmati rice or warm roti.
- How can I make homemade Paneer for Paneer Butter Masala?
- Making paneer at home is both simple and cost-effective. It involves curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar and then straining the curds to form a firm cheese. This homemade paneer can be used in a variety of dishes, including Paneer Butter Masala.
- What side dishes pair well with these Indian dinner recipes?
- Indian flatbreads like roti, chapati, and naan are perfect for mopping up curry sauces. You can also serve these meals with basmati rice or vegetable sides like Indian coconut green beans or cucumber salad. Adding chutneys and pickles can further enhance the flavors of your meal.
Tips
- Use Homemade Paneer: When making Paneer Butter Masala or Saag Paneer, try making your own paneer at home. It’s simple, cost-effective, and enhances the dish’s authenticity and flavor.
- Pair with the Right Side: Serve your curry dishes, like Chicken Korma or Butter Chicken, with soft homemade naan or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauces. This complements the meal perfectly.
- Adjust Spice Levels: For dishes such as Vindaloo or Tandoori Chicken, feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking. You can increase or decrease the heat by altering the amount of chili or spices used.
- Plan for Leftovers: Many recipes like Madras Lentils or Butter Chicken taste even better the next day. Consider making a larger batch to enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the following day.
Equipment
- Tandoor or Tandoori Oven – For authentic tandoori chicken and naan.
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker – Useful for dishes like Vindaloo Pork Curry.
- Spice Grinder – To freshly grind whole spices for enhanced flavor.
- Grill or Grill Pan – For cooking Chicken Tikka or Tandoori Chicken.
- Food Processor – For making smooth pastes, such as for curry bases.
- Air Fryer – Optional for making healthier versions of fried dishes like Indian Fried Chicken.
- Indian Spice Box (Masala Dabba) – To organize and store frequently used spices.
- Chapati Press – To easily make flatbreads like roti or chapati.
- Paneer Maker Kit – If you wish to make homemade paneer.
- Large Heavy-Based Pan or Kadhai – Essential for cooking curries and frying.
