Discover the magic of Indian flavors with 10 quick recipes for busy weeknights! Spice up your life with vibrant tastes
In today's fast-paced world, juggling work, family, and social life can leave little
time for elaborate cooking. But that doesn't mean you have to compromise on flavour!
Indian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant spices and incredible taste, and many dishes are surprisingly quick and easy to prepare.
Forget expensive takeaways; we've curated 10 delicious vegetarian Indian recipes perfect for busy weeknights, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds without keeping you chained to the stove for hours. Get ready to spice up your life!
Indian recipes for novice cooks using simple ingredients and techniques
From speedy lentil soups to flavourful vegetable curries, these recipes use readily available ingredients and simple techniques, making them ideal for even the most novice cook. We'll guide you through each step, offering helpful tips and variations to suit your preferences.
So, ditch the instant noodles and embrace the joy of cooking authentic Indian food at home. Your family (and your wallet) will thank you! Let's dive into these culinary gems and discover the magic of Indian flavours.
Indian lentil soup: simple, nutritious staple high in protein and fiber
This humble lentil soup is a staple in Indian households, known for its simplicity and nutritional value. It's packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy meal.
Cook lentils with turmeric and salt until soft
In a pot, combine the lentils, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are soft and mushy.
Cook lentils, prepare tadka with ghee/oil, cumin, mustard seeds
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the tadka. Heat ghee or oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
Cook minced garlic, red chilies, asafoetida until golden brown
Add minced garlic, dried red chilies, and asafoetida. Fry for a few seconds until the garlic turns golden brown.
Potatoes and spinach make a comforting, easy dish
This classic combination of potatoes and spinach is a winner. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Onions sautéed until golden brown in oil
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Cooking spices with sautéed vegetables
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for a minute.
Cook cubed potatoes with salt for 5-7 minutes
Add cubed potatoes and salt. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Recipe tip: Simmer potatoes until cooked
Cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through.
Quick, flavorful one-pot vegetable pulao recipe
A one-pot wonder, vegetable pulao is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. You can use any vegetables you have on hand.
Mixed vegetables chopped for cooking
cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower, etc.), chopped
Cooking spices in oil for flavor in pressure cooker
Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker or a deep pan over medium heat. Add bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a minute.
Cook ginger-garlic paste and green chili in oil
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili (if using). Sauté for a minute.
Cook rice in pressure cooker for 2 whistles or in pan for 15-20 minutes
If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 2 whistles. If using a pan, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the water is absorbed.
Release pressure before opening pressure cooker
Let the pressure release naturally before opening the pressure cooker.
Frozen veggies save the day in quick curry
Don't have fresh veggies? Frozen vegetables are your best friend for this super-fast curry!
Onions sautéed until golden brown in heated oil
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Cook spices for a minute: turmeric, red chili, coriander
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for a minute.
Recipe: Simmer veggies for 10-15 minutes until cooked
Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through.
south indian breakfast dish, Rava Upma, versatile and quick
A South Indian breakfast staple, Rava Upma is a quick and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Semolina dry roasted until golden brown in pan
Dry roast the semolina in a pan over medium heat until slightly golden brown. Set aside.
Cook mustard seeds and urad dal in hot oil
Heat oil in the same pan. Add mustard seeds and urad dal. Let them splutter.
Cook red chili and onion until golden brown
Add red chili and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns golden brown.
Cook semolina slowly to avoid lumps
Reduce heat and slowly add the roasted semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Healthy, tasty besan chilla - a gram flour pancake
A savory pancake made from gram flour, Besan Chilla is a healthy and delicious option for breakfast or a light meal.
Recipe: Mix gram flour, water, veggies, spices to make batter
In a bowl, mix gram flour, water, chopped onion, chopped tomato, green chili (if using), turmeric powder, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth batter.
Making thin circle with batter on pan
Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it into a thin circle.
Leftover rice transformed into tasty meal
A quick and flavorful rice dish that's perfect for using up leftover rice.
Onions sautéed in oil until golden brown
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Spice up the dish with turmeric, red chili, and coriander powder
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for a minute.
Pan heat oil, add mustard seeds & urad dal to splutter
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and urad dal. Let them splutter.
Cooking tip: Sauté green chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida briefly
Add green chilies, curry leaves (if using), and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds.
South Indian dish for light meal or hot day
A comforting and cooling South Indian dish, perfect for a light meal or a hot day.
Recipe: Combine rice, yogurt, milk, chili, ginger, and salt
In a bowl, combine cooked rice, yogurt, milk (if using), green chili, ginger, and salt. Mix well.
Rice dish topped with mustard seeds and urad dal in oil
Heat a small pan with 1 teaspoon oil. Add mustard seeds and urad dal. Let them splutter. Pour over the rice mixture.
Crispy coating recipe for vegetables
Give your vegetables a crispy and flaky coating with this easy recipe.
Cook vegetables with ginger garlic paste in butter for 5 minutes
Heat a pan with butter in it. Sautee ginger garlic paste, add the vegetables and cook it for approx 5 minutes
Quick Indian recipes for flavorful meals without the fuss
These quick and easy Indian recipes are a testament to the fact that you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. With a little planning and simple ingredients, you can bring the vibrant tastes of India to your table on even the busiest weeknights.
So, grab your spices, put on your apron, and get ready to spice up your life!
Get creative with Indian recipes using various veggies and spices
Experiment with different vegetables, spices, and garnishes to create your own unique variations of these recipes. Don't be afraid to adjust the spice levels to your liking. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore.
With these recipes, you'll be able to create delicious and healthy meals that your family will love, all while saving time and money. Enjoy the journey of exploring the wonderful world of Indian cuisine!
