Indian food is some of the most loved in the world, and much of it is easier to make at home than people expect. Here are the restaurant favorites, from chicken tikka masala and butter chicken to tandoori chicken and biryani, along with coastal fish and shrimp curries, a quick spiced ground beef keema, and the vegetarian dishes that are the heart of Indian home cooking: chana masala, saag paneer and dal. Garlic naan rounds out the table.
Most of these recipes use the same handful of spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder and garam masala. Buy them once and you can cook your way through the whole page. Each recipe notes how to make it milder or hotter.
Indian dishes explained
Tandoori
Meat or seafood marinated in spiced yogurt and cooked at very high heat, traditionally in a clay tandoor oven, for charred edges and a smoky flavor. A hot grill does the job at home: Tandoori Chicken and Tandoori Shrimp.
A layered dish of spiced meat and fragrant basmati rice cooked together in a sealed pot, finished with saffron and fried onions: Chicken Biryani.
Coastal coconut curries
From India's west and south coasts, where fish and shrimp simmer in coconut milk with tamarind, mustard seeds and curry leaves: Goan Fish Curry and Kerala Coconut Shrimp Curry.
Each recipe shows a heat level (🌶 mild, 🌶🌶 medium, 🌶🌶🌶 hot) next to the cooking times. The dinner builder will put a whole Indian menu together for you.
Spiced yogurt-marinated chicken simmered in a velvety tomato, butter and cream sauce with garam masala and fenugreek. Serve with rice and naan. Serves 4 to 6.
Shrimp marinated in spiced yogurt with garam masala, paprika, ginger and garlic, grilled on skewers until charred, and served with mint chutney. Serves 4.
Soft, chewy yogurt flatbreads cooked in a hot cast-iron skillet until blistered and brushed with garlic butter and cilantro. Makes 8.
Common questions
What is garam masala?
A warm blend of ground spices such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper, used throughout North Indian cooking. It is sold in most supermarkets.
Where can I find paneer and curry leaves?
Paneer is sold in many supermarkets and at Indian grocers; curry leaves are sold fresh or frozen at Indian grocers. Our recipes say what to use if you cannot find them.
What should I serve with Indian food?
Steamed basmati rice and warm naan, with a cooling yogurt raita or sliced cucumber and onion on the side.
Are Indian recipes always spicy?
No. Most of the heat comes from fresh chiles and chili powder, which you can reduce or leave out.
