16 Indian Recipe With Basil You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
Basil is a versatile herb that is commonly used in Indian cuisine to add a distinct aroma and flavor to dishes. Not only does it enhance the taste of the food, but it also has numerous health benefits. In this article, we will explore some delicious Indian recipes that feature basil as the main ingredient and discover the many ways in which this herb can elevate your cooking.
Spinach and Arugula Salad with Indian Spiced Chickpeas
Main Ingredients: Red Onions, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Add a touch of Indian flavor to your salad with this delicious recipe. The combination of fresh spinach and arugula, paired with spicy and savory Indian spiced chickpeas, creates a unique and satisfying dish. The chickpeas are tossed in a blend of fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and then roasted to perfection. This salad is not only healthy and nutritious, but also full of flavor and texture.
2of 20
Indian Style Masala Pasta
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Garlic, Grated Ginger, Grape Tomatoes, Oil
Who says you can't enjoy pasta with an Indian twist? This mouthwatering dish combines the comfort of pasta with the bold and aromatic flavors of Indian spices. The sauce is made with a blend of tomatoes, onions, and spices like turmeric, garam masala, and red chili powder. Toss in your favorite vegetables and protein, and you have a delicious and satisfying meal that will please your taste buds.
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a classic Indian dish that is loved by many. This creamy and rich curry is made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce. The sauce is made with butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala, coriander, and cumin. Serve it over basmati rice or with naan bread for a comforting and flavorful meal.
4of 20
Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Extra Virgin Olive
Korma is a mild and creamy Indian curry that is perfect for those who can't handle spicy foods. This delicious dish is made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a thick and aromatic sauce made with cashews, coconut milk, and a blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that will have you licking your plate clean.
If you love seafood, then you have to try this Indian-style shrimp curry. This spicy and savory dish is made with juicy shrimp cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce. The sauce is made with aromatic spices like garam masala, turmeric, and red chili powder, and it pairs perfectly with the tender and flavorful shrimp. Serve it over rice or with naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
6of 20
Indian Chickpea Coconut Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Curry
This hearty and flavorful curry is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. It is made with creamy coconut milk as the base, and then packed with protein-rich chickpeas and nutritious vegetables like sweet potatoes and spinach. The sauce is flavored with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and it creates a satisfying and comforting dish that will keep you full and happy.
7of 20
Bruschetta, Indian Style
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Lemon, Olive Oil, Cumin Seeds, Cilantro
This Indian twist on a classic Italian appetizer is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. The traditional tomato and basil bruschetta is topped with a spicy and savory mixture of chickpeas, onions, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Served on toasted baguette slices, this Indian-style bruschetta is a flavorful and unique appetizer that will leave your guests wanting more.
8of 20
Indian-Spiced Turkey Chili
Main Ingredients: Curry Powder, Garam Masala, Dried Thyme Leaves, Dried
This hearty and flavorful chili is a perfect dish for a cold day. It is made with lean ground turkey, nutritious vegetables, and aromatic Indian spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. The result is a thick and satisfying chili that is packed with flavor and nutrition. Serve it with crackers or naan bread for a complete and delicious meal.
9of 20
Indian Spiced Tomato & Rice Stew
Main Ingredients: White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Crushed Tomatoes, Vegetable
This comforting and flavorful stew is a perfect dish for a weeknight meal. It is made with ripe tomatoes, nutritious vegetables, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The addition of rice makes this stew hearty and satisfying, while the spices give it a unique and delicious flavor. This stew is a crowd-pleaser and is easy to make in large batches for meal prep.
No list of Indian recipes is complete without a classic chicken curry. This flavorful and spicy dish is made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a thick and aromatic sauce. The sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. Serve it over rice or with naan bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
11of 20
The Hirshon Iraqi Burgers – عروق
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Onions, Chopped Parsley, Chives
These flavorful and juicy burgers are a popular street food in Iraq. They are made with a blend of ground beef, onions, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and allspice. The burgers are then grilled to perfection and served with pickles and spicy sauce. These Iraqi burgers, also known as aruq, are a delicious and unique twist on the classic burger.
12of 20
Indian Dal Nirvana (Dal Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Dry Lentils, Crushed Tomato, Fresh Ginger, Minced
Dal nirvana, also known as dal makhani, is a rich and flavorful lentil dish that is popular in North India. This creamy and satisfying dish is made with a blend of lentils, spices, and cream. The lentils are cooked until tender and then simmered in a thick and flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. Serve it with rice or naan bread for a complete and delicious meal.
13of 20
Indian Curry Chicken
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken, Onion
This easy and flavorful curry chicken is a perfect dish for a weeknight meal. It is made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a thick and spicy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is flavored with spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, and it pairs well with rice or naan bread. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and is easy to make in large batches for meal prep.
14of 20
Sweet Potato Curry
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Lemongrass, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
This flavorful and nutritious curry is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. It is made with creamy coconut milk as the base, and then packed with sweet potatoes, protein-rich chickpeas, and aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The result is a creamy and satisfying dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. Serve it over rice or with naan bread for a complete and delicious meal.
15of 20
Indian Coconut Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Fresh Grated Ginger
This flavorful and satisfying lentil curry is a perfect dish for a meatless Monday. It is made with protein-rich lentils cooked in a thick and creamy coconut milk sauce. The sauce is flavored with spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, and it pairs well with rice or naan bread. This dish is easy to make and is packed with flavor and nutrition.
16of 20
Indian-Spiced Tomato Lentil Soup with Basil Yogurt...
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Onion, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Garam Masala
This comforting and flavorful soup is perfect for a cold and rainy day. It is made with nutritious lentils, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The soup is served with a dollop of creamy and cool basil yogurt, which adds a refreshing and flavorful touch to the dish. This soup is a satisfying and delicious meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
17of 20
North Indian Chicken Curry
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Onions, Plain Yogurt, Cornstarch, Ginger
This spicy and savory chicken curry is a popular dish in North India. It is made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a thick and aromatic sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it over rice or with naan bread for a complete and delicious meal.
18of 20
Penang Curry
Main Ingredients: Red Chili Peppers, Raw Almonds, Chopped Garlic
This creamy and flavorful curry is a popular dish in Thailand. It is made with coconut milk as the base, and then packed with protein-rich chicken and nutritious vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots. The sauce is flavored with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, and it pairs well with rice or naan bread. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and is easy to make in large batches for meal prep.
19of 20
Roti (Buttery Indian Flatbread)
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Salt, Melted Butter, Water, Butter
This buttery and flaky Indian flatbread is a perfect side dish for any curry or stew. It is made with whole wheat flour, butter, and water, and then cooked on a skillet until golden and flaky. Roti is a staple in Indian cuisine and is easy to make at home. It is also a great alternative to rice if you want to switch things up in your Indian-inspired meals.
Basil, also known as tulsi in Hindi, is a popular herb in Indian households and is often referred to as the “queen of herbs”. Its strong, sweet and slightly peppery flavor makes it a staple in many Indian dishes. Apart from its culinary uses, basil is also highly regarded for its medicinal properties. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Incorporating basil into your meals not only adds a burst of flavor but also brings a boost of nutrition.
Basil Chutney
One of the most common and delicious ways to use basil in Indian cooking is by making a basil chutney. This chutney can be used as a dip, spread or condiment for various dishes. To make this chutney, blend together fresh basil leaves, garlic, green chilies, ginger, roasted peanuts, lemon juice and salt. The result is a vibrant green chutney that is bursting with flavor and can be paired with snacks like samosas, pakoras or even spread on sandwiches.
Tulsi Kadhi
Kadhi is a popular yogurt-based curry in Indian cuisine, and by adding some fresh basil leaves to it, you can take the taste to a whole new level. To make this dish, whisk together yogurt, besan (gram flour), water and spices like turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder and salt. In a separate pan, temper mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves and asafoetida in ghee or oil. Add this tempering to the yogurt mixture, along with some chopped basil leaves. Let it simmer for a few minutes and serve it with rice or khichdi for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Basil Pulao
Pulao, also known as pilaf, is a popular rice dish in India and can be easily elevated with the addition of basil. To make this dish, heat ghee or oil in a pan and temper whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and bay leaf. Add in some onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies and sauté until the onions are golden brown. Then, add in basmati rice, water, salt and a handful of chopped basil leaves. Let it cook until the rice is fluffy and aromatic. This flavorful basil pulao can be served as a main dish or as a side dish with curries.
In conclusion, basil is a versatile and valuable herb in Indian cooking, providing not only a burst of flavor but also numerous health benefits. These three recipes are just a few examples of how basil can be incorporated into your dishes, but the possibilities are endless. So, next time you are in the kitchen, don't forget to add some basil to your cooking and experience its magic.
Spinach and Arugula Salad with Indian Spiced Chickpeas
![Sweet Potato Curry [vegan, one pot] - Contentedness Cooking](https://www.contentednesscooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Sweet-Potato-Curry-1.jpg)
/hot-and-sour-soup-88830008-589374945f9b5874eeefed36.jpg)
