Best known for its aromatic spices and unique cooking techniques, Indian cuisine has gained immense popularity worldwide. Indian cuisine is all about a delicious mix of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and varied textures.  Indian food holds a cultural significance that reflects the rich heritage of the nation. Whether you’re a big foodie who loves to try new dishes or a passionate cook who keeps on experimenting with new recipes to discover new flavors and tastes,  Indian food will never disappoint you.

In this article, you will learn about the 5 best Indian dishes for beginners to try at home. We will take you through the health benefits of Indian food, common ingredients, and finally, the dishes that you must try at home.

Why Indian Cuisine is a Healthy Choice Globally

Indian cuisine not only satisfies your taste buds; but also contains several health benefits. Here are the nutritional advantages of Indian cuisine that make it a healthy choice for the global population.

• The active ingredients in most Indian dishes include fresh vegetables, lentils, and lean proteins, which are rich sources of fiber, vitamins, and essential nutrients.

• Spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger, commonly used in Indian cooking have excellent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

• Indian cuisine also offers a perfect combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fat that protects our gut health.

The plant-based protein in Indian cuisine is advantageous not only for vegetarians or vegans but also for non-vegetarians who prefer the flavor of lean meat.

Common Ingredients Used in Indian Cooking

The unique flavors found in Indian cooking are mainly derived from a few versatile ingredients that are mentioned below:

1. Lentils and Pulses: Chickpeas or chana, Split red lentils or masoor dal, and yellow lentils or toor dal are pantry essentials in Indian cooking.
2. Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro or coriander leaves are mostly used for garnishing and taste.
3. Spices: The use of spices like turmeric, cumin, garam masala, coriander, and mustard seeds can be seen in all major Indian dishes.
4. Dairy: Indian-style cooking is incomplete without desi Ghee (clarified butter) and yogurt, which are mostly used to enhance the richness of a dish. Paneer is also used in multiple vegetarian dishes.
5. Flour and Grains: Whole-wheat flour for flatbreads like roti and basmati rice for biryanis or pilafs.

These ingredients come together to bring out the real taste of Indian dishes. Now that you have  the basics in hand, you’re ready to dive into some beginner-friendly Indian dishes!

Top 5 Indian Dishes for Beginners to Try at Home

Discover the best 5 delicious Indian dishes that include both veg and non-veg preparations that you can try at home.

1. Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cottage Cheese Curry)

Palak Paneer is a very popular North Indian dish that is wholesome and easy to make at the same time. The vibrant green curry, made with spinach and spongy cubes of paneer, has a mouthwatering taste and an endless number of health benefits.

Making a smooth spinach sauce is a straightforward task, that does not take more than 30 minutes to be prepared.

Quick preparation guide:

• Sauté spinach with garlic paste, green chilies, and spices, then blend it into a silky puree.
• Add paneer cubes to the spinach sauce and simmer until coated.
• Serve it with Indian flatbread or rice for a hearty meal.

2. Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka needs no introduction as it is a globally acclaimed Indian dish that you must try at your kitchen. In this recipe, tender chicken pieces are marinated with yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Then they are grilled to perfection adding a delicious smokey flavor to it.

Only a grill pan or oven is enough for you to prepare the popular dish—no elaborate setup is required!

Quick preparation guide:

• Marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and tikka masala.
• Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill until slightly charred. You can serve it with refreshing mint chutney.
• It is a perfect choice for an appetizer or a side dish.

3. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Just like chicken tikka, butter chicken is another favorite Indian dish among the global population. This creamy, slightly spiced curry is an appropriate choice for beginners exploring Indian cuisine.

You can prepare it with some easily available ingredients like chicken, butter, tomatoes, and cream, and doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Quick preparation guide

• Marinate chicken in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices like paprika and garam masala.
• Cook the chicken until tender, then simmer it in a rich, buttery tomato-based sauce.
• Pair it up with Indian flatbread or basmati rice for a tasty Indian treat.

4. Dal Tadka (Tempered Lentils)

Dal Tadka is another comforting Indian lentil-based dish that is both nourishing and flavorful. The simplicity of lentils cooked with spices and finished with a ghee tempering makes it an excellent dish for beginners.

The cooking method is straightforward, and the tempering step (adding spices to hot ghee) is an easy way to learn the basics of Indian cooking.

Quick preparation guide

• Cook yellow lentils with turmeric and salt until soft.
• In a separate pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds, garlic, and red chilies for tempering.
• Pour the tempering over the lentils and garnish with fresh cilantro.

5. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower)

Aloo Gobi is a simple yet flavorful dry curry made with potatoes, cauliflower, and a handful of spices. It’s a classic vegetarian dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

No complex sauces or techniques are involved in this recipe. It’s all about sautéing and letting the vegetables cook to perfection.

Quick preparation guide

• Sauté cumin seeds in oil, then add potatoes, cauliflower, turmeric, and salt.
• Cover and cook on low heat until tender, stirring occasionally.
• Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Ready to Cook Your First Indian Dish?

Indian cuisine can feel intimidating at first, but these beginner-friendly dishes will help you get the hang of it in no time. Whether you’re whipping up a creamy Butter Chicken or a wholesome Dal Tadka, each dish will introduce you to the magic of Indian flavors.

So, grab your spices, tie on your apron, and take the leap into Indian cooking—you’ll be hooked before you know it! Let me know how your culinary adventure goes. 

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