Kick-start your evening meals with a flavorful twist by indulging in the rich and vibrant world of Indian curries. These aromatic and spicy dishes have the power to warm you up on even the chilliest of nights, rendering blankets and jackets unnecessary. A single bowl is often enough to evoke a sense of cozy warmth that spreads throughout your body. Indian cuisine offers an incredible diversity when it comes to curry varieties, and exploring these options can be a culinary adventure like no other.
Contrary to popular opinion, there’s more than just one type of Indian curry; instead, you’ll find numerous styles, each with its unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Whether you prefer your curries dry or saucy, infused with coconut milk or pureed peppers, this diverse collection has something for every palate.
If the usual American soups and stews have become too predictable, now is the perfect time to broaden your gastronomic horizons by trying these Indian classics and uncovering their secrets.
Butter Chicken
Slowly but surely, Murgh makhani (butter chicken) has risen to become one of my most frequently ordered Indian dishes, and for good reason – its unbeatable flavor is simply irresistible. I have no idea how anyone can resist the allure of tender chicken that’s been soaked in a rich, creamy buttery yogurt marinade and then smothered in a fragrant curry sauce.
The beauty of this beloved dish lies not only in its taste but also in its accessibility, as evidenced by the fact that it’s surprisingly easy to make at home – requiring a mere 35 minutes from start to finish.
Kashmiri Chaman Kaliya/Paneer in Spicy Milk Gravy
Juxtaposing the simplicity of cottage cheese with a rich and complex gravy creates a harmonious balance of flavors in this vegetarian dish. The spiced gravy, made by infusing thickened milk with saffron and spices, is so aromatic and delicious that it can be enjoyed on its own.
To elevate the taste to a whole new level, it’s essential to sauté the spices beforehand, allowing their flavors to meld together and intensify, ultimately giving the paneer an incredibly rich and satisfying taste experience.
Rabodi Ki Sabzi
While it may be intimidating at first due to its unfamiliar name, this intriguing dish is definitely worth a try. The combination of buttermilk and rabodi, which is a traditional Indian dried corn wafer, creates a unique and flavorful curry. To prepare the rabodi, it’s simply soaked in water before being cooked into a creamy curd with a blend of aromatic Indian spices.
This entire dish comes together surprisingly quickly, requiring only about 20 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight meal that pairs perfectly well with steaming hot rice and roti.
Malvani Fish Curry Recipe
Lurking beneath the rich and creamy texture of this fish curry lies an intense and fiery heat that’s not for the faint of heart. The Malvani masala, a distinctive blend of spices from India’s western coast, is largely responsible for this piquant flavor profile. This aromatic spice mix is expertly combined with grated coconut and copious amounts of red chilies to create a truly immersive culinary experience that will leave even the most adventurous eaters breathless.
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala
Slipping into a culinary haven, Tikka Masala emerges as another Indian classic that surprisingly proves to be remarkably easy to prepare in the comfort of your own home. And trust me, this homemade chicken tikka masala rendition is far superior to its take-out counterpart! The rich and creamy curry sauce perfectly balances with aromatic spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
The succulent chicken effortlessly absorbs all the goodness of the sauce and spices, making it incredibly packed with flavor.
Traditional Kerala Style Fish Molly, Meen Molee, Meen Moilee
Gastronomically speaking, Kerala fish molly is a quintessential dish from Kerala, India, where it’s deeply rooted in the local cuisine. It’s essentially a fish stew that boasts a rich and creamy coconut milk broth, expertly infused with an array of Indian spices to create a truly unique flavor profile. To elevate this traditional recipe even further, ginger and curry leaves are initially fried in coconut oil to unlock their full aromatic potential.
This straightforward step surprisingly amplifies the flavors of the spices, resulting in a dish that’s remarkably more complex than its 30-minute preparation time would suggest.
Konkan-Style Modachya Moongachi Amti Recipe – Sprouted Moong Bean Curry
Delving into the world of traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, Modachya Moongachi Amti is a dish that may initially sound intimidating due to its name, but trust us when we say it’s a flavor experience like no other. This phenomenal soup is characterized by its generous portion of sprouted mung beans swimming in a vibrant and aromatic curry sauce, carefully crafted to balance the rich flavors of the ingredients.
The addition of kokum and desiccated coconut to the broth adds an extra layer of depth and complexity, resulting in a perfect harmony of spiciness and tanginess that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, Modachya Moongachi Amti is definitely worth adding to your culinary bucket list.
Pork Vindaloo
Looking closely at the ingredients and cooking method of traditional vindaloo recipes, it’s clear why they’re so beloved in Indian cuisine. Fatty pork cubes are marinated in a pungent and aromatic vindaloo paste, which is then cooked in a rich and creamy curry sauce. Vindaloo itself originates from western India, where its spicy reputation precedes it.
It’s fair to say that this type of curry falls on the hotter end of the scale, so it’s essential to use the paste with caution to avoid overwhelming flavors. If you follow this recipe carefully, you’ll be rewarded with a well-balanced vindaloo dish that still packs a punch without being too intense.
Aubergine Curry – Eggplant Curry
Not only is Indian cuisine a haven for vegetarians, but it also offers a plethora of dishes that showcase the versatility of vegetables. Nothing beats the allure of a well-crafted curry to make vegetables irresistible! Many will agree with me when I say that a good curry can elevate even the most mundane ingredients into something truly special. Take this aubergine curry, for instance.
With its richly creamy and expertly balanced flavor profile, it’s no wonder that eggplant has become one of the most sought-after vegetables in Indian cuisine.
Keralan Pandi – South Indian Coconut-Pork Curry
Among the many mouth-watering Keralan dishes, pandi is undoubtedly a standout. This delightful culinary experience will warm your heart and soothe your soul, all while tantalizing your taste buds with its rich flavors. If you’re a meat lover, pandi is an absolute must-try. The dish is packed with strips of succulent pork steak, perfectly cooked in a sauce made from a blend of coconut milk, curry, turmeric, and other aromatic Indian spices.
While it’s indeed a very rich dish, the addition of string beans helps to balance out its richness, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Masala Wali Turai Ki Sabzi Recipe – Ridge Gourd Masala Curry
Dramatic scenarios like having a bunch of ridge gourd almost rotting in the fridge are common for many home cooks. Don’t let them go to waste! I’ve come up with a recipe that showcases the gourd as the main attraction, rather than just a supporting ingredient. Typically used in vegetable-based dishes, this particular recipe highlights the gourd’s unique flavor and texture by cooking it in a rich curry and tomato gravy, making it truly unforgettable.
Jackfruit Seeds Curry
People who appreciate the versatility of jackfruit might be interested in exploring another aspect of this tropical fruit – its seeds. In Kerala, India, where jackfruit is a staple ingredient, the seeds are regularly used in cooking. Typically, the seeds are dried and preserved before being incorporated into curries.
When used on their own, dried jackfruit seeds have a subtle earthy flavor that can be elevated by combination with other ingredients, such as shrimp, coconut paste, and curry, as demonstrated in this recipe.
Shimla Mirch Aloo ki Sabzi – Capsicum and Potato Curry
Painting a culinary picture with vibrant colors and aromas, shimla mirch aloo ki sabzi is a delightful combination of bell peppers and potatoes. The dish comes alive with the fusion of traditional Indian spices, including cumin, coriander, and mango powder, which add depth and warmth to the flavors. To give it an even richer texture, crushed nuts are carefully added, intensifying the sauce and elevating the overall taste experience.
Chettinad Chicken Recipe
Gathering unique ingredients is often what sets one region’s cuisine apart from another. The chicken curry from Chettinad, India is no exception, relying heavily on local specialties such as Indian shallots, gundu chillies (dry red chillies), and kalpasi or stone flowers. If you’re fortunate enough to have an Indian store in your area that carries these ingredients, it’s definitely worth giving this recipe a try.
That being said, if you can’t find gundu chillies, don’t worry – regular red chillies will still yield a delicious curry.
Smoked Pork Curry
Keeping the essence of traditional pork curry intact, the addition of smoked pork elevates it to new heights. With its rich, complex flavor profile, smoked pork brings a depth that complements the potatoes and thick, velvety curry sauce perfectly. Whether served with rice, roti, or naan, this Indian classic is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Instant Pot Indian Egg Curry
Making a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish is all about simplicity and balance of flavors. This particular recipe, consisting of hard-boiled eggs in a flavorful curry sauce, is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The combination of the creamy egg yolks with the rich and aromatic spices of the curry may seem unexpected, but it’s surprisingly effective.
It’s this kind of culinary magic that makes dishes like this one so enjoyable to eat. Serve this curry over a bed of fluffy Jasmine rice or accompanied by crispy naan bread for an authentic Indian dining experience.
Mangalorean Style Ambe Upkari Recipe – Ripe Mango Curry
Narratively speaking, those who appreciate a hint of sweetness in their curry will find the ambe upkari to be an appealing option. This Indian dish expertly combines the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes, the richness of jaggery (Indian cane sugar), and the subtle heat from green chillis, resulting in a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Chingri Malai Curry – Bengali Coconut Shrimp Curry – Keto
Lamb Pasanda
Keenly enjoyed across India, Pakistan, and Hyderabad, Lamb Pasanda is a dish that truly deserves its popularity. The tender lamb meat is expertly cooked in a rich marinade of Indian spices, blended with either yogurt or coconut milk to create a depth of flavor. To add an extra layer of texture, sultanas and almonds are carefully tossed into the pasanda.
Easy Chicken Jalfrezi
Characterized by its rich and intense flavor profile, chicken jalfrezi is a popular tomato-based curry dish that combines the goodness of chicken, onions, and peppers. The aromatic blend of cumin, coriander, garam masala, and other Indian spices plays a crucial role in infusing both the sauce and the chicken with maximum flavor. One of its most appealing aspects is that it requires minimal effort to prepare, as this mouth-watering dish can be cooked to perfection within just 30 minutes.
Easy Chicken Korma
Richly flavored with a creamy and milky sauce, chicken korma is an ideal dish for those who prefer milder cuisine. This popular Indian-inspired curry is perfect for kids and adults alike, especially for those who struggle to tolerate spicy food.While it does incorporate some curry and other spices, the primary flavor you’ll detect in the sauce is a harmonious blend of coconut milk, crushed almonds, and subtle Indian seasonings, making it an incredibly satisfying and tasty option.
Indian Restaurant Dhansak Curry
Diving into the world of Indian cuisine, Dhansak curry stands out as a Farsi-inspired dish that boasts an incredible depth of flavors. Its rich and thick sauce is crafted from cooked lentils that have broken down to a silky smooth consistency, while a hint of tamarind sauce adds a sweet and tangy dimension.
Whether you prefer the tender taste of chicken, the gaminess of lamb, or the heartiness of beef, this curry is adaptable to your preferences, making it an exciting option for anyone looking to explore new flavors.
Easy Mushroom Curry
Not only is this vegetarian curry a delight to the taste buds, but it’s also surprisingly filling due to its rich and diverse flavor profile. A medley of mushrooms is the key to making any vegetarian dish satisfying and meaty in texture. Feel free to mix and match different types of mushrooms for added depth and complexity.One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it requires minimal preparation time, cooking up in just 15 minutes due to its lack of meat or vegetables.
Aloo Gobi – Potatoes & Cauliflower
Renowned for its rich flavor profile, Aloo Gobi is a delectable vegetarian dish that’s equally satisfying and nutritious. Rather than relying on beef or chicken as the main protein source, this popular North Indian recipe is instead loaded with comforting potatoes and crunchy cauliflower florets, which are expertly seasoned with an array of aromatic spices such as garam masala, cumin, and a hint of sweet mango powder to create a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Easy Yellow Split Pea and Spinach Dhal (Vegan)
Highlighting the diversity of plant-based cuisine, this yellow split pea and spinach dahl is a vibrant and delicious meat-free curry that pairs exceptionally well with brown rice. Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction, as evidenced by the rich and fulfilling nature of this dish, making it an excellent option for those following a vegan diet or simply looking to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
25 Popular Indian Curries to Try
Instructions
Make a great start by choosing your preferred recipe and gathering all the essential ingredients. Most Indian curries can be prepared in under 30 minutes, allowing you to quickly get on with cooking without feeling overwhelmed or pressed for time.
