Indian Dishes Under 50 Minutes: Easy, Delicious, and Fast

Exploring the vibrant world of Indian cuisine, you'll find a plethora of dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare, even within a 50-minute timeframe. From quick snacks to elaborate meals, Indian cooking offers a wide range of options that require varying degrees of effort and patience. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, there is something for everyone. However, the initial steps like chopping ingredients and preparing spices can be time-consuming, but once you get the hang of it, the process becomes much smoother.

Simple and Delicious Recipes

To introduce you to the world of Indian quick recipes, we’ll explore a few dishes that can be made with just a handful of ingredients and that require minimal effort. Start with Dhai Bhalle and Idli Sambhar, two incredibly tasty and easy-to-make dishes. These are perfect for a quick lunch or snack, and they can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Dhai Bhalle

First up, Dhai Bhalle (also known as Dal Bhalla) is a flavorful, sprouted lentil-based snack. It’s not only quick to prepare but also an excellent option for a light, high-protein meal. To make Dhai Bhalle, you’ll need:

Mung dal Salt Oil for frying Chopped tomatoes (optional) Pomegranate seeds (optional) Soak mung dal in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain the water and gently cook the dal until it is tender. Allow the dal to cool, then form it into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter). Heat oil in a pan and fry the dal balls until they turn golden brown. Toss in chopped tomatoes and pomegranate seeds (if using) and cook for a few more minutes.

These crispy and crunchy Dhai Bhalle make for a fantastic midday snack or an appetizer.

Idli Sambhar

Idli is another quick and easy dish that can be paired with a spicy sambhar. This combination is a staple in many Indian homes and makes a perfect 30-minute meal. The key to making great idlis is to use the right mix of steamed rice and lentils, and to have the sambhar ready before the idlis are cooked.

Rice and urad dal Sambhar powders (tamarind, lentils, spices) Brown onions, tomatoes (for sambhar) Salt (for idlis and sambhar) Ghee or oil (for idlis) Chopped cilantro (for garnish) Soak rice and urad dal separately for at least 6 hours or overnight. Grind the mixed grains into a smooth batter. Let the batter rest for at least 2 hours. Steam the idlis (can be done in a pressure cooker or steamer). While the idlis are cooking, prepare the sambhar by cooking the lentils and vegetables, then add sambhar powders and let it simmer. Serve the warm idlis with the sambhar, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Additional Quick Cooking Options

For those who prefer more accessible quick cooking options, you can try Poha Dhokla or Pakoda. These dishes are simple and require minimal effort:

Poha Dhokla

Mashed poha Besan (gram flour) Salt Oil for frying Chopped coriander (for garnish) Combine mashed poha with besan and salt to form a dough. Grease a pan and pour the dough in thin layers. Cook until golden brown. Flake the dhokla into smaller pieces, garnish with chopped coriander, and serve hot.

Pakoda

Potato slices Besan (gram flour) Baking powder Yeast Salt Oil for frying Grate potatoes and mix with besan, baking powder, yeast, salt, and a little water to form a batter. Fry the batter in hot oil until golden brown. Drain and serve with tamarind chutney or ketchup.

Mastering Indian Cooking with Ready-to-Cook Mixes

If you're looking to simplify your cooking process even further, consider using ready-to-cook mixes. Mother’s Recipe, a well-known brand in the market, offers a variety of mixes that make cooking authentic Indian dishes incredibly easy and quick. These mixes are free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors, using only natural and real ingredients. Some of their popular mixes include:

Butter Chicken Mix Paneer Makhani Mix Biryani Mix

For example, the Butter Chicken Mix can be cooked in just 30 minutes with minimal effort. All you need to do is add water, chicken, and simmer until the flavors meld together. The mix is packed with the right balance of spices, so you don’t need to add anything extra.

Using these ready-to-cook mixes can help you whip up some timeless Indian dishes in no time, making meal preparation both enjoyable and efficient.

Conclusion

Indian cuisine offers a wide array of dishes that can be prepared in under 50 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy individuals or families on the go. By incorporating quick and easy recipes like Dhai Bhalle, Idli Sambhar, Poha Dhokla, and Pakoda, you can enjoy delicious meals without sacrificing quality or flavor. And with the convenience of ready-to-cook mixes from Mother’s Recipe, you can simplify your cooking process and focus on enjoying the meal instead of the preparation.