Top 5 Quick Indian Recipes

Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, aromas, and spices. With its diverse range of dishes, Indian food has something for everyone. If you’re looking for quick and delicious Indian recipes, you’re in the right place! In this post, we’ll share the top 5 quick Indian recipes that you can easily make at home.

Recipe 1: Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish that originated in the UK. It’s a creamy, spicy, and flavorful recipe that is loved by many. If you’re looking for a quick and easy chicken tikka masala recipe, you can make it in under 30 minutes.

Introduction to Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian-inspired dish that originated in the UK, specifically in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. It is a creamy, flavorful, and aromatic dish made by marinating chicken in a mixture of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, and then cooking it in a tandoor oven or under a broiler. The chicken is typically cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, known as “masala,” which is flavored with a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, garam masala, cayenne pepper, and others.

Recipe to Make Quick and Delicious Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients for chicken tikka masala:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
2 cups tomato puree
1 cup chicken broth
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Learn how to make delicious chicken tikka masala with these easy to follow instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the marinade and mix until the chicken is fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Step 2: Grill or Bake the Chicken

Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook until it is cooked through.
If grilling, cook for 6-8 minutes per side. If baking, cook for 20-25 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Chicken in Tomato Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or ghee over medium heat.
Add the tomato puree, chicken broth, and cooked chicken to the saucepan.
Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with basmati rice or naan bread.

Note: You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness. Additionally, you can serve with naan bread or rice pilaf for a more authentic Indian experience.

Recipe 2: Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that is made with a blend of spices and herbs. This vegetable biryani recipe is perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

Introduction to Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable Biryani is a popular Indian rice dish that is made with a blend of spices, herbs, and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and vegans who want to experience the flavors of India.

Recipe to Make Quick Vegetable Biryani

Ingredients:

1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon ghee or oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, cauliflower)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

The following steps will teach you how to make flavourful vegetable biryani at home:

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
Drain the water and cook the rice according to the package instructions.
Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Heat the ghee or oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Step 3: Cook the Mixed Vegetables

Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and cook until they are tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Mix with Spices and Herbs

Add the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables.
Mix well with the spices and herbs (cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and pepper).
Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes to combine.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serve hot with raita (a yogurt-based side dish) or papadum (thin flatbread).

Tips:

Use a variety of colorful vegetables to make the dish visually appealing.
Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences.
You can also add cooked chicken or lamb to make a non-vegetarian version.
For an extra aromatic flavor, add a few whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, or cloves while cooking the rice.

Recipe 3: Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani is a creamy black lentil curry that is made with black lentils, spinach puree, and cream. This recipe is perfect for those who love creamy curries.

Introduction to Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani a popular Punjabi dish that is made with black lentils, spinach puree, and cream. This dal makhani recipe is perfect for those who love creamy curries.

Recipe to Make Creamy Dal Makhani

Necessary ingredients:

1 cup black lentils (or kidney beans)
4 cups water
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups spinach puree
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Learn how to make creamy dal makhani with these simple stepwise recipes:

Step 1: Cook the Lentils

Rinse the lentils and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
Drain and rinse the lentils again.
Cook the lentils according to the package instructions.
Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Heat the butter or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Step 3: Add Spinach Puree

Add the spinach puree to the pan and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well combined.

Step 4: Mix with Cooked Lentils and Cream

Add the cooked lentils to the pan with the spinach mixture.
Stir to combine with the spinach mixture.
Add the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dal has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Tips:

You can use frozen spinach puree as a substitute if fresh spinach is not available.
Adjust the amount of cream or half-and-half to your desired level of creaminess.
You can also add other spices like cumin powder, coriander powder, or garam masala powder to give it an extra flavor boost.

Recipe 4: Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma is a mild and creamy curry that is made with yogurt, nuts, and spices. This recipe is perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.

Introduction to Chicken Korma

Recipe to Make Mild and Creamy Chicken Korma

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
Salt and pepper
Chopped nuts (almonds or cashews)
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the marinade and mix until the chicken is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook in a skillet or grill until cooked through.
Set the chicken aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken, add chopped nuts (almonds or cashews) and sauté until lightly browned.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the skillet and stir to combine with the nuts.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Tips:

You can adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
Use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of water for a richer sauce.
Serve with naan bread or basmati rice for a flavorful meal.

Recipe 5: Samosa

Samosas are crispy fried or baked pastries that are filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and onions. This samosa recipe is perfect for snack time or as an appetizer.

Introduction to Samosa

Recipe to Make Crispy and Savory Samosa

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil for frying (or baking spray)
Filling ingredients:
- Boiled potatoes, mashed
- Peas
- Onions, chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Cumin powder
- Coriander powder
- Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Gradually add water to the flour mixture to form a dough.
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough into small portions, about the size of a small lemon.
Roll out each portion into a thin circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Mix the mashed potatoes, peas, chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.
Set the filling aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Samosas

Place a tablespoon or two of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
Press the edges together to seal the samosa.
Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 5: Fry or Bake the Samosas

Heat oil in a deep frying pan to medium-high heat.
When the oil is hot, carefully place a few samosas in the oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
Alternatively, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the samosas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray with baking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the crispy samosas hot with your favorite chutney or raita. Enjoy!

FAQ's

What type of rice should I use for Biryani?

Use Basmati rice for its traditional flavor and aroma. If not available, long-grain white rice or brown rice can be used as a substitute.

Can I substitute lentils for kidney beans in Dal Makhani?

Yes, you can make the substitution! Just keep in mind that lentils cook faster and absorb more liquid than kidney beans, so adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly. Try our Dal Makhani recipe at home or order it online from Everest Nepalese & Indian Cuisine in Lexington, KY, and experiment with the substitution.

Can I adjust the spice level of recipes?

Indian cuisine is all about flexibility! Feel free to reduce chili peppers for milder dishes or add more for spicier dishes. Our chefs at Everest Nepalese & Indian Cuisine will guide you through the perfect balance of spices. Order online and get a taste of India’s diverse spice levels!

What's the key to making great Indian food?

Use fresh ingredients and adjust spice levels to your taste. Freshness is essential, and balance is key.

Can I make Indian recipes vegan or gluten-free?

Yes, many of our recipes can be adapted to be vegan or gluten-free! Simply substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives and wheat flour with gluten-free options. Adjust cooking times and techniques accordingly. Order our vegan and gluten-free options online today or ask our chefs about customization options when dining with us in Lexington, KY.

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