We've all had those cravings for our favorite neighborhood Indian food. Whether it's for curry, tikka masala, paneer, samosas, or tandoori naan, no other meal hits quite as hard as Indian food. The craving could even be for something sweet like ice cream, or a decadent mango lassi!
Sure, there are options in the frozen food aisle for Indian cuisine, but they're not the best options, and trying to bring to life Indian food recipes at home can be intimidating at first. Keep calm and curry on, because there are plenty of healthy Indian food recipes, including meatless meals!You can make these for lunch, dinner, snacks, or all of the above. Scroll down for some easy Indian food recipes that are great for beginners.
Instant No-Yeast Naan
Alanna Taylor-Tobin
This improvised meal shows how incorporating a few Indian ingredients into your meals can make them a little more exciting. Mango chutney and curry powder bring to life a simple dish of sautéed shrimp and rice in this Indian food recipe! (via Masala & Meatballs for Brit + Co)
Indian-Spiced Veggie Burgers
Brit + Co
Spice up dinner tonight with a twist on the classic veggie burger in this delicious Indian food recipe. The spice heats things up a bit, breaking up the monotony of flavors you may be rotating through during the week. (via Brit + Co)
Vegan Chickpea Curry
Brit + Co
Loaded with protein, this vegan chickpea curry is mostly made with pantry staples. Throw in some fresh or frozen spinach for a pop of green, and you’ve got dinner done in an instant! (via Brit + Co)
Slow Cooker Chana Masala
Brit + Co
When it comes to easy Indian food recipes we love to make at home, this slow cooker chana masala is top of mind. Using the slow cooker takes a lot of extra cooking time out of the equation, letting all the spices soak in beautifully over time. (via Brit + Co)
Veggie-Loaded Butter Chicken Curry
Drizzle & Dip
This lightened-up butter chicken curry relies on yogurt instead of coconut cream to form a luscious sauce, and it’s loaded with extra veggies for added nutrients and fiber! Easy meals can also be super healthy, and this recipe proves it. (via Drizzle & Dip)
Jackfruit Butter Chicken
Chef Bai
Vegans, rejoice in this fully plant-based butter chicken recipe! Pair your creation with rice and fluffy naan for a rounded out weeknight meal. (via Chef Bai)
Coconut Dal
Allo Simone
This coconut dal dish gets us pretty close to heaven. It's filling, and overly aromatic to satisfy every craving. (via Allo Simone)
Cauliflower Chickpea Curry
Two Spoons
This Indian chickpea curry is like one big hug in a bowl. It's sweet, but spicy, and will always make you feel satisfied. (via Two Spoons)
Mouthwateringly Delicious Indian Food Recipes For Beginners
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry
The Real Food Dietitians
Think of this Indian food recipe as a guide to help you make a cozy curry in your slow cooker, using whatever you have in the fridge. Add sweet potatoes, chicken, pork, or lamb, and some green veggies to your slow cooker, along with the other ingredients, then serve with a grain or flatbread once it’s done cooking. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Indian Meatball Curry
The Endless Meal
Enjoy these tender meatballs drenched in a spicy curry sauce as an appetizer, or a main course. No matter which way you choose to serve them, they're guaranteed to be delicious. (via The Endless Meal)
Instant Pot Dal
The Edgy Veg
Prepping this Indian food in the Instant Pot lets the rich flavors soak in all the way, forming a mouthwatering bite every single time. (via The Edgy Veg)
Vegan Curried Carrot Soup
Give It Some Thyme
Creamy and fragrant, with curry powder and coconut milk, this Indian aoup is one of the tastiest ways to use up that bunch of carrots that’s been languishing away in your produce bin. (via Give It Some Thyme)
Palak Paneer
No Eggs Or Ham
Form a creamy, greens-filled sauce for rice and tofu to soak up the Indian flavors you're crafting in the kitchen! This recipe is delicious and healthy for any day of the week. (via No Eggs Or Ham)
Butter Cauliflower Bowls
Damn Delicious
Swap chicken for cauliflower to make a meatless version of this classic Indian food recipe and savory dish. The switch will supply you with loads more nutrients that are super good for you! (via Damn Delicious)
Vegetable Biryani with Baked Tofu
Connoisseurus Veg
Biryani is a rice dish that’s spiced with cloves, ginger, and star anise, and usually filled with ingredients like cashews and raisins. Here, it gets turned into a complete meal, thanks to a hearty topping of marinated baked tofu. (via Connoisseurus Veg)
Homemade Garlic Naan
Host the Toast
You’ll want to scoop up your curry, dal, and soup with a piece of buttery garlic naan. If you can keep yourself from eating it plain right off the skillet, that is. (via Host the Toast)
Indian Raita
My Food Story
Raita is an Indian condiment made of yogurt, chopped veggies, and herbs. It’s often served with spicy dishes, as the yogurt has cooling properties that can save your tastebuds from the fire of chilies. (via My Food Story)
Instant Pot Chana Masala
The Edgy Veg
Get ready to bite into this indulgent, fragrant bowl of chana masala. It's an easy Indian dinner that comes together with such ease, thanks to the Instant Pot. (via The Edgy Veg)
Indian Food Recipes To Keep You Full and Satisfied
Beef Kofta with Saag Aloo
Kitchen Sanctuary
Beef kofta (juicy spiced meatballs) are simmered in a creamy tandoori paste curry along with potatoes and spinach. This dinner will be like nothing you've ever tasted before. (via Kitchen Sanctuary)
Mango Chicken Curry
Sweet Cayenne
Mango curries are all about balance, and this tasty Indian food recipe achieves it. Mango is popular in Indian food because its sweetness is balancing to all the rich spices. (via Sweet Cayenne)
Red Curry Lentils
Pinch of Yum
Red curry paste quickly transforms red lentils from lackluster legume to lick-the-plate-clean good. Plus, this dish gives you a beneficial serving of protein! (via Pinch of Yum)
Chicken Tikka Masala Casserole
Fit Foodie Finds
Cook up a chicken tikka masala casserole, complete with meat, veggies, and rice, at home for the whole family. This recipe makes cooking Indian food easy for beginners who need to feed a crowd. (via Fit Foodie Finds)
Bharli Vangi
Signature Concoctions
If you're a fan of eggplant, this Indian dish will satisfy any time. Baby stuffed eggplants mix in with spices and lentils, among peanuts and sesame seeds, to create a bite so delicious, you'll still be thinking about it the next day. (via Signature Concoctions)
Chicken Madras Curry
A Communal Table
Technically a British invention, but inspired by the cuisine of southern India, this dish sees chicken cooked in a lightly spiced, slightly tangy tomato sauce. (via A Communal Table)
Kulfi Indian Ice Cream
A Spicy Perspective
Made with pistachios, cardamom, and saffron, this churn-free ice cream can be made using an electric mixer a whip attachment. Enjoy it in a bowl, on a cone, or frozen on a popsicle stick. (via A Spicy Perspective)
These Indian Food Recipes are The Best Warming Meals for Winter
Loving these Indian food recipes? Follow us on Pinterest for some more delicious foods, and join our newsletter for more recipes to try this year!
This article has been updated from a previous post published in March 2019.