Some recipes just never go out of style. Whether you are cooking for guests, hosting a Diwali part or just want a comforting Indian meal, these Indian classics always hit the mark. I have included appetizers/snacks, drink ideas, main course and sides along with desserts here.
Beetroot Tikki
These beetroot tikkis look vibrant and taste delicious. They can be prepped ahead of time and can be shallow fried or air fried before serving. Perfect as appetizer or finger foods.
Get the recipe: Beetroot Tikki
Onion Bhaji or Pakoda
Crispy, golden onion fritters that are perfect as finger foods. Serve them with chutney and watch them disappear fast.
Get the recipe: Onion Bhaji
Aloo Tikki Chaat
These crispy aloo tikkis are just what comfort food looks like. Serve with beaten yogurt and chutneys for a tasty appetizer. They can be prepped ahead of time and can be shallow fried or air fried before serving. You can also serve them with chole curry for a heavier meal kind of preparation.
Get the recipe: Beetroot Tikki
Chana Masala or Chickpea Curry
This hearty chickpea curry is bold, tangy and full of flavor. It's perfect with rice or puri and always manages to please just about everyone at the table.
Get the recipe: Chana Masala
Naan
Soft, pillowy and slightly charred, nothing beats homemade naan fresh from the pan or oven. It is perfect for scooping up curry or slathering with butter.
Get the recipe: Naan
Yogurt Lassi
Cool, creamy and a little sweet (or salty), lassi is the go-to drink for pairing with spicy food. Blend it up in minutes and sip away. Add mango puree for everyone's favorite mango lassi.
Get the recipe: Yogurt Lassi
Vegetable Pulao
Fragrant basmati rice with sautéed veggies and whole spices, pulao is simple but so satisfying. It works as a wonderful side, and it always looks like you put in more effort than you did. Can make it a day in advance and store in the fridge.
Get the recipe: Vegetable Pulao
Lauki Kofta or Zucchini Kofta
Comfort in a bowl. This is a delicious curry that is so perfect with both naan/rotis or pulao. Make this as a centerpiece gravy.
Get the recipe: Lauki Kofta
Crispy Kurkuri Bhindi or Okra
Thin-sliced okra tossed with chickpea flour, spices and crisped to perfection. It's crunchy, addictive and makes a great side or even a tea-time snack.
Get the recipe: Crispy Kurkuri Bhindi
Palak Paneer
A creamy spinach curry with soft cubes of paneer is palak paneer. It is comforting, packed with flavor and a great way to sneak in greens without trying too hard.
Get the recipe: Palak Paneer
Rajma Curry
Slow-cooked kidney beans in a rich tomato-onion gravy. Rajma is the kind of dish that is made for cozy weekend lunches, especially with steamed rice.
Get the recipe: Rajma Curry
Indian Pickled Onions
These quick-pickled onions are tangy, crunchy and just what you need to brighten up any meal. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make ahead.
Get the recipe: Indian Pickled Onions
Dahi Vada
Dahi vada is a delightful treat that is almost always there for Diwali parties. Again, a recipe whose components can be made in advance and assembled in the morning. Chill and serve.
Get the recipe: Dahi Vada
Chocolate Peda
This chocolate peda is super easy to make if you have readymade khoya at hand.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Peda
Besan Laddoos
My favorite traditional Indian sweet that can be made much ahead and stored. Most guests love these. You can control the ingredients especially sugar that goes into them.
Get the recipe: Besan Laddoos
Rice Kheer
This delicious rice kheer is a tasty milk-based pudding that can be made in advance in chilled in the fridge. Perfect for a light Indian dessert.
Get the recipe: Rice Kheer
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