I Was About To Hit Order—then I Made These 29 Indian Recipes

Almost hit order for takeout, but stopped just in time. Made these 29 Indian recipes instead, full of spice and color. Each dish brought warmth, flavor, and a bit of fun. Rice, lentils, and veggies came together with love. Golden flatbreads puffed up nice and soft. Every bite felt like a small trip to India. G

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.

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.

Making lunch plans suddenly takes a twist when a quick rice dish pops into your mind. Instant Pot Vegetable Pulao comes to rescue with its simple yet rich flavors. It's an easy one-pot solution that's packed with vegetables and spices. Perfect for kicking off a comforting meal without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Pulao

Uttapam

A last-minute breakfast idea turns into something special. Uttapam gives a warm and hearty vibe with its unique takings of toppings on a soft base. Easy to make and a great way to put those vegetables to good use. Pairs effortlessly with chutney or just enjoy on its own.
Get the Recipe: Uttapam

Mysore Masala Dosa

Trying something delicious and crispy for dinner may land you in this choice. Mysore Masala Dosa combines bold flavors with a soft, spicy filling. A dish that has tradition rolled up in every bite. Serve alongside tangy chutneys for an unforgettable experience.
Get the Recipe: Mysore Masala Dosa

Paneer Butter Masala Paneer Makhani

A bowl of Paneer Butter Masala with vibrant orange sauce garnished with herbs, served with naan bread in the background. — Paneer Butter Masala Paneer Makhani. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Spontaneously deciding on going hearty for your meal feels effortless. Paneer Butter Masala Paneer Makhani is creamy, rich, and soulful in every spoonful. This classic pairs beautifully with rice or flatbreads for a comforting dish. You really can’t go wrong with a paneer recipe like this.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Butter Masala Paneer Makhani

Red Rice

Thinking of something healthy yet flavorful, you might settle on this choice. Red Rice delivers nuttiness and texture that feels wholesome and filling. It’s the perfect option for when you want a simple plate but big flavor. Pair with curries or enjoy with simple accompaniments.
Get the Recipe: Red Rice

Baingan Bharta

A quick turnaround in kitchen plans might inspire something smoky and bold. Baingan Bharta brings together roasted eggplants in a mashed form that’s loaded with spices. It’s a straightforward recipe with big, bold depth. Pair it with roti or rice for a quick comforting plate.
Get the Recipe: Baingan Bharta

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.

When you’re looking for a dish with some richness and depth, think about this one. Lamb Curry Instant Pot offers tender meat with a mix of hearty spices. It’s made quick and easy with the Instant Pot, perfect for weeknight meals. Serve up with rice for a tasty plate.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Curry 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 plans don’t always need to be complicated to shine. Eggless Banana Pancakes are soft and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness from bananas. They’re simple to throw together in no time. Ideal for a leisurely start to your morning routine.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Banana Pancakes

Kadai Paneer

When you need a bold yet quick dish, a paneer option might just be perfect. Kadai Paneer brings together chunks of paneer with vegetables in a well-spiced sauce. Stirring up an enjoyable dinner doesn’t feel like a chore with this choice. Serve with flatbreads or rice for a wholesome plate.
Get the Recipe: Kadai Paneer

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.

Craving something quick yet filling leads you to the mix of lentils and rice. Adai Dosa serves up crispy edges with a hearty center, making it an easy favorite. Perfect for adding chutney or sambhar alongside, depending on what’s handy. It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a traditional favorite.
Get the Recipe: Adai Dosa

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.

Thinking about making idlis might suddenly point you toward this easy solution. Rava Idli Recipe skips fermentation but doesn’t skip taste, making them light and fluffy. They pair well with chutneys or even just a warm bowl of sambhar.
Get the Recipe: Rava Idli Recipe

Gujarati Kadhi

A sudden meal idea can sometimes lead to something tangy and cool. Gujarati Kadhi is a yogurt-based dish with just the right spices to make every spoon comforting. It’s an effortless option for when you want something quick to pair with rice. No fuss, just simple satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Gujarati Kadhi

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.

When meal prep calls for both taste and creativity, this unique plate fits in perfectly. Mango Rice gives that fruity twist to a wholesome rice dish without much effort. Great for daytime meals that feel fresh and flavorful. It’s easy to whip up and enjoy in no time.
Get the Recipe: Mango Rice

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.

Looking for hearty and nutritious food might end with this combination. Lamb Palak Saag Gosht blends rich flavors with the freshness of spinach in a comforting stew. It’s a straightforward dish that works great with naan or rice. The kind of recipe that feels homely yet bold.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Palak Saag Gosht

Bharwa Bhindi

Wondering how to keep things simple while adding flair might lead to this one. Bharwa Bhindi takes stuffed veggies to the next level with bold spices and a tender finish. You can pull this together without much effort for a quick and exciting dish. Serve up with flatbreads for a complete plate.
Get the Recipe: Bharwa Bhindi

Naan Recipe

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

Whipped together something soft and fluffy, perfect for scooping up hearty dishes. Naan Recipe feels like the ideal choice when looking for a quick bread fix. They’re light yet sturdy enough to hold up all the flavors you’ll pair it with. Easy to make and worth the effort every single time.
Get the Recipe: Naan Recipe

Shahi Paneer Instant Pot

Needed something creamy and delicious, so cooked up some Shahi Paneer Instant Pot. Its richness complements almost anything you serve it with. The mild spices make it comforting after a long day. Ready in less time thanks to the instant pot magic.
Get the Recipe: Shahi Paneer Instant Pot

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.

Ended up making Beans Palya Beans Poriyal for a light and tasty side dish. It’s quick to rustle up and surprisingly flavorful for such a simple recipe. Brings freshness to the table while being incredibly easy to prepare. You’ll love how versatile this one turns out to be.
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.

Decided on something unique and went for the tangy and hearty Mango Dal. Its subtle mix of flavors makes it stand out in any meal spread. Perfect for pairing with rice or even eating on its own for a comforting bowl of goodness. Glad to have added this to the usual dinner rotation.
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.

Was craving something homely, so made Kitchari Instant Pot, a simple yet filling dish. This one’s wholesome, nutritious, and incredibly easy with fewer steps required. It’s the kind of recipe that always leaves you content and full. Using the instant pot makes it a total win for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Kitchari Instant Pot

Cabbage Palya

Quickly came up with Cabbage Palya, a humble recipe that does so much for a simple vegetable. It's minimal yet packed with flavor, turning cabbage into something worth craving. Perfect as a quick fix when you need an easy-to-make side dish. You'll wonder why you don’t make it more often.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Palya

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.

Cooked up comforting Majjige Huli, something light yet filled with flavor for that soothing meal. It’s one of those dishes that keeps things uncomplicated but fulfilling. Pairs great when you just want something simple with rice. Goes to show that even mild spices can work wonders.
Get the Recipe: Majjige Huli

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.

Mixed up a fusion dish like the Chicken Tikka Naanwich because it’s fun to combine flavors. Think tender chicken paired with fluffy naan, all rolled into an interesting little meal. Hits that perfect note between filling yet portable. Great as a quick alternative when you want something flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Naanwich

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.

Made Peas Paratha Matar Paratha when looking for something hearty yet fast to prepare. Simple stuffed flatbread with flavors that feel like they belong together. Crisp yet soft, turning peas into something more exciting within a few steps. A complete meal wrapped up in every bite.
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.

Ended up creating bold flavors with Lamb Vindaloo, which stands out as an intense dish. The warmth and spice of each bite feel just right when you need something robust. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy dishes with a kick. Pairs beautifully with rice or another softer bread.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Vindaloo

Basmati Rice

Cooked up Basmati Rice for that fragrant finish that completes any meal. Perfectly cooked grains go well with just about everything, feeling refined yet versatile. It’s one of those staples that never fails to hit the mark.
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.

Ended up making Dal Palak Spinach Dal, a wholesome and light addition to the table. The spinach blends beautifully into the dal, bringing both taste and nutrition together. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal and pairs perfectly with rice or flatbreads.
Get the Recipe: Dal Palak Spinach Dal

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.

Threw together Instant Pot Jeera Rice for that gently spiced rice dish that goes with everything. Cooking it in the instant pot makes it faster while locking in the flavors. Lightly fragrant, it's a reliable side that takes minimal effort. Perfect when you want something simple yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jeera Rice

Kosambari

Made Kosambari, a fresh and crunchy classic to accompany the meal. It’s light, quick, and the kind of recipe that reminds you of how easy tasty food can be. A small addition that adds brightness to any plate. Glad to have picked something so effortless yet impactful.
Get the Recipe: Kosambari