Welcome to the world of Indian curries—a delightful and aromatic journey that will take you on a culinary adventure through the diverse and rich flavors of the subcontinent. Curry is more than just a dish; it is deeply ingrained in the history and culture of the country. From the North to the South, the East to the West, every region in India has its own signature style of curry that reflects the local ingredients, traditions, and spices. Indian curries can be mild, creamy, and smooth, or bold, spicy, and aromatic. They can be made with vegetables, meats, or seafood and enjoyed with rice, naan, or other Indian breads.
Whether you are a seasoned curry lover or new to the world of Indian cuisine, this collection of 12 curry recipes will take your taste buds on a journey of exotic and delightful flavors. Get ready to indulge in the world of Indian curries with our carefully curated selection of recipes that will leave you craving for more.
Butter Chicken
Experience the richness and warmth of this quintessential Indian dish. Marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger, and a blend of spices before grilling or baking until tender. In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes until they form a fragrant and flavorful sauce. Stir in the cream and a touch of honey before adding the chicken and simmering until the flavors meld together. Garnish with a dollop of fresh cream and chopped cilantro, and serve with naan or long grain rice for a comforting and delicious meal.
Taste: rich and warm
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 450
Chana Masala
Savor the tangy and spicy flavors of this classic chickpea dish. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, then add a blend of spices, including jeera, coriander powder, and garam masala. Add canned chickpeas and diced tomatoes and simmer until the sauce thickens. Finish with a twist of lime and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with rice or naan for a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian meal.
Taste: tangy and spicy
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 300
Rogan Josh
Indulge in the bold and complex flavors of this lamb curry. Start by browning the lamb in a Dutch oven before sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger. Add a blend of spices including chili powder, jeera, and cinnamon, before adding canned tomatoes and simmering until the lamb is tender. Finish with a dollop of plain yogurt and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with rice or naan for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Taste: bold and complex
Total Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 600
Saag Paneer
Delight in the creamy and savory flavors of this vegetarian dish. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger before adding pureed spinach and mustard greens. Simmer until the puree smells fragrant, add cubed paneer, and run the mixture until heated through. Finish with a sprinkle of garam masala and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with rice or naan for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Taste: creamy and savory
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 400
Malai Kofta
Experience the richness and indulgence of this vegetarian dish. Start by making the kofta, or vegetarian meatballs, by mixing mashed potatoes, crumbled paneer, and a simple masala before shaping and frying until golden brown. In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger before adding garam masala and mashed tomatoes to make the sauce. Add the kofta to the sauce and simmer until the flavors meld together. Finish with a drizzle of heavy cream and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with rice or naan for a comforting and flavorful meal. Vegans may opt to omit the paneer and switch out the cream for cashew paste for a delicious plate of curry that is every bit as good as the original.
Taste: rich and indulgent
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 550
Chicken Vindaloo
Savor the fiery and tangy flavors of this Goan specialty. Start by marinating the chicken in a blend of vinegar, garlic, and a variety of spices, including jeera, coriander powder, and red chili powder. In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger before adding the marinated chicken and canned tomatoes. Simmer until the sauce is thick and the chicken is tender. Serve with rice or naan to tame the heat and enjoy the complex and bold flavors of this dish.
Taste: fiery and tangy
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 450
Aloo Gobi
Enjoy the comforting and earthy flavors of this vegetarian dish. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger before adding cubed potatoes and cauliflower. Follow with a generous handful of a simple masala made with turmeric powder, jeera, and coriander powder. Let the mixture simmer until the vegetables are tender. Finish with a garnish of chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Taste: comforting and earthy
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 250
Malabar Fish Curry
Experience the delicate and aromatic flavors of this Keralite staple. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger before adding a blend of spices, including red chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Follow up with a few segments of Malabar tamarind, gutted whole mackerel, and mashed tomatoes. Simmer until the fish is cooked through. Serve with boiled rice or kappa for a light and satisfying meal.
Taste: delicate and aromatic
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 350
Keema Matar
Indulge in the savory and satisfying flavors of this ground meat and pea dish. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger before adding ground chicken or lamb. Add a blend of spices, including jeera, coriander powder, and cinnamon, and simmer until the meat is cooked through. Add frozen peas and simmer until heated through. Finish with a dollop of ghee and chopped cilantro. Serve with rice or naan for a hearty and delicious meal.
Taste: savory and satisfying
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 500
Paneer Lababdar
Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of paneer lababdar, a classic North Indian restaurant-style paneer gravy. Start by making the lababdar paste: boil diced tomatoes and raw cashews until soft, and blend into a smooth paste once cool. In the meantime, fry chopped onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until they turn golden brown. Add lababdar paste and bring the mixture to a simmer. Follow with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander powder, garam masala, and red chili powder, along with some cream and kasuri methi. Add cubed paneer and cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens and the paneer is coated with the rich sauce. Serve hot with rice or naan for a truly decadent meal.
Taste: rich and creamy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 300
Palak Paneer
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of palak paneer, a desi classic made with pureed spinach and paneer. Start by blanching fresh spinach leaves and then blending them into a smooth puree. Sauté onions and garlic in oil until they turn translucent before adding the spinach puree and cooking for a few minutes. Add a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, along with some cream and cubes of paneer. Cook for a few more minutes until the paneer is heated through and the flavors meld together. Serve hot with rice or naan for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Taste: wholesome and flavorful
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 350
Malabar Egg Curry
Savor the spicy and aromatic flavors of Malabar egg curry, a classic South Indian dish made with boiled eggs and a blend of exotic spices. Start by frying onions, garlic, mustard seeds, cardamom, curry leaves, and ginger in coconut oil until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until mushy. Follow with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder, along with some coconut milk and tamarind paste. Add the boiled eggs and stir the mixture till the gravy starts to thicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with appam or rice for a delicious and filling brunch.
Taste: spicy and aromatic
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 320
Indian curries are a true delight for the senses, offering an explosion of flavors and aromas that can satisfy any craving. From mild and creamy to spicy and bold, these 12 curry recipes are just a small taste of the vast and diverse culinary world of India. By exploring different spices, vegetables, meats, and cooking techniques, you can create a unique curry dish that suits your personal taste and dietary needs. Whether you're a vegetarian, a meat lover, or a spice enthusiast, there is a curry out there that is perfect for you. Whether you're cooking for your family or impressing your friends at a dinner party, these Indian curry recipes are sure to satisfy and leave you with a memorable culinary experience.