19 Good Indian Recipe Starters Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 29, 2024
If you are looking to impress your guests with a delicious and authentic Indian meal, then you have come to the right place. Indian cuisine is known for its rich and complex flavors, and it all starts with the perfect recipe starters. These are the key ingredients and seasonings that set the foundation for any Indian dish. In this article, we will explore some of the best Indian recipe starters that will elevate your cooking and leave your taste buds wanting more. So, let's get cooking!
If you're looking for a flavorful and filling meal, then look no further than these Indian spiced lentils. Made with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, these lentils are the perfect accompaniment to any chicken dish. Plus, they're packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthy option for any meal.
This classic Indian dish is a must-try for any chicken lover. The chicken is marinated in a rich and creamy sauce made with butter, tomatoes, and a blend of spices like garam masala and fenugreek. It's then grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy chicken with a deliciously flavorful coating. Serve it with some naan bread for an authentic Indian meal.
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Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Extra Virgin Olive
Korma is a popular Indian dish that is known for its creamy and mildly spiced sauce. This version features tender chunks of chicken cooked in a sauce made from yogurt, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The end result is a dish that is both rich and flavorful, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
If you're a seafood lover, then this Indian shrimp curry is a must-try. Made with a blend of fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, this dish is bursting with flavor. The shrimp is cooked in a creamy coconut milk curry sauce, making it the perfect combination of spicy and creamy. Serve it over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
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Indian Chickpea Coconut Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Curry
For a vegetarian option, try this Indian chickpea coconut curry. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a meatless Monday or any day of the week. The chickpeas are cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. It's a filling and delicious meal that will satisfy any craving.
Chicken curry is a staple in Indian cuisine, and for good reason. This dish features tender chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce made from a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed with a side of rice or some naan bread for dipping.
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Indian Dal Nirvana (Dal Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Dry Lentils, Crushed Tomato, Fresh Ginger, Minced
Dal nirvana, also known as dal makhani, is a popular Indian lentil dish that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This dish features a blend of lentils, spices, and cream, resulting in a velvety smooth and delicious curry. It's a must-try for lentil lovers and a great option for a vegetarian meal.
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Indian Curry Chicken
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken, Onion
This classic Indian curry chicken recipe is a staple for many households. It's a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken is cooked in a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, resulting in a deliciously fragrant and spicy dish. Serve it with some rice and naan bread for a complete meal.
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Indian Coconut Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Fresh Grated Ginger
If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, then this Indian coconut lentil curry is a must-try. The lentils are cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce with a blend of spices, resulting in a dish that is both creamy and spicy. It's a great option for a vegetarian meal or a side dish for any Indian-inspired dish.
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North Indian Chicken Curry
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Onions, Plain Yogurt, Cornstarch, Ginger
This North Indian chicken curry recipe is a delicious and easy way to add some spice to your dinner routine. It features tender chunks of chicken cooked in a tomato-based curry sauce with a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any night of the week.
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Roti (Buttery Indian Flatbread)
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Salt, Melted Butter, Water, Butter
No Indian meal is complete without some roti, or buttery Indian flatbread. This recipe features a soft and flaky flatbread that is perfect for mopping up any delicious curry sauce. It's easy to make and adds a traditional touch to any meal.
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Indian Restaurant Madras Curry
Main Ingredients: Spice Mix, Madras Curry Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika
This Indian restaurant-style madras curry is a must-try for anyone who loves a good spicy dish. The chicken is cooked in a spicy and flavorful curry sauce made with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and red chili powder. It's a fiery and delicious dish that will transport you to the streets of India.
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Crispy Indian Okra
Main Ingredients: Baby Okra, Fat, Cumin Seeds, Onion, Serrano Pepper
If you're looking for a unique and tasty side dish, then give this crispy Indian okra recipe a try. The okra is coated in a blend of spices and fried until crispy and delicious. It's a great way to add some crunch and flavor to any meal.
This Indian fried cabbage recipe is a quick and easy side dish that is full of flavor. The cabbage is cooked in a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, resulting in a dish that is both spicy and savory. It's a great way to add some veggies to your meal in a tasty way.
Lamb curry is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, and for good reason. This dish features tender chunks of lamb cooked in a fragrant and flavorful curry sauce made with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. It's a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for a special occasion.
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Stovetop Naan bread( Indian Naan bread)
Main Ingredients: Dried Yeast, Water, Sugar, Yoghurt, Egg, Ghee, Flour
No Indian meal is complete without some naan bread, and this stovetop naan bread recipe is a must-try. It's a quick and easy way to make this traditional Indian flatbread without the need for a tandoor oven. Serve it warm and enjoy it with your favorite curry dish.
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Indian Dal Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Cayenne
This Indian dal soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a chilly night. The lentils are cooked in a flavorful broth made with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
This Indian red lentil dahl is a staple in many Indian households. It's a simple and flavorful dish made with red lentils, spices, and onions. It's a great option for a vegetarian meal and can be served with rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
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Indian Lemon Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Green Chilies, Ginger, Peanuts, Turmeric, Salt
This Indian lemon rice is a great way to add some flavor to plain rice. The rice is cooked with a blend of spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric, resulting in a fragrant and tangy dish. It's a great option for a side dish or a light meal on its own.
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Quick & Easy Indian Flatbread (Roti)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Plain Flour, Salt, Water
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy some fresh roti, then this quick and easy Indian flatbread recipe is for you. It's a simple and foolproof way to make soft and delicious roti in just a few minutes. Serve it hot and enjoy it with your favorite curry dish.
The Importance of Recipe Starters
Before we dive into the best Indian recipe starters, it is important to understand their role in Indian cooking. These starters are the base of any dish, and they provide the essential flavors and aromas that make Indian cuisine so unique and delicious. They are usually a combination of spices, herbs, and other ingredients that are sautéed or roasted in oil to release their flavors. These starters not only add depth to the dish but also help in enhancing the natural flavors of the main ingredients. No Indian dish is complete without the perfect recipe starter, so let's explore some of the must-have starters for your next Indian feast.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is a blend of various spices such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. It is used in almost every Indian dish and adds a warm and earthy flavor to the food. You can either make your own garam masala by grinding the spices or buy it pre-made from the store. It is a versatile spice that can be used in curries, marinades, and even in rice dishes.
Tadka/ Tempering
Tadka or tempering is a cooking technique where whole spices are briefly fried in oil to release their flavors. It is then added to the dish at the end, giving it a burst of aroma and flavor. This technique is commonly used in dals (lentils) and vegetable dishes. Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves are some of the commonly used spices for tempering.
Onion and Tomato Masala
This is a staple starter in many Indian households and is used in a variety of dishes such as curries, sauces, and gravies. The combination of chopped onions and tomatoes is sautéed in oil with spices and then pureed to create a smooth and flavorful base. This masala adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish and is perfect for meat, vegetarian, and vegan dishes.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a key ingredient in many South Indian dishes and is used as a recipe starter to create creamy and flavorful curries. It is made by blending grated coconut with water and then straining the mixture. It adds a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the dish and is perfect for adding a tropical twist to your Indian cooking.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the many Indian recipe starters that can take your cooking to the next level. Experiment with different combinations and quantities to find the perfect balance of flavors for your dishes. With the right recipe starters, you can recreate the authentic taste of Indian cuisine in the comfort of your own home. So, spice up your cooking and impress your loved ones with these delicious and versatile starters.