Top 10 Easy Indian Recipes For Those New To Indian Cooking

Indian cooking can seem complex for beginners, but with the right spices and techniques, anyone can create vibrant, aromatic dishes. Here’s a breakdown of the essential spices and techniques that form the backbone of Indian cuisine, perfect for those new to this flavourful world.

The Foundation: Essential Indian Spices

1. Cumin (Jeera) – Earthy and aromatic, cumin seeds add depth to dishes. They’re often tempered in hot oil to release their aroma.
2. Coriander (Dhania) – Both seeds and ground coriander are widely used for their citrusy, nutty flavour.
3. Turmeric (Haldi) – Known for its bright yellow colour and subtle bitterness, turmeric adds warmth and is believed to have medicinal properties.
4. Garam Masala – This is a blend of spices, including cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper. Garam Masala is added toward the end of cooking for a warm, aromatic finish.
5. Red Chili Powder – Adds heat and colour, with a range of varieties to suit different heat levels. Kashmiri red chili powder is ideal for those who prefer mild heat, and it imparts a vibrant red colour as well.
6. Mustard Seeds (Rai) – These tiny seeds have a sharp, nutty flavour and are often tempered in hot oil to release their taste.

Essential Techniques in Indian Cooking

• 1. Tempering (Tadka): This technique involves heating oil and adding spices like mustard seeds, dried red chilies, cumin, and curry leaves until they sizzle. It’s often done at the start to flavour the oil or as a finishing touch.
  2. Marinating (Masala Paste): Commonly, meats and vegetables are marinated in a mixture of yogurt, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and spices. This infuses the ingredients with flavour and tenderizes them.
  3. Braising (Bhuna): This slow-cooking technique intensifies the flavour by caramelizing onions, garlic, and spices before adding other ingredients.
  4. Slow Simmering (Dum): Many Indian curries are slow-cooked to allow the spices to meld into a rich, complex sauce.
  5. Grinding Fresh Spices: Using a mortar and pestle or grinder for fresh spices can make a noticeable difference in flavour compared to pre-ground spices.

Here are some easy-to-make Indian recipes that are perfect for beginners to try

Butter Chicken, For Recipe Click Here

This is a rich and creamy dish made with chicken cooked in a tomato-based sauce with spices and butter.

Chana Masala-Chick Peas Curry, For Recipe Click Here

This is a popular vegetarian dish made with chickpeas in a spicy tomato-based sauce.

Aloo Palak or Potato Spinach Curry, For Recipe Click Here

This is a vegetarian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower cooked with spices.

Samosas, For Recipe Click Here

These are triangular-shaped pastries filled with a mixture of spiced vegetables or meat.

Chicken Biryani, For Recipe Click Here

This is a rice dish made with spices, meat, and vegetables.

Tandoori Chicken, For Recipe Click Here

This is a popular dish made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices and then cooking it in a tandoor oven.

Bhatura or Puffed Indian Bread, For Recipe Click Here

This is a type of Indian fried bread that is typically served with curries.

Daal, For Recipe Click Here

This is a vegetarian dish made with lentils and spices.

Chicken Tikka Masala, For Recipe Click Here

Chicken tikka masala is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, which consists of marinated and grilled pieces of chicken that are then simmered in a rich, creamy, tomato-based sauce.

Beef Vindaloo, For Recipe Click Here

Beef vindaloo is a spicy and tangy curry dish that originated in the Indian state of Goa. It is typically made with beef, but can also be made with chicken, or lamb.

Enjoy!