Simple and Delicious Indian Recipes Using Basic Ingredients
Are you curious about exploring the rich and flavorful world of Indian cuisine but don’t know where to start? Fear not! With a few basic ingredients and a bit of guidance, you can easily prepare sumptuous Indian dishes right in your own kitchen. This article will introduce you to four delicious and simple Indian recipes that will help you get started on your culinary journey.
Aloo Gobi Potato and Cauliflower Curry
Ingredients: 8-10 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 medium-sized cauliflower florets, broken into small pieces 4-5 medium-sized onions, finely chopped 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped 1 inch ginger, grated 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1-2 teaspoons red chili powder A handful of cumin seeds 2 tablespoons oil Salt to taste Coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions: Heat oil in a large pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start spluttering, add onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Then, add ginger and garlic and sauté until the onions become golden brown. Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft. Next, add the potatoes and cauliflower, mix well, and cover the pan. Cook on medium heat until the vegetables are tender. Garnish with coriander leaves if desired, and serve with rice or bread of your choice.
Chana Masala Chickpea Curry
Ingredients: 1 can (400g) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed 4-5 medium-sized onions, finely chopped 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped 1 inch ginger, grated 3 cloves garlic, minced 1-2 green chilies, chopped (optional) 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1-2 teaspoons red chili powder 1 teaspoon garam masala 2 tablespoons cumin seeds 2 tablespoons oil Salt to taste Coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions: Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start spluttering, add onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Then, add ginger, garlic, and green chilies (if using) and sauté for a few minutes. Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft. To this mixture, add the chickpeas and a little water. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with coriander leaves if desired. Serve with rice or naan bread.
Masoor Dal Red Lentil Curry
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal) 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped 1 inch ginger, grated 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1-2 teaspoons red chili powder A handful of cumin seeds 2 tablespoons oil Salt to taste Coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions: Rinse the red lentils and cook them in a pot with water until they are tender. In a separate pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they start spluttering, add onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Then, add ginger and garlic and sauté for a few minutes. Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft. Add the cooked lentils and simmer for a few minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves if desired, and serve with rice or roti.
Vegetable Pulao
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice 1-2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced 1/2 cup peas 1/2 cup beans (fenugreek or dried beans) 1 inch ginger, grated 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons cumin seeds 1-2 cardamom pods 1 cinnamon stick 2 tablespoons oil Salt to taste A little water for cooking the rice
Instructions: Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start spluttering, add onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Add the mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, and beans) and sauté for a few minutes. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Add water, salt, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
These recipes serve as a starting point, and you can adjust the spices and ingredients to your taste preferences. Happy cooking and enjoy the delightful flavors of Indian cuisine!