Simple Indian Recipes For Dinner A Guide To Quick And Delicious Meals

If you're looking for easy and delicious Indian recipes to make for dinner, you've come to the right place! Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, these recipes are sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. In this article, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions and tips for making some of the most popular and simple Indian dishes, such as butter chicken, chana masala, and biryani. Let's get started!

Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that is loved by many. It's a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for dinner. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp ginger paste
• 2 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger paste, and garlic paste.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well, making sure each piece is coated in the yogurt mixture. Cover the bowl and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a large pan, heat the ghee over medium-high heat. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala to the pan and stir well.
5. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Add the heavy cream to the pan and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
7. Season with salt to taste and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Butter chicken is a great dish to make for a dinner party or special occasion. It's sure to impress your guests!

Chana Masala

Chana masala is a vegetarian dish made with chickpeas that is hearty and flavorful. It's a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp ginger paste
• 2 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat the ghee over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
2. Add the ginger paste and garlic paste to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir well.
4. Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the pan and stir well.
5. Add the chickpeas to the pan and stir well to coat in the sauce.
6. Add enough water to the pan to create a thick sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
7. Season with salt to taste and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Chana masala is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meatless meal. It's also a great way to use up any leftover chickpeas!

Biryani

Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is popular in India and other parts of South Asia. It's a great dish to make for a special occasion or when you want to impress your guests. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp ginger paste
• 2 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp saffron strands
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the rice is partially cooked. Drain the rice and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the ghee over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
3. Add the ginger paste and garlic paste to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir well.
5. Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the pan and stir well.
6. Add the chicken thighs to the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
7. In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in the warm milk for 5-10 minutes.
8. In a large pot, layer the partially cooked rice and the chicken mixture, starting and ending with a layer of rice. Pour the saffron milk over the top layer of rice.
9. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
10. Season with salt to taste and serve hot with raita and papadums.

Biryani is a more complex dish than the other recipes in this article, but it's definitely worth the effort. It's a great way to impress your dinner guests!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your simple Indian dinner recipes:

• Invest in good-quality spices to really bring out the flavors in your dishes.
• If you're short on time, use pre-cooked chicken or canned chickpeas to speed up the cooking process.
• Don't be afraid to adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, use less chili powder or omit it altogether.
• Serve your dishes with traditional Indian sides like raita, papadums, and naan bread for a complete meal.

FAQ

What are some other simple Indian dishes I can make for dinner?

Some other easy Indian dishes to try include dal, aloo gobi, and paneer tikka masala.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these recipes ahead of time and reheat them when you're ready to eat. They also make great leftovers!

Are these recipes spicy?

It depends on your personal preference. If you like spicy food, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add some chopped green chilies to your dishes. If you prefer milder food, adjust the spices accordingly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy and quick to make
• Delicious and flavorful
• Can be made ahead of time
• Great for leftovers

Cons:

• Some of the ingredients may be hard to find if you don't have an Indian grocery store nearby
• Some of the dishes require a bit more effort and time than others
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