29 Indian Recipes That Turn Cravings Into Culinary Masterpieces

Everyone loves to eat good food, right? Imagine the taste and smells from the kitchen filling the whole house. Now, think about 29 special dishes from India that can turn simple hunger into something amazing. Each one is a little bit of magic, making anyone who tries them feel like a true kitchen wizard.

A bowl of creamy chicken tikka masala garnished with fresh herbs, served alongside a dish of rice. — Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Pan-Fried Plantains

For a quick snack or side, nothing beats Pan-Fried Plantains. Their natural sweetness and golden crust make them utterly addictive. Pair them with your favorite dishes or enjoy them on their own for a treat that's both simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Plantains

Chicken Korma

Indulge in the creamy, spiced indulgence of Chicken Korma, a fusion of Indian flavors that will enchant your palate. Its thick gravy is perfect for drizzling over steaming rice or dipping with naan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Korma

Instant Pot Mysore Rasam

A bowl of Mysore Rasam, served alongside rice. — Instant Pot Mysore Rasam. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

In mere minutes, the Instant Pot Mysore Rasam is ready to grace your table with its tangy and spicy goodness. This is a comforting soup that doubles as an appetizing curry base, versatile enough for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mysore Rasam

Lamb Rogan Josh

Revel in the warm and aromatic allure of Lamb Rogan Josh. This dish combines tender lamb with a sauce that's rich with spices, offering a depth of flavor that's profoundly pleasing. Serve it alongside rice or flatbread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Rogan Josh

Millet Dosa Recipe

Two dosas served with coconut chutney and sambar in small bowls, placed on a rustic fabric surface. — Millet Dosa Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Transform your breakfast with the crispy and nutritious Millet Dosa Recipe. It's a fresh take on the classic dosa, providing a lighter option that doesn't compromise on taste. Perfect for a healthful twist on your morning routine.
Get the Recipe: Millet Dosa Recipe

Instant Pot Goat Curry

Bowl of Goat Curry with thick, rich gravy and chunks of meat on the bone. — Instant Pot Goat Curry. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Relish in the convenience of Instant Pot Goat Curry, a dish that's as flavorful as it is easy to make. This method yields tender goat meat infused with a harmony of spices, perfect for a no-fuss yet impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Goat Curry

Kosambari

A bowl of sambar, a traditional south indian lentil soup with mixed vegetables and herbs, served in a stainless steel bowl. — Kosambari. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Crunchy, fresh, and utterly refreshing. With a traditional salad that's a mix of lentils and vegetables, Kosambari brings snappy flavors enhanced by a hint of lemon, making it an ideal side. Perfect whether you're going light or pairing it with a larger meal.
Get the Recipe: Kosambari

Majjige Huli

A bowl of creamy yellow soup garnished with herbs and oil on top of a cloth. — Majjige Huli. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Creamy and tangy, each mouthful of Majjige Huli is a comforting delight. This yogurt-based curry infuses vegetables for a pleasing dish. The combination feels like a warm embrace, best served with a bowl of steaming rice.
Get the Recipe: Majjige Huli

Kitchari (Instant Pot)

A bowl of yellow rice garnished with herbs and spices, placed on a red mat with a glass of orange juice in the background. — Kitchari (Instant Pot). Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Combining simplicity with nourishment, the Kitchari (Instant Pot) is a gentle hug in a bowl. This one-pot meal brings together rice and lentils in a comforting blend, especially appreciated on days that demand soothing simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Kitchari (Instant Pot)

Chicken Tikka Naanwich

A platter of freshly made, golden-brown Naan served with a side of dipping sauce. — Chicken Tikka Naanwich. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Wrapped in soft naan bread, the charred, spice-laden chicken pieces make Chicken Tikka Naanwich uniquely awesome. This creative street food favorite turns the classic chicken tikka into a gourmet experience, perfect for a diverse twist on traditional flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Naanwich

Lamb Vindaloo

A bowl of rich beef curry garnished with cilantro, accompanied by a piece of naan bread partially dipped in the sauce. — Lamb Vindaloo. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

With its intense spice and bold flavors, Lamb Vindaloo is a fiery delight. Marrying tender lamb with robust spices, this dish showcases the complexity and depth of its ingredients, creating a memorable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Vindaloo

Peas Paratha (Matar Paratha)

Close-up of a stack of Peas Paratha, one partly unfolded to reveal a filling of spicy cauliflower mixture. — Peas Paratha (Matar Paratha). Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Crispy on the outside and stuffed with a hearty, spiced pea filling, Peas Paratha (Matar Paratha) is full of surprises. These flatbreads combine a delicious texture with rich fillings, serving as an excellent meal starter or a standalone snack.
Get the Recipe: Peas Paratha (Matar Paratha)

Instant Pot Jeera Rice

A bowl of cooked Jeera Rice, garnished, presented on a textured grey background. — Instant Pot Jeera Rice. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

The nutty and warm flavors of cumin elevate Instant Pot Jeera Rice, a dish that brings effortless perfection to the dining table. This fragrantly spiced side complements any curry, making it a staple in any meal focused on rich flavors.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jeera Rice

Indian Chicken Curry

A bowl of Chicken Curry Home Style with pieces of meat and visible spices in a rich, orange sauce. — Indian Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

If you're in the mood for something that packs a punch, Indian Chicken Curry is the way to go. With its mix of spices, each bite brings you closer to the heart of Indian cooking. It's the kind of dish that makes dinner more than just a meal. Plus, it's a great excuse to gather everyone around the table.
Get the Recipe: Indian Chicken Curry

Basmati Rice

As a base to any exquisite curry, Basmati Rice stands out with its light, fluffy grains that carry a distinctive aroma. This essential staple enhances any meal, guaranteeing complete satisfaction with each fluffy bite.
Get the Recipe: Basmati Rice

Dal Palak (Spinach Dal)

A bowl of Dal Palak, spiced and cooked to a thick consistency, served on a woven mat. — Dal Palak (Spinach Dal). Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Melding nutrition with soulful taste, Dal Palak (Spinach Dal) offers a filling experience with every spoonful. Its blend of lentils and spinach packs health benefits in a flavorful punch, proving comforting whether as a soup or a side.
Get the Recipe: Dal Palak (Spinach Dal)

Instant Pot Vegetable Korma

A bowl of colorful mixed vegetable curry garnished with fresh cilantro, served with flatbread on the side. — Instant Pot Vegetable Korma. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Making a hearty meal doesn't have to be hard, thanks to Instant Pot Vegetable Korma. It's all about getting those rich flavors into tender veggies in no time. Everyone at the table will love the creamy sauce. And it's a fantastic way to bring a bit of Indian cuisine into your weekly meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Korma

Kolhapuri Lamb (Lamb Kolhapur)

Lamb Kolhapur in a bowl, topped with dried red chilies and fried onions. — Kolhapuri Lamb (Lamb Kolhapur). Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Known for its fiery spice, Kolhapuri Lamb (Lamb Kolhapur) is for those who love a bit of adventure on their plate. It's a dish that comes from a place known for bold flavors. Every aspect of it is designed to warm you up from the inside. It's perfect for days when you crave something with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Kolhapuri Lamb (Lamb Kolhapur)

Kala Chana Curry

Starting your day with Kala Chana Curry can seriously uplift your meals. It's a hearty option that's packed with protein and brimming with flavors. It’s a robust dish that complements fluffy rice beautifully. A staple in many households, it’s always welcomed on any dining table.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Curry

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

When you want creamy comfort, turn to Instant Pot Butter Chicken for a quick solution. This dish mingles cream and tomatoes for a velvety texture that’s hard to resist. It’s every bit as delicious as traditional slow-cooked versions. Pair it with fluffy naan for an unbeatable combination.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Ragi Rotti

Experience the wholesome goodness of Ragi Rotti, a traditional Indian flatbread with a nutritious twist. Its hearty texture pairs perfectly with chutneys and gravies. Perfect for those seeking a delicious yet health-conscious option.
Get the Recipe: Ragi Rotti

Chicken Masala

Indulge into the heart of Indian cooking with Chicken Masala. Its thick, spicy gravy clings to tender chicken pieces for a wholesome meal. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience in every spoonful. It's versatile enough for any day of the week, guaranteed to impress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Masala

Masala Mac and Cheese

Fusion cuisine at its best, Masala Mac and Cheese takes your classic mac to new heights with an infusion of Indian spices. Creamy, comforting, and with a masala twist, this is one dish that both children and adults will clamor for.
Get the Recipe: Masala Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Idli Recipe

A row of idli, a traditional south indian steamed rice cake, served on a green banana leaf. — Instant Pot Idli Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Instant Pot Idli Recipe makes preparing a soft, spongy breakfast easier than ever. These rice cakes are a staple in South India, loved for their simplicity and taste. They're great for soaking up sauces or enjoyed with a spoonful of chutney. Plus, they’re steamed, making them a healthy choice too.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Idli Recipe

Quinoa Dosa Recipe

Freshly Quinoa dosa served with accompaniments in blue bowls. — Quinoa Dosa Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

For those who crave a crispy, lighter start to their morning, Quinoa Dosa Recipe is perfect. This version uses quinoa, lending a nutritious twist to the traditional dosa. It’s crispy, tasty, and holds all your favorite fillings with ease. It’s a refreshing change that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Dosa Recipe

South Indian Chana Masala

Transport yourself to the coastal regions of India with the robust South Indian Chana Masala. Its bold spice blend and tender chickpeas make it a vegan's dream come true. Perfect with a side of rice or bread to soak up the flavors.
Get the Recipe: South Indian Chana Masala

Chettinad Chicken

Bring a bit of South India to your plate with the intensely flavorful Chettinad Chicken. The combination of heat and spices in this dish is both bold and rich. Accompany it with fluffy basmati rice for an unforgettable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Chettinad Chicken

Horse Gram Sambar (Hurali Saaru)

Hurali Saaru in a pot garnished with cilantro, featuring a rich, spiced lentil stew. — Horse Gram Sambar (Hurali Saaru). Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Dip into the flavors of a classic South Indian Horse Gram Sambar (Hurali Saaru). This dish is a rich and hearty addition to your meal, packed with nutrients and bursting with traditional spices.
Get the Recipe: Horse Gram Sambar (Hurali Saaru)

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy, tomato-based sauce and juicy chunks of chicken. It’s rich, aromatic, and each forkful is a reminder of why it's a beloved classic. Whether it's a midweek dinner or a special occasion, it’s always a hit. Easy to make, it's comfort food at its best.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala