I Made These 29 Indian Recipes Instead Of Ordering Takeout Again

Skipping takeout seemed like a minor decision until 29 Indian meals took over the weekly routine like a well-timed surprise party. They fed the whole crew, lasted through lunch battles, and made it weirdly fun to open the fridge again. No one missed soggy containers or digging for sauce packets in a paper bag.

Two vegetable-topped uttapam with a side of sauce. — Uttapam. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

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.

Grilled chicken tucked inside fresh naan makes for a filling snack or meal. It’s quick to put together and something everyone will enjoy. Chicken Tikka Naanwich feels like street food but homemade. Add some sauce to customize it to your preference.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Naanwich

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.

This salad feels light but stands out with its crisp texture and freshness. It’s a healthy option when you don’t want anything heavy. Kosambari pairs well with main dishes or works as a standalone meal on busy days. Quick to prepare and worth it.
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.

Yogurt-based curry gives this dish its lighter, tangy profile. It’s great for pairing with rice and simple enough for everyday meals. Majjige Huli is one of those comforting dishes you can make anytime. Gives your taste something slightly different.
Get the Recipe: Majjige Huli

Chilli Chicken

Spicy fried chicken coated in sauce has a bold kick that makes it addictive. It’s versatile enough to eat with rice or noodles. Chilli Chicken feels like something you’d order, but doing it at home makes it even better. Great for when you’re craving takeout flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chilli Chicken

Naan Recipe

naan ingredients with labels. — Naan Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Freshly made naan brings a soft, slightly chewy texture you won’t get from store-bought. It's great for scooping up curries or just eating plain. Naan Recipe is a must when you want to make your meal feel extra homemade. It’s a staple for Indian meals.
Get the Recipe: Naan Recipe

Air Fryer Eggplant

Cooking eggplant in an air fryer makes it crispy outside and tender inside. It’s an efficient way to prepare eggplant without the oil. Air Fryer Eggplant is great for snacks or as a side dish to fuller meals. It's easy, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

Tomato Rice

Flavorful rice infused with spiced tomato gives this dish its bold kick. It's perfect for eating on its own or alongside light curries. Tomato Rice is a simple yet impactful meal idea. The vibrant color also makes it fun to serve.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Rice

Bhagara Baingan

Small eggplants cooked with spices make this dish stand out. It’s rich and filled with layers of flavor that pair perfectly with plain rice. Bhagara Baingan is worth the effort when you want eggplant done differently. Great for special meals at home.
Get the Recipe: Bhagara Baingan

Lamb Curry Instant Pot

A bowl of traditional indian Lamb Curry garnished with chopped cilantro, served in a metallic dish. — Lamb Curry Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Cooking lamb quickly lets it stay tender and soaks up all the spices fast. It’s rich, bold, and pairs wonderfully with naan or rice. Lamb Curry Instant Pot makes home-cooked meals feel just as good as eating out. Definitely a main course to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Curry Instant Pot

Gujarati Kadhi

A smooth, tangy yogurt-based dish that’s light yet flavorful. It's easy to pair with rice or enjoy on its own as a light soup. Gujarati Kadhi is perfect when you want something less heavy. It’s comforting and simple to put together.
Get the Recipe: Gujarati Kadhi

Lamb Palak Saag Gosht

A bowl of Lamb Palak, an indian dish made of paneer cheese and spinach sauce, served in a metal bowl on a wooden table. — Lamb Palak Saag Gosht. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Lamb cooked with spinach combines bold and earthy flavors. It's a rich dish you'd usually order at a restaurant, but homemade feels special. Lamb Palak Saag Gosht pairs well with naan or even red rice for extra texture. Perfect for dinner when you want to impress.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Palak Saag Gosht

Bharwa Bhindi

Stuffed okra filled with spices gives this dish a unique edge. It's more intricate than regular okra dishes but worth the effort. Bharwa Bhindi is a great side dish for rice or flatbreads. When you want something slightly fancier, this is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Bharwa Bhindi

Mango Rice

A close-up of a blue bowl filled with yellow spiced rice garnished with peanuts and herbs. — Mango Rice. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Mango mixed with rice creates a sweet and tangy combination that’s unexpected but works well. It’s great for an easy, refreshing meal. Mango Rice is perfect for those days when regular rice feels too plain. Serve it as a light lunch or alongside heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mango Rice

Adai Dosa

A crispy, folded masala dosa served on a black plate with a side of coconut chutney. — Adai Dosa. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Thick, hearty pancakes made with mixed lentils pack some added texture and taste. It’s a filling meal great for breakfast or dinner. Adai Dosa is perfect when you want something healthier than regular dosas. Pair it with chutneys for the best experience.
Get the Recipe: Adai Dosa

Red Rice

This adds a hearty texture that's different from regular rice. It's a nice change with its nutty flavor and chewy bite. Pair it with any curry, or enjoy it plain. Red Rice really stands out as a nutritious option.
Get the Recipe: Red Rice

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.

Stuffed flatbread with peas gives this a fun element that’s different from simple rotis. It’s filling enough to eat alone or with just yogurt. Peas Paratha Matar Paratha works for any time of day, whether as a quick snack or a full meal. Easy and always good.
Get the Recipe: Peas Paratha Matar Paratha

Instant Pot Vegetable Pulao

A close-up of a bowl of Vegetable Pulao containing rice mixed with chunks of carrots and cauliflower. — Instant Pot Vegetable Pulao. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Using a pressure cooker, this dish is quick and flavorful. The mix of vegetables and rice creates a balanced meal with contrasting textures. Instant Pot Vegetable Pulao is perfect for busy days when you need a simple meal. Pair it with yogurt or chutney for extra taste.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Pulao

Baingan Bharta

Roasted eggplant mashed with spices gives this dish its smoky edge. It's rich, earthy, and great for pairing with flatbread. Baingan Bharta is always a go-to option for those who want something deeply flavorful. It works great for a wholesome dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baingan Bharta

Rava Idli Recipe

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

These soft, steamed cakes are light yet filling. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack, they're both versatile and healthy. Try pairing Rava Idli Recipe with chutney or sambar to round out the meal. Making them at home is surprisingly easy.
Get the Recipe: Rava Idli Recipe

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.

Pancakes don’t always need eggs to taste good, and this is proof. These are fluffy, just the right level of sweetness, and best when served fresh. Eggless Banana Pancakes are ideal for mornings when you want something quick. Serve them with syrup or fruit to make them even better.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Banana Pancakes

Beans Palya Beans Poriyal

A bowl of chopped Beans Palya mixed with spices, served on a dining table. — Beans Palya Beans Poriyal. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Stir-fried beans offer crunch and a lightly seasoned taste that complements rice well. It's simple but makes for a great side dish. Beans Palya Beans Poriyal is quick to cook and never too heavy to eat. You can’t go wrong adding this to your table.
Get the Recipe: Beans Palya Beans Poriyal

Mango Dal

A plate of white rice paired with yellow dal garnished with chili peppers and curry leaves. — Mango Dal. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Combining lentils with mango provides a mix of tangy and hearty flavors. It's a unique way to enjoy both sweet and savory together. Mango Dal pairs perfectly with rice, giving it a vibrant mood. Great when you want something different from regular curries.
Get the Recipe: Mango Dal

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.

A mix of lentils and grain that’s great for comfort food, especially when you need something light. It feels nourishing and perfect for relaxed meals. With Kitchari Instant Pot, you can enjoy a wholesome one-pot meal. Pair it with pickles or just eat it as-is.
Get the Recipe: Kitchari Instant Pot

Palak Paneer Stir Fry

Spinach mixed with paneer creates a soft, slightly creamy dish with a mild flavor. It's great for pairing with roti or rice on any day. Palak Paneer Stir Fry brings together greens and cheese in a balanced way. You can make it quickly when in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Palak Paneer Stir Fry

Ragi Pancakes

These pancakes carry a hearty texture and are perfect for healthy mornings. They're easy to whip up and gentle on the stomach. Ragi Pancakes are ideal if you want something wholesome without the fuss. Serve them plain or with a side of syrup.
Get the Recipe: Ragi Pancakes

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.

Bold and spicy, this lamb curry brings a punch with its strong flavors. It’s a classic you can easily enjoy with rice or flatbread. Lamb Vindaloo lets you cook restaurant favorites without hassle. A hearty recipe for special occasions or everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Vindaloo

Basmati Rice

Long-grain rice cooked to perfection brings a fragrant element to any plate. It’s soft, light, and pairs well with all types of curries or stir-fries. Basmati Rice is a go-to choice whenever you need a good foundation for your meal. Simple but always effective.
Get the Recipe: Basmati Rice

Kala Chana Curry

Black chickpeas give this dish its hearty, nutty flavor. It’s protein-rich while still being light enough for a quick lunch. Kala Chana Curry pairs great with roti or over a plate of rice. Best for when you want something filling but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Curry

Uttapam

Thick flatbread pancakes topped with vegetables make this homemade snack stand out. They’re filling and great for a fast meal. Uttapam can be made quickly yet feels like a complete dish. Adding chutney takes it up a notch even at home.
Get the Recipe: Uttapam