Tastes Like Home: Indian Comfort Food Recipes

Experience the warmth of home with my collection of Indian comfort food recipes. From soul-soothing classics to nostalgic favorites, each dish is crafted to bring you comfort and joy. These are not the dishes you find at a restaurant or in takeout boxes - these recipes are meant for the comforts of home. Embrace the simplicity of these recipes and let the familiar flavors transport you to a place of coziness and contentment. Because sometimes, the most comforting moments start with a simple, homemade meal.

A bowl of kitchari topped with ghee. — Kitchari topped with Ghee. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Kitchari/Khichdi

Kitchari in two bowls. — Kitchari. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Experience the wholesome goodness of Kitchari - a simple, nourishing blend of rice and lentils infused with warming spices. It's not just a meal; it's a comforting hug for your taste buds. Also considered the Indian comfort food, it is perfect for a cozy night in or when you need a break from the ordinary.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Kitchari.

Curd Rice

Curd Rice is a taste of nostalgia and the ultimate comfort food for South Indians. Dive into the velvety goodness of yogurt-infused rice seasoned with a gentle blend of spices. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration of simplicity and satisfaction. (Plain yogurt is called curd in Indian English.)

Get the recipe: Curd Rice.

Dal Palak / Spinach Dal

Dal palak in a white bowl. — Dal Palak. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

This delicious and nutritious dal palak recipe is made in the Instant Pot using frozen spinach. It's a quick and easy way to make this classic Indian dish, and it's perfect for a busy weeknight meal. The lentils and spinach cook up perfectly in the Instant Pot, and the result is a creamy and flavorful dish that is packed with flavor. Serve dal palak with steamed rice, and enjoy!

Get the recipe: Spinach Dal.

Rajma Masala

Savor the simplicity and comfort of Rajma Chawal, a timeless favorite that pairs perfectly cooked kidney beans with fragrant spices and a side of fluffy basmati rice. This classic dish brings a taste of home to your table, making every bite a comforting delight.

Get the recipe: Rajma.

Vegetable Sambar

Smbar with ghee being poured from top. — Vegetable Sambar. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Savor the simple joys with Vegetable Sambar, a beloved comfort food in South India. This heartwarming dish brings together fresh veggies, lentils, and aromatic spices, creating a delightful blend of flavors. Enjoy it with rice or South Indian breakfast, and experience the warmth and comfort of a classic South Indian meal.

Get the recipe: Vegetable Sambar.

Bhindi Kadhi / Okra Yogurt Stew

Bhindi kadhi served with rice. — Bhindi Kadhi. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bhindi kadhi is a flavorful and hearty dish that is made with okra, yogurt, and spices. It is a popular Indian dish that is known for its unique flavor and texture. The okra gives the dish a bit of a crunch, while the yogurt makes it creamy and tangy. It's the perfect dish for a cold day or when you're craving something comforting.

Get the recipe: Bhindi Kadhi.

Home-style Goat Curry / Mutton Curry

Goat curry in a white bowl served with rice. — Goat Curry. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Craving a flavorful and easy-to-make curry? Try this Instant Pot goat curry recipe! This one-pot meal is packed with spices and comes together in under an hour (including prep time). The goat meat is tender and juicy, and the curry is perfect for serving with rice or naan bread.

Get the recipe: Goat Curry.

Gujarati Kadhi

Gujarati kadhi is a tangy, turmeric-tinged dish that is sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. It's made with yogurt, gram flour, and spices, and it's the perfect dish for a cold day or when you're craving something comforting. Simple, flavorful, and a nod to homely goodness.

Get the recipe: Gujarati Kadhi.

Egg Curry

Craving a flavorful and satisfying curry that's ready in minutes? This Instant Pot egg curry recipe is a perfect choice! This dish is packed with aromatic spices and perfectly cooked eggs, making it a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to please everyone at the table. The PIP method allows you to cook the eggs in the same pot as the curry, saving you time and effort. Plus, it's a fail-safe way to cook perfect eggs every time.

Get the recipe: Egg Curry.

Lauki Moong Dal / Yellow Lentils with Calabash

Lauki moong dal served with rice and lemon pieces. — Lauki Dal. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Lauki Moong Dal - where simplicity meets sublime taste! This comforting dish, blending the goodness of calabash (bottle gourd/opo squash) and moong dal (yellow lentils), is a warm hug for your palate. Wholesome, easy, and perfect for those comforting moments.

Get the recipe: Lauki Moong Dal.

Upma

Upma is a fluffy, flavorful, and fulfilling Indian breakfast that is sure to start your day off right! It is a savory semolina porridge that is made with onions, spices, and vegetables. Upma is quick and easy to make, and it is a great option for busy mornings.

Get the recipe: Upma.

Idli

Indulge in the simplicity and comfort of Idlis, a South Indian staple loved by all. These soft, fluffy, steamed fermented rice cakes are not just a meal but a delightful experience. Paired with coconut chutney and sambar, they make for a heartwarming and comforting plate.

Get the recipe: Idli.

Ven Pongal

Savor the cozy warmth of comfort with a bowl of Ven Pongal! This South Indian delight, made with rice and lentils, is a blend of flavors and textures. Seasoned with ghee, pepper, and cumin, it's a soul-soothing dish that brings joy to every bite.

Get the recipe: Ven Pongal.

Home-style Chicken Curry

Chicken curry served with basmati rice and salad. — Chicken Curry. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

If you're craving a delicious and flavorful Indian chicken curry, this recipe is perfect for you. Made in an Instant Pot, this chicken curry is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're in the mood for a comforting dish that pairs well with steamed rice or roti.

Get the recipe: Chicken Curry.

Bengali Fish Curry

Fish curry served on a bed of rice in a steel plate. — Bengali Fish Curry. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bengali fish curry is a dish that is near and dear to the hearts of Bengalis everywhere, and it is a dish that is sure to bring back fond memories of home. The fish is cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The spices add a depth of flavor that is both complex and satisfying. If you are a Bengali, then you know that there is nothing quite like a plate of fish curry and rice.

Get the recipe: Bengali Fish Curry.

Cabbage Dal

Instant Pot Cabbage Dal: A hearty and nutritious lentil dish with tender cabbage, aromatic spices, and creamy dal, made in the Instant Pot for a quick and comforting meal. The cabbage adds a touch of sweetness to the dal, while the spices give it a warm flavor. It is ready in just 20 minutes (with 5 minutes of hands-on time), making it perfect for a busy weeknight!

Get the Recipe: Cabbage dal.

Chana Dal

Experience the rich flavors of Instant Pot chana dal - a hearty and wholesome dish made with split chickpeas infused with aromatic spices. An easy and delicious addition to your everyday meals!

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chana Dal.

Kala Chana Curry / Black Chickpea Curry

Kala chana curry served with rice. — Kala Chana Curry. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Delicious kala chana curry is made using black chickpeas and a blend of aromatic spices. This one-pot dish can be made using pantry staples that are easy to find, making it a perfect choice for a simple weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch option.

Get the recipe: Kala Chana Curry.

Bhapa Chingri / Shrimp Coconut Curry

Shrimp coconut curry in a blue bowl. — Shrimp Coconut Curry. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

This shrimp coconut curry is one of the easiest dishes you will make, and it requires no active cooking! Simply grind the spices with coconut, mix them with the shrimp, and let the Instant Pot do its magic. It's the perfect dish for a satisfying lunch or dinner and pairs well with steamed rice.

Get the recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry.

Bombay Aloo

Bomay potatoes in a blue bowl. — Bombay Potatoes. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

These Bombay potatoes are a perfect side dish to serve with naan. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior that will leave you craving for more. With minimal prep work and cooking time, this dish is a quick and easy addition to any meal.

Get the recipe: Bombay Aloo.

Poori

Elevate your meal time with this easy-to-follow poori recipe. These golden, puffed delights are irresistible. Whether you enjoy them with potato masala or a dollop of sweet chutney, pooris are a classic favorite.

Get the recipe: Poori.

Kheer

Indulge in a bowl of creamy and decadent Indian rice pudding, also known as kheer, made with three main ingredients - rice, milk, and sugar. Making it in an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker is incredibly easy and saves time. In just 20 minutes (with less than 5 minutes of hands-on time), you will have a rich and luscious kheer that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Kheer.

Sooji Halwa

Halwa served with poori and chana. — Sooji Halwa. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Sooji halwa / sheera is a warm and comforting dessert that will melt in your mouth. Also known as sheera, it is a popular Indian dessert that is made with semolina, ghee, sugar, and nuts. Sooji halwa has a rich and creamy texture and a subtle sweetness.

Get the recipe: Sooji Halwa.

Badam Milk

Indulge in the soothing goodness of Badam Milk, a classic Indian beverage that combines the richness of almonds with the creaminess of milk. This homemade recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and nutrition, offering a comforting sip that's perfect for any time of the day.

Get the recipe: Badam Milk.