Authentic Indian food dishes to try at home

Have you ever wanted to bring the rich flavors of India into your own kitchen? I've spent years exploring the wonderful world of Indian cuisine, and I'm excited to share my favorite authentic Indian food dishes to try at home with you today! From creamy curries to spicy street foods, Indian cooking offers something for everyone.

Authentic Indian Food Dishes to Try at Home: A Beginner's Guide

When I first started cooking Indian food, I felt overwhelmed by the long ingredient lists and unfamiliar spices. But don't worry! With a few simple recipes and techniques, you can create restaurant-quality Indian dishes right in your own kitchen.

Indian cooking is all about layering flavors and understanding how spices work together. Once you learn the basics, you'll be amazed at how many delicious dishes you can make with just a few pantry staples.

Why Cook Authentic Indian Food at Home?

There are so many reasons to try making authentic Indian food dishes at home:

• Fresh ingredients mean better flavor than takeout
• You can control the spice level to suit your taste
• It's often healthier when you make it yourself
• Save money compared to eating at restaurants
• Impress your friends and family with your cooking skills

I love seeing people's faces light up when they taste homemade Indian food for the first time. There's something truly magical about these recipes!

Essential Indian Spices for Your Pantry

Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about the backbone of Indian cooking: spices! Here are the must-have spices for anyone wanting to cook authentic Indian dishes:

1. Cumin seeds - earthy and warm
2. Turmeric - gives that golden color and earthy flavor
3. Coriander - slightly citrusy and sweet
4. Garam masala - a warming spice blend
5. Red chili powder - for heat
6. Mustard seeds - adds a pop of flavor when tempered in oil
7. Cardamom - fragrant and slightly sweet
8. Cinnamon - warm and aromatic

I keep these spices in airtight containers away from heat and light to preserve their flavors. Trust me, fresh spices make a huge difference in your homemade Indian recipes!

The Magic of Tadka: Tempering Spices

One technique that transformed my Indian cooking was learning how to do a proper tadka (tempering). This involves heating oil or ghee and adding whole spices until they sizzle and release their aromas. This flavored oil becomes the flavor foundation for many dishes.

I remember the first time I got this right - the kitchen smelled amazing, and my dal (lentil dish) went from good to restaurant-quality!

Easy Authentic Indian Food Dishes to Try at Home

Let's start with some beginner-friendly dishes that never fail to impress!

1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Butter chicken is the perfect gateway into cooking authentic Indian food at home. It's creamy, flavorful, and not too spicy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless chicken, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Quick Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the marinated chicken until done.
3. In another pan, sauté onions until golden, add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
4. Add cooked chicken, cream, and butter. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Garnish with cilantro and serve with naan or rice.

I love making this dish for friends who are new to Indian food. The rich, tomato-based sauce with just the right balance of spices always gets rave reviews!

2. Dal Tadka (Tempered Lentils)

Dal is a staple in Indian homes and one of the most nutritious authentic Indian recipes you can make.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow lentils (toor dal)
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 dried red chilies
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Quick Instructions:

1. Rinse lentils and cook with water, turmeric, and salt until soft.
2. In a separate pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds and red chilies.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, and spices. Cook until tomatoes soften.
5. Pour this tadka over the cooked dal and mix well.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

This protein-rich dal is perfect for meatless Mondays! I often make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

3. Authentic Indian Food Dishes to Try at Home: Chana Masala

Chana masala is a spicy chickpea curry that's both filling and incredibly tasty. It's also naturally vegan!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 cup water
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lemon wedges to serve

Quick Instructions:

1. Heat oil and sauté onions until golden brown.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
3. Add tomato puree and all the spices. Cook until oil separates.
4. Add chickpeas and water. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.

I make this hearty dish when I'm having vegetarian friends over for dinner. It's always a hit and pairs perfectly with both rice and flatbreads!

Homemade Indian Breads

No collection of authentic Indian food dishes to try at home would be complete without some bread recipes!

4. Easy Roti (Whole Wheat Flatbread)

Roti is a simple unleavened bread that accompanies most Indian meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• Water as needed
• Pinch of salt
• Ghee for brushing (optional)

Quick Instructions:

1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add water while kneading to form a soft dough.
3. Rest the dough for 30 minutes.
4. Divide into small balls and roll each into a thin circle.
5. Cook on a hot skillet, flipping when bubbles form.
6. Brush with ghee if desired.

I remember my grandmother making these by hand, expertly flipping them over an open flame to puff them up. While I'm not quite at her level yet, even my simple homemade rotis taste far better than store-bought ones!

5. Garlic Naan

While traditional naan requires a tandoor oven, this stovetop version is almost as good!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Butter for brushing

Quick Instructions:

1. Mix flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
2. Add yogurt and oil to form a soft dough.
3. Rest for 2 hours.
4. Divide into balls and roll into oval shapes.
5. Press minced garlic and cilantro on top.
6. Cook on a hot skillet until bubbles form, then flip.
7. Brush with butter and serve hot.

These garlic naans are perfect for scooping up curry! My kids always ask for extra because they love the buttery garlic flavor.

Authentic Indian Street Food at Home

Some of the most exciting authentic Indian food dishes to try at home are street foods! Here are a few of my favorites:

6. Pani Puri (Golgappa)

Pani puri is a fun, interactive street food that's all about the DIY experience!

Ingredients:

• Ready-made puri shells (available at Indian grocery stores)
• 2 potatoes, boiled and diced
• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chaat masala
• 1 cup mint-cilantro water (blend mint, cilantro, green chilies with water)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind chutney
• Salt to taste

Quick Instructions:

1. Make a hole in each puri.
2. Fill with potatoes, chickpeas, and onions.
3. Add a sprinkle of chaat masala.
4. Just before eating, fill with mint-cilantro water.
5. Add a drop of tamarind chutney and enjoy immediately!

I love setting up a pani puri station when I have friends over. Everyone gets to assemble their own, and it always leads to lots of laughs and messy fun!

7. Samosas with Mint Chutney

Everyone loves a good samosa! These crispy, potato-filled pastries are perfect for snacking.

Ingredients for samosa:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons oil
• Water as needed
• 4 potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup peas
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Oil for frying

Quick Instructions:

1. Make a firm dough with flour, oil, and water. Rest for 30 minutes.
2. For filling, sauté cumin seeds, add ginger-garlic paste, potatoes, peas, and spices.
3. Roll dough into circles, cut in half, and form cones.
4. Fill cones with potato mixture and seal edges.
5. Deep fry until golden brown.

For mint chutney:

1. Blend mint leaves, cilantro, green chilies, lemon juice, and salt.

The first time I made samosas at home, I was surprised how much better they tasted than the frozen ones! The freshly fried pastry with the spiced potato filling is simply unbeatable.

Regional Authentic Indian Food Dishes to Try at Home

India is a vast country with incredibly diverse regional cuisines. Let's explore a few regional specialties!

8. South Indian Masala Dosa

Dosa is a crispy rice and lentil crepe from South India, typically served with potato filling and chutneys.

Ingredients for dosa batter:

• 2 cups rice
• 1 cup urad dal (black gram)
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• Water for soaking
• Salt to taste

For potato filling:

• 4 potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Quick Instructions:

1. Soak rice, dal, and fenugreek seeds separately for 4-6 hours.
2. Grind into a smooth batter and ferment overnight.
3. For filling, temper mustard seeds and curry leaves in oil, add onions, green chilies, and turmeric. Mix with mashed potatoes.
4. Spread batter thinly on a hot griddle, drizzle oil around edges, and cook until crispy.
5. Place potato filling inside, fold, and serve with coconut chutney and sambar.

Making dosa at home takes some practice, but it's so rewarding! My first few attempts were disasters, but now I can make them almost as thin and crispy as they do in restaurants.

9. Bengali Fish Curry (Machher Jhol)

This light fish curry from eastern India is flavored with mustard and green chilies.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fish fillets (preferably a firm white fish)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon panch phoron (Bengali five-spice blend)
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 potato, cut into chunks
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup water
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Quick Instructions:

1. Rub fish with turmeric and salt.
2. Heat mustard oil and lightly fry the fish pieces. Set aside.
3. In the same oil, add panch phoron and green chilies.
4. Add potatoes, turmeric, and tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes.
5. Add water and simmer until potatoes are tender.
6. Gently add fried fish pieces and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with cilantro.

I learned this recipe from a Bengali friend, and it's become one of my favorite ways to prepare fish. The mustard oil gives it a distinctive flavor that you won't find in other cuisines.

10. Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma

This hearty dish from the desert state of Rajasthan consists of lentils, baked wheat balls, and a sweet crumble.

Ingredients for baati:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup ghee
• Water as needed
• Salt to taste

For dal:

• 1/2 cup each of toor dal, chana dal, and moong dal
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Quick Instructions:

1. Mix flour, salt, and ghee. Add water to make a stiff dough.
2. Shape into balls, bake until golden, then break and drizzle with ghee.
3. Cook all dals together with turmeric until soft.
4. In a separate pan, temper cumin seeds, add onions, ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, and spices.
5. Add this to the cooked dal and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve baati with dal and optional churma (sweetened crushed baati).

This rustic dish is perfect for cold winter nights! It's a complete meal in itself and showcases the ingenuity of Rajasthani cuisine, which adapted to the harsh desert climate.

Sweet Authentic Indian Food Dishes to Try at Home

No meal is complete without dessert! Here are some simple Indian sweets you can make at home:

11. Quick Gulab Jamun

These sweet, syrupy dumplings are a favorite at Indian celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• Milk as needed to form dough
• Oil for deep frying

For sugar syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 cardamom pods, crushed
• Few drops of rose water (optional)

Quick Instructions:

1. Mix milk powder, flour, baking soda, and ghee.
2. Add milk to form a soft dough. Rest for 10 minutes.
3. Shape into small balls.
4. Meanwhile, make sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water with cardamom.
5. Deep fry the balls until golden brown.
6. Soak hot gulab jamuns in warm sugar syrup for at least 30 minutes.

I was intimidated to try making these at home, but using milk powder makes it surprisingly easy! They're perfect for special occasions or when you're craving something sweet.

12. Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Kheer is a comforting rice pudding that's easy to make and universally loved.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Few strands of saffron (optional)

Quick Instructions:

1. Rinse rice and soak for 30 minutes.
2. Bring milk to a boil, add rice, and simmer until rice is cooked and milk reduces.
3. Add sugar and continue cooking until thickened.
4. Add cardamom powder, saffron, and nuts.
5. Serve warm or chilled.

This creamy dessert reminds me of family gatherings where my mom would make a huge pot of kheer. The house would smell like cardamom and saffron, and we'd all hover around waiting for it to cool enough to eat!

Tips for Authentic Indian Cooking Success

After years of cooking authentic Indian food dishes at home, here are my top tips:

1. Toast whole spices before grinding for maximum flavor
2. Make friends with your pressure cooker for quick-cooking lentils and beans
3. Prep ingredients ahead of time since Indian cooking moves quickly once you start
4. Don't rush the onions - properly caramelized onions are key to many dishes
5. Adjust spice levels to your taste - authentic doesn't have to mean painfully hot!
6. Use ghee when possible for that authentic taste
7. Balance flavors with acid (lemon/tamarind) and sweetness

Remember, cooking Indian food is about having fun and experimenting! Don't be afraid to make adjustments based on your taste preferences.

Health Benefits of Cooking Authentic Indian Food at Home

One thing I love about homemade Indian food is how nutritious it can be:

• Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties
• Many dishes feature protein-rich lentils and beans
• Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint add bright flavors and nutrients
• Yogurt provides probiotics and calcium
• Whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat roti add fiber
• The variety of vegetables provides different vitamins and minerals

When you cook Indian food at home, you can control the amount of oil and salt, making it much healthier than restaurant versions.

My Personal Journey with Indian Cooking

I still remember my first attempt at making curry - it was a disaster! The spices burnt, the chicken was overcooked, and the sauce was watery. But I kept trying, and with each attempt, I got better.

What helped me most was watching Indian home cooks on YouTube and learning the small techniques that make a big difference - like knowing when to add each spice, how to properly sauté onions, and how to balance flavors.

Now, cooking authentic Indian food dishes at home is one of my greatest joys. There's something deeply satisfying about creating these complex flavors from scratch and sharing them with others.

FAQ About Authentic Indian Food Dishes to Try at Home

Q: Do I need special equipment to cook authentic Indian food?
A: Not really! While items like a pressure cooker and spice grinder are helpful, you can make most dishes with standard kitchen equipment. A heavy-bottomed pan works well for curries.

Q: Where can I find Indian spices?
A: Most major supermarkets now carry basic Indian spices. For a wider selection, visit Indian grocery stores or order online. Buy small quantities if you're just starting out.

Q: Is Indian food always spicy hot?
A: No! While some dishes are traditionally spicy, many are mild and focus on aromatic flavors rather than heat. You can always adjust the chili level to suit your taste.

Q: Can I make Indian food if I'm vegetarian/vegan?
A: Absolutely! India has a rich tradition of vegetarian cooking, and many dishes are naturally vegan or can be easily adapted.

Q: How do I store Indian spices?
A: Keep spices in airtight containers away from heat, light, and moisture. Whole spices last longer than ground ones, so consider grinding spices as needed.

Expert Opinions on Authentic Indian Cooking

I've had the privilege of learning from some wonderful Indian cooks over the years. Here's what they taught me:

Chef Vikram Singh, Culinary Instructor:

"The secret to great Indian food is patience. Let the onions caramelize properly, let the spices bloom in oil, and let the flavors meld together slowly. Rushing is the enemy of good Indian cooking."

Meena Auntie, Home Cook Extraordinaire:

"Don't be afraid of spices, but respect them. Each one has its time to enter the pan. Some go in oil, some go in later. Learning this dance of spices is what makes Indian food special."

Conclusion: Your Journey with Authentic Indian Food Dishes to Try at Home

Starting your journey with authentic Indian food dishes at home might seem daunting at first, but I promise it's worth the effort! Begin with simpler recipes like dal or butter chicken, then gradually expand your repertoire as you gain confidence.

Remember that authenticity isn't about following recipes exactly - it's about understanding the techniques and flavor principles that make Indian cooking special. Each region, each family, and each cook has their own variations.