23 Easy Indian Recipes to Broaden Your Indian Food Horizons (2024)

Tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, samosas: Sure, we’re all pros at ordering these absolutely delicious, mouthwatering dishes at any Indian food restaurant. But many of us wouldn’t dare attempt making them at home. And why would you when you can leave it to the pros?

Little did you know, it’s actually very possible to whip up Indian dishes at home. The key is to keep things simple — and start with any of these easy Indian recipes, perfect for at-home cooks curious about the cuisine.

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1. Homemade naan recipe

Start your meal with this amazing homemade naan bread recipe, made with white whole wheat and yogurt.

2. Indian chickpea fries recipe

Indian chickpea fries are the perfect Indian appetizer — even better when dipped in a fruity chutney sauce.

3. Vegetable samosas recipe

Try your hand at making these vegetable samosas, and your guests will love starting their meal with these pockets. Add shrimp or chicken if you’d like to add some protein to this appetizer.

4. Vegan aloo tikki recipe

Not only are these vegan, but they’re gluten-free as well, perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the classic vegan aloo tikki.

5. Indian mango chutney recipe

Indian mango chutney is perfect to serve as a dipping sauce or to dollop on grilled chicken.

6. Spinach and onion pakora with green chutney recipe

Try these spinach and onion pakora with green chutney as a snack before a meal or even as a treat midday. They are wonderfully crispy and delicious.

7. Slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe

Let the Crock-Pot do all the cooking in this recipe for slow cooker chicken tikka masala. Serve over rice, and enjoy an Indian meal at home without much effort.

8. Simple coconut chicken curry recipe

Coconut milk adds a luscious texture to curries, like in this amazing recipe for simple coconut chicken curry served over steamed rice.

Next: Grilled tandoori chicken

A version of this article was originally published in April 2015.

9. Grilled tandoori chicken recipe

Spring is the best time to make grilled tandoori chicken outdoors. It’s a delicious spiced dish.

10. Slow cooker butter chicken recipe

Oh, how we love our slow cookers, even during the spring and summer. This recipe for slow cooker butter chicken takes a traditional Indian recipe and re-creates it with modern appliances.

11. 2-Potato vindaloo recipe

Need a vegetarian dish to bring to the table? This two-potato vindaloo is just the thing.

12. Red lentil dal recipe

We’re loving this gorgeous, colorful, red lentil dal, perfect for cool spring nights.

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13. Indian mango lassi recipe

Indian mango lassi — basically all we want to drink during the hot summer months. Take full advantage of mango season when they are the most flavorful.

14. Cardamom, rosewater and pistachio kulfi recipe

Cool off with classic Indian ingredients and flavors in this cardamom, rosewater and pistachio kulfi recipe.

15. Indian spiced stew with chicken and potatoes recipe

Similar to tikka masala and butter chicken, this Indian spiced stew with chicken and potatoes is perfect for cold weather and can be made days ahead of time.

16. Indian sticky chicken recipe

Get the most out of your chicken’s flavors with this Indian sticky chicken recipe. It’s perfect for the family and easy to make.

Next: Masala-stuffed okra

17. Masala-stuffed okra recipe

Try this masala-stuffed okra recipe that can be made using spices and other flavors of your choice.

18. Khaman dhokla recipe

Khaman dhokla can be eaten for any meal during the day as a side dish or a snack.

19. Baingan bharta (smoky mashed eggplants) recipe

You can serve this baingan bharta as a side, a dip or as an appetizer. Eat it your own way.

20. Bhelpuri recipe

Bhelpuri is one of the most popular snacks on the streets of Mumbai, and now you can make it from the comfort of your own home.

21. Spinach and cheese curry (palak paneer) recipe

This palak paneer dish is great as an appetizer for guests or as a snack during any time of the day.

22. Mango kulfi recipe

Take a break from the spice, and cool down on a hot day with this mango kulfi.

23. Vegetable momos recipe

These vegetable momos are a popular food on the mainland of China but also a popular street food in Northern India. Be sure to try them with some hot sauce.