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    Home » MSN

    These 29 Indian Recipes Were My "I Tried" Moment Of The Day

    Published: Jul 31, 2025 by Mandy Applegate · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    Some recipes are easy to commit to. Others require a moment of, “You know what, let’s just see what happens.” These 29 Indian dishes fall squarely into that second category. Before you know it, you're halfway through wondering why this wasn’t in rotation sooner.

    A bowl of traditional balti chicken garnished with cilantro, served next to naan bread on a blue tablecloth.
    Balti Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Instant Pot Beetroot Palya

    A bowl of diced Beetroot Palya garnished with herbs and sprinkled with salt, served on a dark textured background.
    Instant Pot Beetroot Palya. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    You might not expect beets to create such a memorable dish, but they do here. Instant Pot Beetroot Palya offers a simple way to enjoy this earthy root with a twist. It blends its natural flavor into something unique while being straightforward and versatile for your table.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beetroot Palya

    Air Fryer Eggplant

    Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Even if you're not a fan of eggplants, this recipe might just change your mind. With Air Fryer Eggplant, there’s no heavy preparation, but the flavors have a way of standing out. What makes it special is how it transforms eggplants into something worth exploring.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

    Paneer Peas Pulao Instant Pot

    A dish of Paneer Peas Pulao in a rectangular serving tray, accompanied by a bowl of boondi raita.
    Paneer Peas Pulao Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Rice lovers might find this one interesting, especially if they enjoy experimenting with grains. In Paneer Peas Pulao Instant Pot, the softness of paneer and the pop of peas create something worth talking about. This one’s perfect if you want something filling while still trying something slightly new.
    Get the Recipe: Paneer Peas Pulao Instant Pot

    Bhindi Kadhi

    A bowl of Bhindi Kadhi with okra pieces in a creamy yellow sauce.
    Bhindi Kadhi. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    If you’ve been unsure about okra, this recipe could make you see it in a new light. Bhindi Kadhi combines something hearty and comforting while keeping it fresh. It finds a balance that works for people trying okra for the first time or giving it another shot.
    Get the Recipe: Bhindi Kadhi

    Tomato Rice

    A close-up of a dish of Tomato Rice with fresh cilantro leaves in a blue bowl.
    Tomato Rice. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    If you’re looking for something simple yet bold, this might be a good choice. Tomato Rice adds a punch of flavor to your meal while keeping things uncomplicated. It brings a blend of flavors you might enjoy if you want to try something new.
    Get the Recipe: Tomato Rice

    Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot

    Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot filled with freshly cut cubes of white paneer cheese.
    Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Making cheese at home can sound intimidating, but this makes it simple. Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to try fresh, homemade dairy. The freshness of the paneer often surprises people who aren’t used to making it from scratch.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot

    Ladi Pav

    Close-up of freshly baked Ladi Pav on a wire rack, some split open to reveal a soft, fluffy interior.
    Ladi Pav. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Bread often finds a way to fit many meals, and this recipe is one of those versatile picks. Ladi Pav is soft, melt-in-your-mouth bread often paired with other flavors. It's worth trying if you want to add a side that’s light but still pairs well with many recipes.
    Get the Recipe: Ladi Pav

    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.

    Trying something that feels comforting and wholesome has its own charm. Kitchari Instant Pot is a dish that makes you pause with its simplicity and understated goodness. It can be filling and works well for a quiet lunch or dinner when you're looking for quick options.
    Get the Recipe: Kitchari Instant Pot

    Palak Paneer Stir Fry

    A bowl of indian Palak Paneer Stir Fry, featuring cubes of paneer cheese mixed with spiced, cooked spinach and herbs.
    Palak Paneer Stir Fry. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Leafy greens don’t always get their share of attention until you try them like this. Palak Paneer Stir Fry makes vegetables an interesting addition to any plate while being incredibly straightforward. By keeping it simple yet flavorful, this recipe could be the nudge you need to try paneer.
    Get the Recipe: Palak Paneer Stir Fry

    Ragi Upma

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

    Breakfast options can feel repetitive, but this one is far from boring. Ragi Upma brings a balance of being easy to prepare while feeling new for many. It has something in it that feels nourishing while still making you want to try it again.
    Get the Recipe: Ragi Upma

    Bhagara Baingan

    A bowl of Bhagara Baingan garnished with cilantro, served with flatbread on the side.
    Bhagara Baingan. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Eggplants get a whole new personality in recipes like this. Bhagara Baingan brings out the ideal balance of flavors without needing too much effort or fuss. It’s a great way to try your hand at something that feels just a bit outside the everyday.
    Get the Recipe: Bhagara Baingan

    Instant Pot Cabbage Dal

    A bowl of Instant Pot Cabbage Dal garnished with cilantro on a textured surface.
    Instant Pot Cabbage Dal. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Cabbage and lentils don’t immediately come to mind as a go-to for creativity. But Instant Pot Cabbage Dal makes you rethink that idea entirely with how nicely it brings them together. The dish keeps it simple while letting both its main ingredients shine in their own way.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Dal

    Papaya Potato Curry

    A bowl of Papaya Potato Curry, served on a blue woven mat.
    Papaya Potato Curry. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Combining the familiar with the unexpected often leads to surprises. Papaya Potato Curry does just that by turning two simple ingredients into something new. The mix feels like a refreshing break for those used to sticking to traditional options.
    Get the Recipe: Papaya Potato Curry

    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.

    Lentils and spinach are a classic pairing, but it’s what you do with them that counts. Dal Palak Spinach Dal brings a new angle to something familiar and worth trying. It’s a trusted recipe that feels achievable even for a beginner in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Dal Palak Spinach Dal

    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.

    You don’t often hear about horse gram, but this is one way to fix that. Horse Gram Sambar/Hurali Saaru focuses on introducing an ingredient not many get around to trying. It blends tradition with simplicity and has an approachable way of presenting itself on the table.
    Get the Recipe: Horse Gram Sambar/Hurali Saaru

    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.

    Squash in any dish tends to divide opinions, but this recipe keeps it beginner-friendly. Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot manages to highlight the natural softness of squash in a balanced way. Newcomers to squash-based recipes will find this dish unintimidating yet delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot

    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.

    Trying to bring new grains into your kitchen doesn’t have to be hard. Millet Dosa Recipe shows how traditional favorites can mix with healthier choices in an approachable way. For those looking to curl up with something familiar but with a twist, this flatbread dish works perfectly.
    Get the Recipe: Millet Dosa Recipe

    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.

    Leafy greens and chicken aren’t the first mix people think of, but this makes it work seamlessly. Methi Chicken Instant Pot pairs tender meat with fresh, green flavors in a way that feels refreshing. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys chicken but wants to try it with something other than standard sides.
    Get the Recipe: Methi Chicken Instant Pot

    Bengali Tadka Green Moong Dal

    A bowl of Bengali Tadka garnished with fresh cilantro, served with a side of sliced red onions.
    Bengali Tadka Green Moong Dal. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Lentils get an interesting tweak here that you might not expect. Bengali Tadka Green Moong Dal shines for those looking to try Indian dals in a slightly different way. It’s got something familiar yet distinct that can easily fit into your meal rotation without too much preparation.
    Get the Recipe: Bengali Tadka Green Moong Dal

    Instant Pot Rajma Masala

    A bowl of Rajma Masala, served on a rustic metal tray.
    Instant Pot Rajma Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Kidney beans turn into something much more enjoyable here, as this dish shows. Instant Pot Rajma Masala gives you a chance to transform something basic and turn it into a flavorful main course. It’s particularly good for those trying this bean for the first time or rediscovering.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Rajma Masala

    Ragi Idli

    A bowl of pumpkin soup served with Ragi Idli.
    Ragi Idli. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Fermented foods can often feel like a challenge, but this one’s surprisingly straightforward. Ragi Idli stands out for being a simple upgrade to your regular breakfast options. It’s a perfect reason to venture into trying healthier and more diverse steamed dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Ragi Idli

    Black-Eyed Peas Curry in Instant Pot

    A bowl of Black-Eyed Peas Curry in Instant Pot served with white rice and cashews on a blue plate.
    Black-Eyed Peas Curry in Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Legumes often get overlooked until they’re done right, and that’s true here. Black-Eyed Peas Curry in Instant Pot proves it’s worth experimenting with classic beans in new roles. This recipe keeps things uncomplicated while giving you reasons to revisit beans in your meals.
    Get the Recipe: Black-Eyed Peas Curry in Instant Pot

    South Indian Chana Masala

    A top view of a bowl of South Indian Chana Masala with cilantro and green chilies.
    South Indian Chana Masala. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    You don’t have to be an expert cook to enjoy exploring bold flavors and textures. South Indian Chana Masala keeps it simple without losing what makes it so enjoyable. It’s approachable whether this is your first time with these ingredients or you’ve had them before in other styles.
    Get the Recipe: South Indian Chana Masala

    Basmati Rice

    A bowl of cooked Basmati Rice on a gray surface, garnished with parsley, with a wooden spoon nearby.
    Basmati Rice. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    People often underestimate how much aroma comes from well-cooked rice until they try it. Basmati Rice is one example of how a humble side dish can sometimes steal the show. It’s an excellent pairing for almost any dish, keeping things light yet flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Basmati Rice

    Hakka Noodles

    A bowl of Hakka Noodles with vegetables, a fork lifting some noodles, placed on a blue dish with a striped napkin on the side.
    Hakka Noodles. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    If you’ve been looking to break the monotony of regular meals, this could be your answer. Hakka Noodles gives you a quick and interesting way to spice up your meal options without diving into anything too foreign. It’s a fun way to participate in global recipes in a simple, no-pressure format.
    Get the Recipe: Hakka Noodles

    Instant Pot Dalia Khichdi

    Dalia Khichdi served in a dark blue bowl with visible chunks of vegetables and spices.
    Instant Pot Dalia Khichdi. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Sometimes, basic dishes remind you why simplicity works. Instant Pot Dalia Khichdi embraces minimal effort while providing something hearty and filling to your day. It's approachable, making it perfect for those trying grains more seriously for the first time.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Dalia Khichdi

    Chickpea Spinach Curry

    A bowl of Indian Palak chole (Chickpea Spinach Curry) seasoned with spices and herbs.
    Chickpea Spinach Curry. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Greens and beans unite well in Indian recipes, and this one is no exception. Chickpea Spinach Curry turns two staple ingredients into something undeniably flavorful. It’s a quick way to feel like you’re trying something completely fresh without stepping too far.
    Get the Recipe: Chickpea Spinach Curry

    Bottle Gourd Dal Instant Pot

    A bowl of Bottle Gourd Dal with vegetables, presented in a blue bowl.
    Bottle Gourd Dal Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Vegetables and lentils both often need a fresh spin to remain interesting. Bottle Gourd Dal Instant Pot shows you there’s still room for surprises when both act as co-stars. It’s worth checking out if you’ve been avoiding certain greens and need a reason to revisit them with ease.
    Get the Recipe: Bottle Gourd Dal Instant Pot

    Balti Chicken

    A bowl of traditional balti chicken garnished with cilantro, served next to naan bread on a blue tablecloth.
    Balti Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Not every simple recipe promises so much flavor, but this one delivers. Balti Chicken introduces a style of preparation that feels approachable while new at the same time. It’s a win-win for anyone who loves chicken but doesn’t want too much complexity.
    Get the Recipe: Balti Chicken

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