20 Indian Curry Recipe Serious Eats Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 29, 2024
Indian curry is a quintessential dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world. Its complex blend of spices, rich flavors, and creamy textures make it a standout among other curries. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, mastering the art of making authentic Indian curry can seem like a daunting task. But with the right recipe and techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic Indian curry that will impress even the most discerning taste buds. In this article, we will delve into the world of Indian curry and share a tried and tested recipe from Serious Eats that will have you cooking like a pro in no time.
If you're a fan of spicy and flavorful dishes, then this Indian shrimp curry recipe is a must-try. The combination of succulent shrimp, fragrant spices, and creamy coconut milk creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave you wanting more. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at a dinner party.
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Indian Chickpea Coconut Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Curry
This vegetarian Indian chickpea coconut curry is a delicious and healthy option for those looking for a meat-free dish. The creaminess of the coconut milk combined with the hearty chickpeas and warm spices makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Serve it with some rice or naan bread for a complete and filling dinner.
No list of Indian recipes would be complete without a classic chicken curry. The tender chicken, rich sauce, and bold spices make this dish a favorite among many. You can use boneless or bone-in chicken for this recipe, and adjust the spices to your liking for a customized and delicious meal.
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Indian Curry Chicken
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken, Onion
Similar to the classic chicken curry, this Indian curry chicken recipe uses a variety of spices to create a complex and flavorful dish. The addition of yogurt and tomato paste adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
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Indian Coconut Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Fresh Grated Ginger
Lentils are a staple in Indian cuisine, and this coconut lentil curry is a perfect example of why. The lentils are cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, flavored with a blend of spices, and topped with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber.
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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 popular dish in many households. The use of garam masala, a blend of spices commonly used in Indian cooking, gives this dish its distinct flavor. Serve it with some basmati rice and naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Aloo Curry (Indian Potato Curry)
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Cooking Oil, Mustard Seeds, Cumin
This vegetarian aloo curry is a simple and comforting dish that is perfect for when you're craving some Indian flavors. The potatoes are cooked in a fragrant and spicy sauce, making for a hearty and flavorful meal. This dish is also great for meal prepping and can be easily reheated for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.
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Indian Restaurant Madras Curry
Main Ingredients: Spice Mix, Madras Curry Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika
If you've ever been to an Indian restaurant, chances are you've tried the popular Madras curry. This dish is named after the city of Madras (now Chennai) in India and is known for its fiery and bold flavors. This recipe uses a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, to create a delicious and authentic Madras curry that will transport you to the streets of India.
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that has gained international recognition. The tender chicken is marinated in a yogurt and spice mix, then cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for those who prefer a milder spice level.
Lamb is a popular protein in many Indian dishes, and this lamb curry is no exception. The tender lamb is cooked in a fragrant and spicy sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish is best served with some basmati rice and a side of naan bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
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Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Extra Virgin Olive
Chicken korma is a mild and creamy Indian dish that is perfect for those who prefer a less spicy option. The chicken is cooked in a fragrant and rich sauce made with yogurt, cream, and a variety of spices. This dish is perfect for a family dinner and can be easily customized to your liking.
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Indian Pumpkin Curry with Coconut Milk
Main Ingredients: Cubed Pumpkin, Medium Onion, Ripe Tomato, Ginger
Pumpkin may not be a traditional ingredient in Indian cooking, but it adds a unique and delicious element to this pumpkin curry. The creamy coconut milk and warm spices complement the sweetness of the pumpkin, creating a flavorful and comforting dish. This dish is also vegetarian-friendly and can be easily made vegan by using plant-based milk instead of coconut milk.
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Indian Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Onion, Garlic, Vegetable Oil, Garam
Similar to the pumpkin curry, this Indian chicken curry with coconut milk is a delicious and creamy option for those looking for a milder dish. The chicken is cooked in a rich and flavorful coconut milk sauce, making for a satisfying and comforting meal. This dish is best served with some basmati rice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
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Vegetable Indian curry
Main Ingredients: Garlic Cloves, Fresh Ginger, Jalapeno, Tomatoes, Tomato
This vegetable Indian curry is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge. The combination of spices and veggies creates a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can use any vegetables you like, making this recipe versatile and customizable.
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Chicken Curry
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Salt, Freshly
This simple and classic chicken curry is a staple in many Indian households. The chicken is cooked in a fragrant and spicy sauce, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. This dish can be made with boneless or bone-in chicken, and you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
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Vegan Red Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Fresh Turmeric
This vegan red lentil curry is a great option for those looking for a meat-free and dairy-free dish. The lentils are cooked in a flavorful and creamy coconut milk sauce, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish is also packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and delicious option.
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Slow Cooked Indian Beef Curry – Slow Cooker Beef Curry
Main Ingredients: Beef, Onion, Canola Oil, Ginger, Garlic, Plain Yogurt
If you have a slow cooker, then this Indian beef curry recipe is a must-try. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and creates a tender and flavorful beef dish. This dish is perfect for busy days when you don't have time to cook, and it will fill your house with delicious aromas.
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Basic Indian Curry | Pressure Cooker Indian Curry
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Diced Onions, Canned Tomatoes
This basic Indian curry recipe is perfect for beginners or those looking for a simple and easy dish. The use of a pressure cooker cuts down on cooking time, making this curry a quick and delicious option for a weeknight dinner. You can add any protein or vegetables you like to make it your own.
This Indian vegetable curry is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. The combination of spices and vegetables creates a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a meatless meal. Serve it with some rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Eggplant is a popular ingredient in Indian cooking, and this eggplant curry is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy it. The eggplant is cooked in a fragrant and spicy sauce, making for a hearty and satisfying dish. This dish is also vegetarian-friendly and can be easily made vegan by using plant-based milk instead of yogurt.
The Key to a Perfect Indian Curry
When it comes to making Indian curry, the key lies in the spices. The right blend of spices not only enhances the flavor but also gives the curry its distinct aroma and color. The featured spices in most Indian curries are coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. These spices not only add a depth of flavor but also offer numerous health benefits. For instance, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties while cumin aids in digestion. To truly elevate the flavor of your curry, it is essential to use freshly ground spices as opposed to pre-ground ones.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Apart from the spices, the key to a great Indian curry lies in using fresh and high-quality ingredients. In traditional Indian cooking, ingredients such as onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes form the base of most curries. These ingredients not only add flavor but also help create a thick and creamy sauce that is characteristic of Indian curries. It is also important to use fresh herbs such as cilantro and curry leaves to add a burst of freshness to the dish.
The Method to the Madness
The method of making Indian curry may seem complex, but it follows a basic pattern. It involves toasting the spices, sautéing the aromatics, adding in the main ingredients, and letting it simmer in a flavorful sauce. The key to a flavorful curry is to let it cook low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together. The longer the curry simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
The Final Touch
To truly make your Indian curry stand out, it is important to add a final touch of richness and creaminess. This is where ingredients like coconut milk, cashews, or yogurt come into play. These ingredients not only add a creamy texture but also balance out the flavors of the dish. The key is to add them towards the end of cooking, and let the flavors come together for a few minutes before serving.
In conclusion, mastering the art of making Indian curry requires patience, practice, and the right recipe. With the recipe from Serious Eats and a few tips and tricks, you can create a delicious and authentic Indian curry that will impress even the most discerning palate. So, put on your apron and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the world of Indian cuisine.