• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Easy Indian Cookbook
  • Recipes
  • Basics
  • Recipe Round-ups
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Quick Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Quick Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » MSN

    Cooking Felt Impossible—But These 29 Indian Recipes Grounded Me

    Published: Aug 29, 2025 by Mandy Applegate · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    When cooking feels overwhelming, 29 Indian recipes have a way of making things click. They create a sense of rhythm that makes the kitchen feel less chaotic. With every dish, it’s like the stress clock slows down a bit. Turns out, dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to feel rewarding.

    A plate of Chicken Masala with two pieces of naan and basmati rice garnished with herbs, served with sliced onions on the side.
    Chicken Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Cabbage Potato Curry

    Cabbage Potato Curry garnished with cilantro, served with roti on the side.
    Cabbage Potato Curry. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Some dishes remind you of simpler times, and Cabbage Potato Curry has that grounding effect. It balances hearty and humble ingredients, creating something warm and comforting. This is one of those recipes that feels like home on a plate, proving simple combinations can be enjoyable.
    Get the Recipe: Cabbage Potato Curry

    Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup

    A bowl of yellow curry soup garnished with herbs, served with a piece of flatbread.
    Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    There’s something about Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup that makes it perfect for resetting on a busy day. Rooted in comforting flavors, it’s both wholesome and hearty. The warm, rich flavors in every spoonful create a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup

    Egg Puffs

    Egg puffs placed on a marble board and served with tomato ketchup.
    Egg Puffs. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Quick snacks, like Egg Puffs, have a way of being instant mood-lifters. The flaky, layered texture pairs perfectly with the hearty filling inside. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet grounding, perfect for when you need a quick pick-me-up.
    Get the Recipe: Egg Puffs

    Methi Chicken Instant Pot

    A red skillet containing Methi Chicken, displayed on a blue textured surface with a striped cloth nearby.
    Methi Chicken Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    When you need something both easy and flavorful, Methi Chicken Instant Pot fits the bill perfectly. The combination of rich and earthy elements creates comforting flavors with minimal effort. This dish makes you feel like you’ve achieved something great for dinner without overthinking.
    Get the Recipe: Methi Chicken Instant Pot

    Eggless Banana Pancakes

    Stack of bananapancakes with a pat of butter on top, served on a plate.
    Eggless Banana Pancakes. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Breakfast can feel repetitive, but Eggless Banana Pancakes is a refreshing change. It’s sweet, light, and gets the job done with simple ingredients. When mornings are tough, these pancakes can make you feel like you’ve got things under control.
    Get the Recipe: Eggless Banana Pancakes

    Kadai Paneer

    Kadai Paneer dish with slices of green bell peppers and red spices, garnished with herbs, served in a steel dish.
    Kadai Paneer. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    A dish like Kadai Paneer is all about bold flavors while staying comforting. It’s a hearty option that reminds you how small efforts in cooking can create big rewards. This meal brings a balance of spice and creaminess that feels grounding yet celebratory.
    Get the Recipe: Kadai Paneer

    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.

    Peas Paratha Matar Paratha have a way of making you feel connected to traditional ways of eating. It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect to eat on its own or with other meals. This one is great when you need something satisfying and grounding without a lot of preparation.
    Get the Recipe: Peas Paratha Matar Paratha

    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.

    This is what you need when you’re craving something hearty. The rich, slow-cooked layers of this dish are perfect for grounding you after long days. Despite its complex flavors, it’s not as intimidating to make as it seems. Sitting down with Lamb Vindaloo feels like settling into something comforting.
    Get the Recipe: Lamb Vindaloo

    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.

    When life feels like it’s moving too fast, Kitchari Instant Pot invites you to slow down. This wholesome dish is simple and feels like an instant reset button. It’s the kind of food that feels grounding with every bite while being effortless to cook. Meals like this remind you why simplicity often feels the most nourishing.
    Get the Recipe: Kitchari Instant Pot

    Ragi Rotti

    A Ragi Rotti served with a side of mashed yellow vegetables on an orange plate.
    Ragi Rotti. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Comfort is easy to find in familiar recipes like Ragi Rotti. The earthy and hearty texture of this dish makes it feel wholesome and empowering. It’s the perfect dish to make when you want something truly nourishing. On busy days, this dish can help you recenter while providing the energy you need.
    Get the Recipe: Ragi Rotti

    Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot

    Top view of a pan filled with Chayote Squash Curry cooked with herbs and spices, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
    Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    When you’re in need of something light yet filling, Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot is a great pick. The humble ingredients of the curry make it an understated favorite. Its ease of preparation is as grounding as the soothing flavors it delivers in every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot

    Ragi Upma

    A bowl of ragi ugma filling with vegetables and beans.
    Ragi Upma. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Hearty recipes like Ragi Upma are perfect for starting the day on a steady note. It’s nutritious and filling while remaining incredibly easy to put together. This is the kind of meal that feels grounding when mornings feel rushed and chaotic. Recipes like this remind how practical food can still feel rewarding at any time.
    Get the Recipe: Ragi Upma

    Instant Pot Mysore Rasam

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

    For something that feels nurturing, Instant Pot Mysore Rasam hits all the right notes. It offers an easy way to create flavors that are rich and grounding. This dish is perfect for days when you need food that feels energizing yet calming. Making this reminds you how grounding simplicity in cooking can really be.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mysore Rasam

    Grilled Whole Cauliflower

    Whole roasted cauliflower with a golden-brown crust, garnished with fresh herbs, displayed up-close.
    Grilled Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Sometimes simplicity is king, and Grilled Whole Cauliflower is the ideal example. Its unique presentation stands out while still being straightforward to prepare. The combination of textures from the grilling process makes it both filling and satisfying.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Whole Cauliflower

    Instant Pot Butter Chicken

    A bowl of Instant Pot Butter Chicken garnished with cilantro, accompanied by naan bread on a white marble surface.
    Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Rich meals like Instant Pot Butter Chicken feel like a well-deserved moment of stillness. Despite its complexity of flavor, the preparation is straightforward and simple. It’s a dish that grounds you in the present and adds a little joy to your day.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

    Aloo Tikki Burger

    Juicy aloo tikki burger with creamy sauce, lettuce, and tomato.
    Aloo Tikki Burger. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Sometimes cooking felt impossible, but taking everyday flavors and transforming them into something new helped. Aloo Tikki Burger is an easy way to combine familiar ingredients in an exciting form. It’s comforting and filling and brings a great mix of textures.
    Get the Recipe: Aloo Tikki Burger

    Instant Pot Chana Dal

    Chana Dal with yellow lentils, garnished with fresh cilantro and tempered spices, including curry leaves and dried chilies.
    Instant Pot Chana Dal. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    When time and energy were limited, using a pressure cooker made meals less stressful. Instant Pot Chana Dal is the kind of dish that’s straightforward yet nourishing. Every bite gives you warmth and comfort with just the right textures. It’s a perfect example of leaning on simple tools when things felt overwhelming.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chana Dal

    Air Fryer Beets

    Diced roasted beetroot pieces scattered on a white plate, garnished with green herbs.
    Air Fryer Beets. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Trying something healthy without extra effort made a difference on hard days. Air Fryer Beets became a go-to side that felt wholesome but took very little energy to make. The way air frying brings out natural sweetness while keeping things simple was grounding.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beets

    Instant Pot Aloo Baingan

    A vibrant bowl of aloo baingan garnished with fresh cilantro, served alongside lime wedges.
    Instant Pot Aloo Baingan. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    When comforting meals are what you need, Instant Pot Aloo Baingan delivers that perfectly. The soft and tender mix of ingredients creates a dish that’s warming and grounding. Simple to prepare but full of flavor, it’s perfect for when life feels hectic.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Aloo Baingan

    Bombay Potatoes

    A bowl of Bombay Potatoes garnished with herbs, featuring golden potatoes and onions in a rich, spiced sauce.
    Bombay Potatoes. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Meals that didn’t need a lot of thought became lifesavers when cooking seemed too much. Bombay Potatoes turned basic ingredients into a flavorful and fuss-free side. It’s the kind of dish that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time.
    Get the Recipe: Bombay Potatoes

    Black Chickpea Sundal, Kadlekalu Usli

    A bowl of Kadlekalu Usli salad garnished with coconut and cilantro, served on a green tablecloth.
    Black Chickpea Sundal, Kadlekalu Usli. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    There were moments when cooking anything felt overwhelming, but small, effortless dishes stood out. Black Chickpea Sundal, Kadlekalu Usli is ideal for those times, offering light and earthy flavors. It works well as a snack or quick meal when energy is low.
    Get the Recipe: Black Chickpea Sundal, Kadlekalu Usli

    Ragi Ambali

    Two glasses of ragi ambali placed on a brown mat.
    Ragi Ambali. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    When complexity wasn’t an option, simple and nutritious recipes made a huge impact. Ragi Ambali is a porridge that’s not just nourishing but incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for days when you need something straightforward yet effective.
    Get the Recipe: Ragi Ambali

    Turmeric Milk Haldi Doodh

    A cup of turmeric milk with milk jug in the background.
    Turmeric Milk Haldi Doodh. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Comfort in a mug can be everything after a long day. Turmeric Milk Haldi Doodh is a golden drink that warms you inside out without feeling like work. Just letting its soothing flavors settle gave me a moment to breathe. On harder days, this simple drink reminded me of the power of basic self-care through food.
    Get the Recipe: Turmeric Milk Haldi Doodh

    Mango Rasayana

    Mango rasayana in two bowls.
    Mango Rasayana. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    On days when cooking elaborate meals felt out of reach, desserts like this helped me find joy again. Mango Rasayana is quick, sweet, and uses fruit in the most refreshing way. Balancing something light yet lovely felt like healing in small bites.
    Get the Recipe: Mango Rasayana

    Moong Dal Payasam

    A close-up image of a bowl of creamy yellow soup, presented in a black bowl on a table.
    Moong Dal Payasam. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Finding time to create something a little sweet felt grounding when things got heavy. Moong Dal Payasam is that dessert that comes together effortlessly and soothes your mood. Its rich texture isn’t overwhelming and feels rewarding to eat.
    Get the Recipe: Moong Dal Payasam

    Vegetable Manchow Soup

    Veg manchow soup in white bowls.
    Vegetable Manchow Soup. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Turning to easy soups helped me feel cared for without too much work. Vegetable Manchow Soup is wonderful for those days when you want something light but hearty. Just dipping into its thick goodness feels comforting, especially when energy is low.
    Get the Recipe: Vegetable Manchow Soup

    Tandoori Turkey

    Two Tandoori Turkey steak with herbs, lemon slices, and pickled onions on a white plate.
    Tandoori Turkey. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Simplifying familiar dishes made cooking less intimidating when things felt difficult. Tandoori Turkey brings bold flavors together without being overly complicated to prepare. Its balance of smokiness and tenderness made meals feel special, even during challenging moments.
    Get the Recipe: Tandoori Turkey

    Mooli Paratha

    Close-up of stuffed parathas on a stovetop, filled with spiced vegetables, garnished with cilantro, cooked to a golden crisp.
    Mooli Paratha. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Even the simplest flatbreads felt like accomplishments when I was overwhelmed. Mooli Paratha takes something humble and makes it versatile for any time of day. Rolling it out and enjoying its earthy flavors made me feel connected to home.
    Get the Recipe: Mooli Paratha

    Chicken Masala

    A plate of Chicken Masala with two pieces of naan and basmati rice garnished with herbs, served with sliced onions on the side.
    Chicken Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Recipes that stick to their roots worked best when I craved focus while cooking. Chicken Masala reminded me how simple spices can create layers of flavor without too much effort. It’s hearty and feels like a complete meal on its own. Even cooking this on not-so-good days felt like a small victory worth having.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Masala

    More MSN

    • 51 Indian Comfort Classics That Always Hit the Spot
    • 47 Indian Favorites That Keep You Coming Back for More
    • Slices of Tandori Paneer Naan Pizza with tofu, red onions, tomatoes, and drizzled with green sauce on a black surface.
      47 Indian Recipes That Make You Close Your Eyes Mid Bite
    • 49 Indian Plates That Deliver Big Flavor Drama

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Accessibility

    Privacy Policy

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Contact

    • Subscribe to newsletter
    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    COPYRIGHT © 2024 EASYINDIANCOOKBOOK.COM