Looking for some quick and easy Indian recipes to add to your weeknight dinner rotation? Maybe you took a crash course in Indian food at a local restaurant and now you’re craving those flavors at home? We’ve got you covered with our eight favorite basic Indian dishes you’ll want to cook again and again.

1. Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is an excellent basic Indian dish to try. It packs in all the classic flavors without being too spicy for sensitive palates. To give this dish a try before tackling it in your own kitchen, pick up Chef Bombay’s Butter Chicken for a slow-cooked taste in just five minutes.

2. Aloo Gobi

If you’re plant-based or looking to expand your recipe book, Indian food is vegan-friendly, filling, and healthy. Aloo Gobi is a popular dish with spiced cauliflower and potato. It’s packed with classic Indian flavors like garam masala, fenugreek leaves, and cumin. Turn up the heat with serrano peppers or keep it mild to enjoy this basic Indian dish your way.

3. Spicy Chicken Curry

Not all Indian food is spicy — but even quick and easy Indian recipes can pack a punch. Chicken curry is a staple, so why not kick it up a notch? Fiery Chicken Curry features tender, marinated chicken breast with turmeric rice to balance the heat. If the spice gets a bit too much, you can always wash it down with a mango lassi.

4. Chana Masala

Chana Masala is an easy Indian dish of chickpeas simmered in a tomato-based sauce. It’s easy to make at home, packing in protein for a vegetarian dish that helps you refuel after a busy day. The best part about Chana Masala is it’s a one-pot dish. You can saute your base and chickpeas in one pot for easy cleanup. 

5. Beef Vindaloo

If tangy is what you’re looking for, Beef Vindaloo delivers. This 

gluten-free and halal Indian dish is indulgent with tender beef cubes in a vinegar-based sauce, but you shouldn’t just save it for special occasions. Cook this meal in an Instant Pot or stovetop — whichever floats your boat. On nights when you need a pick-me-up without firing up the stove, you can find Chef Bombay's Beef Vindaloo in your local frozen aisle.

6. CHICKEN Biryani

Indian curries are delicious, but don’t let them distract you from the countless other foods to try from India. Chicken Biryani is a basic Indian dish that can work as a side or entree, so it’s a great recipe to keep up your sleeve. It’s an herby rice dish, packed with all your favorite vegetables. Add your protein of choice for a complete meal or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying and easy dish.

7. Chicken Tikka Masala

If you’ve cut your teeth on making Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala is a good next step in trying all the classic Indian foods. In this dish, chunks of chicken are marinated in a yogurt sauce. Then they’re either grilled or cooked in a Tandoor before they’re simmered in a curry sauce. But not everyone is a grill master and a microwave Chicken Tikka Masala meal still hits the spot on low-effort nights.

8. Palak Paneer

Most people think of red, tomato-based curries when they think of basic Indian foods, but there’s a curry out there in any color for any flavor palate. Palak Paneer is a spinach-based curry with paneer cheese. The balance of the creamy cheese alongside the spiced spinach is enough to convince anyone to get their greens in.

Basic Dishes, Complex Flavor

There’s a reason Indian food is such a popular takeout food. Even the most basic Indian dishes are packed with flavor and deliver a comforting meal without too much effort. These dishes are all great options when you want to try something new and easy in the kitchen. Until then, Chef Bombay has you covered with quick meals on low-effort nights that don’t sacrifice the flavor.

FAQ

What’s the best Indian dish for beginners?

The best Indian dish for beginners to taste or cook is curry. For vegetarians, Chana Masala is a staple, and Butter Chicken is a good place to start for those who eat meat.

What’s in a basic Indian meal?

A basic Indian meal includes rice, curried meat or lentils with vegetables, and flatbread. The rice is usually basmati and can be seasoned with turmeric or cumin. The most common flatbreads you’ll find are naan or roti.

What are common Indian dishes?

Some of the most common Indian dishes include Samosas, Butter Chicken, Biryani, and Palak Paneer.

What is a very mild Indian dish?

Butter Chicken is a very mild Indian dish. It’s chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with cumin, garam masala, ginger, and other common spices. It’s very flavorful but not spicy.