Easy Indian Dishes for Interns Abroad: Simple Recipes for Culinary Convenience

Living and working in a foreign country can present unique challenges, especially if you miss the familiar taste of home-cooked cuisine. However, with the right approach, you can easily recreate comforting Indian dishes right where you are. Here are some simple recipes that are perfect for interns abroad, offering a taste of home with minimal effort and ingredients.

1. Vegetable Pulao

A delightful and simple dish that combines rice with a medley of vegetables. This recipe is a cinch to make, making it ideal for busy interns.

Ingredients

Basmati rice Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans) Onion Cumin seeds Spices (bay leaf, cardamom, cloves) Salt Oil for frying

Instructions

Heat oil in a pot, then add cumin seeds and spices. Sauté chopped onions until golden. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Add rinsed rice and water in a 1:2 ratio along with a pinch of salt. Cook until rice is done.

Tips for cooking:

Ensure the rice is well rinsed to remove excess starch. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Incorporate local spices if Indian equivalents are not available.

2. Chana Masala

Vegetarian and packed full of flavor, this recipe showcases the versatility of chickpeas in Indian cuisine.

Ingredients

Canned chickpeas Onion Tomato ginger-garlic paste Spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala) Salt Oil for frying

Instructions

Sauté chopped onions in oil until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped tomatoes; cook until tomatoes soften. Add chickpeas, spices, and a little water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

3. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower)

A wholesome and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare. It features a perfect combination of potatoes and cauliflower, making for a filling meal.

Ingredients

Potatoes Cauliflower Onion Turmeric Cumin seeds Salt Oil for frying

Instructions

Heat oil and add cumin seeds, then sauté onions until they become translucent. Add chopped potatoes, cauliflower, turmeric, and salt. Cover and cook on low heat until vegetables are tender.

4. Dal Tadka (Spiced Lentils)

A hearty and comforting dish made from lentils seasoned with Indian spices and tempered with oil to give it a delicious aroma.

Ingredients

Red lentils (masoor dal) Onion Tomato Garlic Cumin seeds Spices Salt Oil for frying

Instructions

Cook lentils in water until soft. In a separate pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Once cooked, mix with lentils, add water for desired consistency, and season.

5. Egg Curry

A classic and satisfying dish that combines boiled eggs with a flavorful sauce made from onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Ingredients

Boiled eggs Onion Tomato ginger-garlic paste Spices (coriander, cumin, garam masala) Salt Oil for frying

Instructions

Sauté chopped onions in oil until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped tomatoes; cook until soft. Add spices and a little water. Gently add boiled eggs and simmer for a few minutes.

6. Paneer Bhurji (Scrambled Paneer)

A popular Northern Indian dish featuring crumbled paneer. This recipe is a perfect example of a simple yet flavorful Indian preparation.

Ingredients

Paneer (cottage cheese) Onion Tomato Bell pepper Spices Oil for frying

Instructions

Crumble paneer and set aside. Sauté chopped onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes in oil. Add crumbled paneer and spices; cook for a few minutes.

7. Vegetable Upma

A quick and tasty Indian breakfast dish that is also perfect for lunch or dinner. Upma is made from semolina and mixed vegetables, making it both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

Semolina (rava) Mixed vegetables Mustard seeds Curry leaves Salt Oil for frying

Instructions

Dry roast semolina until light golden and set aside. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Add chopped vegetables and sauté, then add water and a pinch of salt. Stir in roasted semolina and cook until the water is absorbed.

Conclusion

Eating at home during an internship abroad doesn’t have to mean sacrificing delicious meals. By following these simple recipes, you can enjoy the flavors of India right in your kitchen, regardless of where in the world you are located.

Key Tips for Cooking Abroad:

Use local ingredients when possible, substituting Indian spices or ingredients as necessary. Batch cook larger portions and store them for later meals. Stay simple and keep your equipment basic (pot, pan, and basic utensils). Prepare in advance to save time and keep your focus on your internship responsibilities.

These simple and flavorful dishes provide a perfect solution for keeping your culinary skills sharp during your time abroad. Happy cooking!