If you think that making curry is hard or time-consuming, think again! With the right spices and some basic techniques, anyone can whip up a flavorful curry dinner at home faster than calling for take-out. From rich and creamy Curry Recipes packed with cheese like palak paneer to spicy red lentil curries to comforting chicken and potato recipes, the sheer variety of curries that come under Indian cuisine is incredible. Whether you’re a vegetarian, love meat, or want something in between, there’s a curry for everyone.
So read on as we share 12 curry recipes that every home cook needs to master!
Beginner-Friendly Curry Recipes
If you’re new to cooking Indian food, start with these easier curries before moving onto more advanced recipes. They’re packed with flavor without too many fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
1. Butter Chicken
This Punjabi butter chicken balances rich, silky tomato gravy with tender pieces of chicken. Marinating the chicken first ensures it soaks up lots of flavor. Serve with rice or naan bread.
2. Coconut Chickpea Curry
Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) make this curry hearty enough for a main while coconut milk keeps things creamy. It comes together quickly with easy-to-find ingredients.
3. Chicken Tikka Masala
One of Britain’s most beloved Indian dishes, chicken tikka masala stars chunks of oven-roasted chicken in an incredible tomato and cream sauce. It’s total comfort food!
Vegetarian Curry Recipes
You don’t need meat to enjoy an amazing Indian curry. Here are flavor-packed vegetarian and vegan recipes to add variety to your repertoire.
1. Palak Paneer
This spinach and Indian cheese curry is so satisfying. Flavor gets packed into the spinach along with bite-size paneer pieces. Just add rice or naan to soak up the gravy.
2. Chickpeas and Potato Curry (Chana Aloo)
Chickpeas and potatoes come together for a protein-rich vegetarian curry that’s simple to throw together on a weeknight. Play around with garam masala quantities to adjust spice level.
3. Lentils in Spicy Tomato Sauce (Dal Makhani)
Known as dal makhani where lentils cook to tender perfection in an incredible seasoned tomato gravy. It’s a staple at Indian restaurants for good reason! Goes great with naan.
Regional Curry Specialties
The array of flavors found across different regional cuisines of India is astounding. Here are some iconic examples along with what makes them stand out.
1. Rich and Creamy Shahi Korma
A regal Mughlai curry usually made with braised meat or vegetables in a yogurt and cream-based sauce scented with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves.
2. Flavorful Chettinad Chicken Curry
From the Chettinad region of South India, this hot and aromatic chicken curry uses a range of freshly ground spices like fennel, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
3. Goan Shrimp Curry (Cafreal)
Goan food shows Portuguese influences with its use of vinegar, chili, and lots of fresh herbs. Goan shrimp cafreal is spicy, tart, and utterly delicious!
Popular Curry-Based Dishes
Beyond the curries themselves, there are lots of beloved Indian dishes that feature curries and gravies as their base.
1. Chole Bhature
Chickpea curry served with puffy fried bread. The contrast of spicy chole and hot, deflate bhature is so satisfying.
2. Rajma Masala
Kidney beans braised in a thick, fragrant tomato masala gravy. Usually served with rice and perfect comfort food.
3. Keema Matar
Minced meat curry with peas. Can use lamb, chicken, turkey, or soy crumbles for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Tips for Leftover Curry
Like many stews and braised dishes, curries often taste even better as leftovers. Here are tips for enjoying them again:
1. Store Properly
Let curry cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. Fridges keep food safe for 3-4 days.
2. Reheat Gentle
Microwave or simmer on the stove over low, stirring occasionally until hot. Avoid boiling leftovers.
3. Transform the Flavors
Add a splash of cream, coconut milk or stock while reheating for a fresh taste. Or try over fried eggs or rice.
Curry Side Dishes
While curries are often the main event as entrees, having some tasty sides always enhances the experience.
1. Naan and Roti
Tear off pieces of grilled flatbreads like garlic naan or roti to soak up those braising sauces.
2. Simple Dal
Lentil dals pair nicely with richer curries. Try masoor dal, chana dal or basic yellow dal.
3. Raita
Cool, creamy yogurt raita with shredded cukes cools the palate. And rice pulao or biryani complete the meal!
Quick & Easy Curry Recipes
When you need dinner on the table fast, try one of these simple curries you can make on busy weeknights.
1. Quick Beef Curry
Making this stir-fry style beef curry with onions, garlic, and ginger doesn’t take long. Then simmer the beef just until perfectly tender.
2. Simple Fish Curry
You likely have the pantry essentials (like garlic, chili powder, and cumin) needed for this basic pan-fried fish curry sauce. Just customize spice levels to taste.
3. Chickpea Coconut Curry
This is them! The same delicious chickpea coconut curry from earlier ready in under 30 minutes. It makes great leftover lunches too.
Cooking Tips for Curry Recipes
Here are some key curry making techniques to help you cook restaurant-worthy Indian dishes at home:
- Sweat the onions: Slowly cooking down onions is key for flavorful curries. Be patient and let them turn translucent and caramelized.
- Bloom spices: Briefly sautéing spices intensifies their flavors before adding liquid.
- Simmer gently: Let curries simmer so flavors can develop but don’t let them come to a boil.
- Finish with cream/butter: Stir through some butter, cream or coconut milk at the end for a touch of richness.
- Adjust spice with…: Chilies, cayenne, black pepper, or garam masala.
Spice Mixes for Curry Recipes
Pre-mixed spice blends cut down prep time. Keep these handy for whipping up last minute curries:
1. Garam Masala
A blend of aromatic Indian spices commonly used in curries—things like cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, etc. Buy or make your own.
2. Tandoori Masala
Adds lots of zingy flavor to dishes like tandoori chicken with typical ingredients like paprika, garlic, cinnamon, cayenne and more. Works great as a marinade.
3. Panch Phoron
Literally translated to “five spices”, this Bengali blend contains cumin seed, brown mustard seed, fenugreek seed, nigella seed, and fennel seed.
Meat Choices for Curry Recipes
Here are best meat options for making curries depending on preparation time and cooking method:
Quick to Cook:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts —fast and easy to simmer in sauce
- Ground meats like beef or lamb —break up meat while cooking
Benefits from Slow Cooking:
- Bone-in chicken thighs —simmer gently for tender meat
- Tough Beef cuts like chuck or brisket—turns fork tender after hours of cooking
- Pork shoulder —pulls apart easily into shreds after low and slow cooking
Seafood:
- Shrimp —add raw at the end to gently poach
- Fish Fillets —gentle, quick cooking to avoid overdoing it
Vegan Curry Tips
You don’t need dairy or meat to enjoy flavorful Indian curries. Here are some vegan ingredients that work great:
For Creaminess:
- Full-fat Coconut Milk
- Cashew Cream
- Tofu
For Heartiness:
- Chickpeas
- Lentils like Red Lentils or Brown Lentils
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
For Plant-Based Protein:
- Tofu
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
Aim for pan-frying tofu until it develops a nice golden crust for the best texture. And don’t skip out on veggies – they shine in vegan curries!
Commonly Asked Questions About Curry
What spices are used in curry?
Common spices used in Indian curries include cumin, turmeric, coriander, ginger, garam masala spice blend, chili powder or cayenne pepper, mustard seeds, fenugreek, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, etc.
What is the difference between curry powder and garam masala?
Curry powder is a Western blend focused more on adding color while garam masala is a traditional Indian blend that provides a depth of aromatic flavor. Garam masala typically doesn’t contain chili powders or turmeric which curry powder does.
Is curry healthy?
Many Indian vegetable-based curries can be very healthy, packed with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. Some creamy meat curries use more dairy/coconut milk though so consume those in moderation. Overall, curries allow you to eat lots of nourishing veggies in one dish!
Conclusion
We hope this guide gets you excited to cook up some tasty Indian curry recipes at home! From easy weeknight versions to leisurely braised curries using your choice of chicken, vegetables, seafood or meat, there’s such a wide range to explore.
Start with a few beginner recipes, play around with spice levels to suit your taste, and work your way up to regional restaurant favorites. With practice, homemade curries can become a regular part of your dinner rotation.
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