20 Indian Dishes You Can Easily Make At Home

Indian food is bright, bold, and full of feel-good flavor. Even if you’ve never cooked with cumin or curry leaves, these dishes are easy to try.

With just a few pantry spices and simple techniques, you can bring the warmth of Indian cooking into your kitchen.

This list has cozy dals, fragrant rice, sizzling snacks, and saucy favorites to explore.

1. Chana Masala

Tender chickpeas simmer in a tomato-onion base spiked with cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The flavor deepens beautifully the longer it simmers.

Serve it over basmati rice or mop it up with warm naan. A squeeze of lemon and chopped cilantro brighten every bite.

2. Butter Chicken

Boneless chicken gets marinated in spiced yogurt, then simmered in a rich tomato-butter-cream sauce until velvety. The aroma alone is enough to make you hungry.

It’s restaurant-style comfort with weeknight-level effort. Pair it with steamed rice or flaky parathas for a dreamy dinner.

3. Aloo Gobi

Golden potatoes and cauliflower florets soak up turmeric, cumin, and garam masala in a dry-style curry that’s hearty and satisfying.

Finish with lemon juice and fresh cilantro for a zingy lift. It’s a classic North Indian veggie dish that works any night of the week.

4. Tadka Dal

Earthy lentils become irresistible with a crackling tempering of mustard seeds, garlic, and red chilies poured on top. The ghee sizzles as it hits the surface.

Nutritious and deeply aromatic, this dish feeds the soul. It’s perfect with a scoop of rice or on its own with a spoon.

5. Saag Paneer

Fresh spinach is simmered into a creamy puree and mixed with lightly browned cubes of paneer cheese. It’s herbaceous, rich, and deeply comforting.

The paneer soaks up the spiced greens like a sponge. Serve hot with roti or jeera rice to round it out.

6. Vegetable Biryani

Layers of fluffy rice, spiced vegetables, fried onions, and saffron come together in one stunning pot. The aroma alone will stop traffic.

Cooked low and slow, it’s the ultimate one-dish meal. A spoonful of raita or yogurt on the side brings cool balance.

7. Chicken Tikka Skewers

Yogurt-marinated chicken chunks are grilled or roasted until charred and juicy. The edges turn smoky while the center stays tender.

Thread them onto skewers or toss into wraps and salads. They’re just as good hot from the oven as they are cold from the fridge.

8. Palak Dal

Green lentils and spinach simmer with ginger, garlic, and spices for a light and nourishing bowl. It’s a hug in a pot.

This dish is wholesome and fast enough for busy nights. Pair with rice, quinoa, or even flatbread for a full meal.

9. Cabbage Thoran

Shredded cabbage stir-fries quickly with mustard seeds, curry leaves, coconut, and green chilies. The result is crunchy, fragrant, and lightly sweet.

It’s a Kerala-style dish that cooks in minutes. Use as a side with rice and dal, or stuff into wraps for a twist.

10. Rajma (Kidney Bean Curry)

Red kidney beans bubble in a tomato-heavy gravy with ginger, garlic, and warming spices. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.

Serve hot with basmati rice for the ultimate North Indian comfort combo. It’s simple, hearty, and budget-friendly.

11. Bhindi Masala

Okra is sautéed until golden and tossed with onions, tomatoes, and a spice blend that cuts through its natural stickiness.

Crisp on the outside and soft inside, this is okra at its best. It’s excellent with roti or as a flavorful side.

12. Keema

Ground lamb or chicken cooks down with peas, ginger, and spice into a rich, savory mix. The texture is meaty and deeply seasoned.

Scoop into lettuce wraps, fill tacos, or pair with soft bread. It’s quick, versatile, and full of flavor.

13. Masoor Dal

Red lentils break down into a velvety curry in just 20 minutes. Spiced oil poured on top adds garlic-rich depth.

The ghee drizzle is optional but elevates it fast. This one’s pure comfort in a bowl and perfect with warm rice.

14. Paneer Butter Masala

Cubed paneer swims in a rich, tomato-butter sauce flavored with kasuri methi and warm spices. It’s creamy without being heavy.

Perfect for dipping naan or spooning over rice. It feels indulgent but takes less time than you think.

15. Egg Curry

Hard-boiled eggs are nestled into a tangy, spiced tomato sauce that clings to every curve. The yolks soak up extra flavor.

Easy to make and big on payoff, it’s satisfying without meat. Serve with steamed rice or flatbread.

16. Samosa Chaat

Crispy samosas are smashed and topped with chickpeas, tangy chutneys, yogurt, and herbs. The textures collide in the best way.

Spicy, crunchy, creamy, and cool all at once. It’s a street food classic you’ll want to recreate often.

17. Kitchari

Rice and yellow lentils simmer with turmeric, ginger, and cumin into a soft, porridge-like dish. It’s gentle on the stomach and easy on effort.

Traditionally eaten during detox, it’s also perfect when you’re craving calm. Top with ghee for extra richness.

18. Tandoori Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets are marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted until crisp and golden. The smoky flavor is irresistible.

This plant-based main is bold enough to serve at a dinner party. Serve over rice or stuff into naan with chutney.

19. Vegetable Korma

A creamy coconut or yogurt-based curry with carrots, beans, and peas makes this dish feel rich but not heavy. The spices are warming and gentle.

It’s a mellow, comforting choice for spice-shy eaters. Add toasted cashews or raisins for extra flair.

20. Onion Pakoras

Thinly sliced onions are tossed in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crisp. The edges curl into crispy ribbons.

Perfect with chutney or tea, they’re the ultimate monsoon snack. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chaat masala.