5 Simple Indian Recipes for Busy Cooks

Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse dishes, which can often seem daunting to prepare at home, especially when you're short on time. However, with a few smart shortcuts and simple recipes, you can enjoy the essence of Indian cuisine even when you're busy. Let's dive into five quick and easy Indian recipes that will satisfy your cravings without consuming all your free time.

Recipe 1: Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

Preparation Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Chana Masala is a popular vegetarian dish made with chickpeas, which are not only nutritious but also quick to cook when using canned ones.

• 1 can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp Chana Masala spice mix or garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Steps:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add garlic and ginger, cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Stir in tomatoes and cook until they soften and form a paste.
5. Mix in the chana masala or garam masala, cook for another minute.
6. Add the chickpeas, a little water if needed, and salt. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander.

🌟 Note: For an authentic touch, serve Chana Masala with rice, naan, or roti.

Recipe 2: Aloo Paratha

Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Aloo Paratha, a stuffed flatbread with a savory potato filling, is both filling and delicious. Here’s how to make it without spending hours in the kitchen.

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 large potato, boiled and mashed
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
• Salt to taste
• ¹⁄₂ tsp red chili powder
• ¹⁄₄ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
• Water for kneading
• Oil or ghee for cooking

Steps:

1. Combine flour, salt, and ajwain. Add water gradually to knead into a soft dough.
2. Mix mashed potatoes with chili, turmeric, coriander, and salt for the filling.
3. Divide the dough and filling into equal parts. Roll out dough, stuff with filling, seal, and roll again into paratha.
4. Cook on a hot griddle or tawa with oil or ghee until golden brown on both sides.

⚠️ Note: Serve hot with yogurt, pickle, or any curry for a complete meal.

Recipe 3: Vegetable Pulao

Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Pulao or pilaf is a one-pot dish that’s easy to prepare, especially when you use pre-cut veggies.

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 3-4 cloves
• 3-4 peppercorns
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Water or vegetable broth

Steps:

1. Soak rice for 20 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat oil, add cumin seeds, cloves, bay leaf, and peppercorns for tempering.
3. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
4. Add vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
5. Add rice, salt, and garam masala. Stir well.
6. Add water or broth, cover, and cook until rice is tender.

Recipe 4: Tadka Dal

Preparation Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Tadka Dal is a simple yet flavorful lentil dish that can be made in no time using canned lentils.

• 1 can of lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin seeds
• ¹⁄₂ tsp mustard seeds
• 1 dry red chili
• ¹⁄₄ tsp asafoetida
• ¹⁄₂ tsp turmeric
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Heat ghee or oil. Add cumin, mustard seeds, and dry red chili until they crackle.
2. Add asafoetida and turmeric.
3. Sauté onions and garlic until onions turn golden.
4. Add tomatoes, cook until soft.
5. Mix in lentils, adjust consistency with water, season with salt, and simmer for a few minutes.

🌿 Note: For a burst of freshness, garnish with cilantro before serving.

Recipe 5: Egg Bhurji

Preparation Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Egg Bhurji, the Indian version of scrambled eggs, is a quick and protein-packed option for any meal.

• 4 eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin seeds
• ¹⁄₂ tsp turmeric powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking
• Corialnader for garnish

Steps:

1. Heat oil, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Sauté onions until translucent.
3. Add green chili and tomatoes, cook until tomatoes soften.
4. In a bowl, beat eggs with turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the pan, stir quickly until scrambled, and eggs are cooked through.
6. Garnish with coriander.

🍳 Note: Serve Egg Bhurji with toast, paratha, or as a side with roti for a complete meal.

Indian cuisine might seem like it requires hours of preparation, but these recipes prove otherwise. With just a little prep work and smart use of ingredients, even the busiest cooks can whip up a delightful Indian meal. Whether it's the comforting Chana Masala, the fluffy Aloo Paratha, the aromatic Vegetable Pulao, the soulful Tadka Dal, or the simple Egg Bhurji, you have a variety of flavors at your fingertips. Enjoy the simplicity and richness of Indian cooking with these easy-to-make dishes that don't skimp on taste or tradition.

Can I use frozen vegetables for the Vegetable Pulao?

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Yes, you can use frozen vegetables for Vegetable Pulao. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as frozen veggies might release more water than fresh ones.

How can I make Chana Masala spicier?

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To make Chana Masala spicier, increase the amount of red chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies. You could also try some spicy chili flakes or freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick.

What can I substitute for ajwain in Aloo Paratha?

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If you don’t have ajwain, you can use cumin seeds, caraway seeds, or a pinch of dried thyme as a substitute.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for Egg Bhurji?

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Yes, you can make Paneer Bhurji, which uses crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) instead of eggs, following a similar recipe.

Can I make these recipes in advance?

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Most of these recipes are adaptable for advance preparation. You can make Chana Masala, Vegetable Pulao, and Tadka Dal ahead, storing them in the fridge for a couple of days or freezing for longer periods. Aloo Paratha and Egg Bhurji are best made fresh to preserve their texture.