5 Simple Indian Dishes for Quick Cooking

Indian cuisine, renowned for its flavors and diversity, might seem complex at first glance, but there are many dishes that can be prepared quickly and easily. These recipes not only delight with their taste but also cater to the busy lifestyles of modern times, offering delicious meals in a matter of minutes. Let's dive into these 5 Simple Indian Dishes for Quick Cooking that will transform your kitchen experience.

1. Poha

Poha is a popular breakfast dish in India, especially in the state of Maharashtra, but it’s loved all over the country for its simplicity and speed of preparation.

• Ingredients: Beaten rice (poha), mustard seeds, cumin seeds, onions, green chilies, peanuts, turmeric, salt, sugar, coriander leaves, lemon juice.
• Steps:
  1. Rinse poha under water, drain, and let it sit for a few minutes.
  2. In a pan, heat some oil, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds.
  3. Add chopped onions, green chilies, and peanuts, sauté until the onions turn translucent.
  4. Mix in turmeric, salt, and sugar, then add the soaked poha and mix gently.
  5. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes. Finally, garnish with coriander leaves and lemon juice.

🔔 Note: Poha needs to be soaked just until it's soft but still retains some crunch for the best texture.

2. Roti

Roti, or Indian flatbread, is perhaps the simplest of all Indian dishes, yet it forms the backbone of countless meals.

• Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, water, salt, ghee/oil.
• Steps:
  1. Mix flour and salt, gradually adding water to make a soft dough.
  2. Knead for a few minutes until smooth.
  3. Divide into balls, roll each into a flat circle, and cook on a hot tawa (griddle) until both sides are cooked with brown spots.
  4. Optionally, smear with ghee or oil for added flavor.

🍽️ Note: The dough should be kneaded well to get a light and fluffy roti; resting the dough for about 15-30 minutes can also help.

3. Egg Bhurji

Egg Bhurji, or scrambled eggs Indian style, is a dish that can be prepared in minutes for a quick meal or a side dish.

• Ingredients: Eggs, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, oil, coriander leaves, salt.
• Steps:
  1. Heat oil, add cumin seeds, then sauté onions until translucent.
  2. Add tomatoes and green chilies, cook until tomatoes are soft.
  3. Season with salt, turmeric, coriander, and red chili powder.
  4. Beat eggs, pour into the pan, and stir continuously to scramble.
  5. Garnish with coriander leaves.

🌟 Note: Stir continuously to avoid the eggs sticking to the pan for the perfect bhurji consistency.

4. Paratha

Paratha is a layered flatbread that can be filled with various ingredients, making it a versatile and quick-cooking option.

• Ingredients: Wheat flour, water, ghee/oil, salt, stuffing (optional).
• Steps:
  1. Prepare dough as for roti.
  2. Roll out, spread oil/ghee, fold into layers, roll again, and cook on a tawa, adding ghee as needed for a crispy texture.
  3. If using stuffing, roll dough, place filling in the center, seal, and cook similarly.

📝 Note: Layering and cooking time can be adjusted for different textures, from soft to crispy.

5. Rajma Chawal

Rajma Chawal, kidney beans with rice, is comfort food par excellence, yet it can be made quickly using canned beans or pre-cooked rice.

• Ingredients: Kidney beans (canned or soaked), rice, onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds, salt, oil.
• Steps:
  1. Cook rice separately if not using pre-cooked rice.
  2. Heat oil, add cumin seeds, onions, and sauté until golden.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, cook until tomatoes are soft.
  4. Add spices, cook, then add drained kidney beans. Simmer for flavor.
  5. Serve with rice.

🥘 Note: Using canned beans significantly reduces preparation time, but pre-cooking beans from dry can enhance the dish's authenticity.

Each of these dishes provides a quick and delicious way to explore the vast culinary landscape of India, without spending hours in the kitchen. They embody the simplicity, health, and richness of Indian cuisine, making them perfect for those looking to cook Indian food without getting overwhelmed by the intricate processes often associated with it. As you master these simple recipes, you'll find that they not only taste amazing but also bring a piece of Indian culture to your home. So why wait? Start cooking these dishes and experience the joy of Indian cooking firsthand!

What are some easy Indian dishes for a beginner?

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Dishes like Poha, Egg Bhurji, and Roti are perfect for beginners due to their simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods.

How can I make Indian cooking quicker?

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Utilize pre-made spice mixes, canned beans, or pre-cooked rice to cut down on prep time. Also, consider using gadgets like a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot to speed up cooking.

Can these dishes be made vegan?

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Absolutely, by replacing ghee with oil and ensuring no animal products are used in ingredients like stuffings or fillings, most Indian dishes can be made vegan. Also, use plant-based milk or yogurt if recipes call for dairy.

What ingredients are must-haves for quick Indian cooking?

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Basmati rice, whole wheat flour, canned beans, spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, along with fresh vegetables and legumes, are great for quick Indian meals.