Discover the simplicity of classic Indian dishes in our article! Easy recipes await - from Dal Tadka to Shira. Dive in!
Namaste, food lovers! For many, the world of Indian cooking seems like a daunting
task filled with complex spices and lengthy procedures. But don't you worry! We're here to bust that myth. There are plenty of iconic Indian dishes that are surprisingly simple to make at home, even for beginners.
Forget those take-out menus and get ready to impress yourself, your family and your friends with these 10 delicious and easy-to-prepare vegetarian dishes. We will share secrets for simplifying the recipes without sacrificing that authentic Indian taste. So, grab your aprons and let's get cooking!
Whether you're craving something sweet, spicy, or savory, or simply want to explore the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine, these recipes are your gateway to a world of flavour. With a few basic ingredients and our easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be whipping up restaurant-quality meals in no time.
Dal Tadka: Easy, flavorful Indian lentil dish with aromatic tempering
First up, we have Dal Tadka, a staple in almost every Indian household. This lentil dish is packed with protein and flavour, and it's incredibly easy to prepare. The secret lies in the "tadka," a tempering of spices in oil or ghee that adds a burst of aroma and flavor.
All you need are lentils (toor dal or masoor dal work well), onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a few basic spices like turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Simply pressure cook the lentils until soft, then prepare the tadka in a separate pan and pour it over the cooked lentils.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti. Many assume that dal is complex. However, most dals just need some seasoning. A great tadka is a bonus. Also, adding lemon juice at the end gives it a tangy flavor.
You can experiment with different dals and spices to create your own unique version.
Aloo Gobi: classic Indian dish with potatoes and cauliflower, use spices for flavor
Next in our list is Aloo Gobi, a dry vegetable dish made with potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). This humble dish is a classic example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious.
The key to a good Aloo Gobi is to properly roast the vegetables until they are slightly browned and crispy. Use a variety of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala to add depth and complexity. Don't overcook the cauliflower, as it can become mushy.
Aloo Gobi is best served hot with roti or paratha. You can also add peas or other vegetables to the dish. Experiment with different spices to find your perfect balance of flavour. A tip is to use small sized potato and cauliflower. Also, slow roasting helps keep the flavors locked.
Jeera rice: fragrant, flavorful side dish with cumin seeds
Then there is Jeera Rice, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that's perfect as a side dish or a light meal. It's ridiculously easy to make, requiring only rice, cumin seeds (jeera), ghee or oil, and salt.
Simply sauté the cumin seeds in ghee or oil until they release their aroma, then add the rice and water and cook until the rice is cooked. The cumin seeds add a nutty and earthy flavor to the rice, making it a truly special dish.
You can also add other spices like cloves or cardamom for extra flavor. Jeera Rice is best served hot as an accompaniment to dal, vegetables, or curries. For a richer flavour, use basmati rice. Wash your rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This will make your rice less sticky.
Do not forget to roast the jeera for optimal flavor.
Make flavourful Poha breakfast with flattened rice, spices, and veggies
Do try your hand at Poha, a popular breakfast dish made with flattened rice. This dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavour. It can be cooked in a jiffy. To make this, you'll need flattened rice (poha), onions, potatoes, mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, and lemon juice.
First, rinse the poha and soak it in water for a few minutes until it softens. Then, sauté the mustard seeds and curry leaves in oil, add the onions and potatoes, and cook until they are golden brown. Add the turmeric and poha, mix well, and cook for a few more minutes.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Poha is best served hot for breakfast or as a snack. You can also add peanuts or other vegetables to the dish. In Maharashtra, it is often garnished with sev.
Flattened rice is easily available in stores so you do not need to substitute it.
Upma: a versatile and wholesome South Indian breakfast
How about Upma, a savory semolina (rava) porridge that's a popular South Indian breakfast dish? This is a nutrient dense dish. Upma is a complete and healthy meal. It is quick, easy, and customizable to your liking.
To make Upma, you'll need semolina (rava), onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger, green chilies, and vegetables like carrots and peas. First, roast the rava until it is lightly browned.
Then, sauté the mustard seeds, curry leaves, and ginger in oil, add the onions and vegetables, and cook until they are tender. Add water and bring to a boil, then slowly add the rava while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Cook until the Upma thickens and the rava is cooked through. Upma is best served hot for breakfast or as a snack. You can also add nuts like cashews or almonds to the dish. This is one of the easiest and delicious breakfast dishes to relish anytime.
Make sweet and fulfilling Shira pudding with semolina for any occasion
Finally, we top it off with Shira, a sweet semolina pudding that's often made during festivals and special occasions. But because it's easy enough to make anytime, you can enjoy shira as a sweet and fulfilling dessert.
The procedure is simple: roast rava in ghee until golden brown, then add water, sugar, and cardamom and cook until the water is absorbed and the pudding thickens. Garnish with nuts and raisins. Shira is traditionally made with ghee, but you can use oil for a healthier option.
You can also add fruit like bananas or mangoes for extra flavor. Ensure continuous mixing prevents lumps from occurring. This dessert is suitable for all ages. Do try and let us know how these classic Indian recipes work out!
