Last Updated on April 15, 2025 by Caesar
When it comes to home-cooked food, nothing matches the warmth and variety of Indian cuisine. From aromatic spices to colorful ingredients, even the most basic dishes can feel like a celebration. What makes these meals even more special is how accessible they are—you don’t need to be a trained chef to prepare satisfying and flavorful food at home. If you’re looking for Simple Indian Recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and made with love, you’re not alone.
A great place to explore authentic and easy-to-cook meals is Awesome Cuisine, where recipes are curated with home cooks in mind. With clear instructions and traditional flavor combinations, this resource helps take the guesswork out of Indian cooking.
Comfort in a Bowl: Moong Dal Khichdi
A dish that’s equal parts comfort and nutrition, moong dal khichdi is one of the best simple Indian recipes for a quick weekday meal. Made with yellow lentils and rice, this humble one-pot dish is soothing, especially when paired with a spoonful of ghee and a side of pickle. It’s easy to digest and can be customized with vegetables or spices depending on taste. On days when you want something warm and nourishing, khichdi never fails.
Spicy and Sweet: Tamarind Rice (Puliyodarai)
One of the lesser-known but incredibly flavorful simple Indian recipes is tamarind rice. This South Indian favorite combines the tanginess of tamarind with a mixture of spices, lentils, and curry leaves. It’s the kind of dish that gets better as it sits, making it perfect for lunchboxes or leftovers. Sites like Awesome Cuisine guide you through the exact proportions needed to balance the sour, spicy, and savory notes in this vibrant dish.
Everyday Essential: Aloo Sabzi
No list of simple Indian recipes would be complete without a basic potato sabzi. Potatoes are the canvas for so many flavors, and this dry curry showcases them at their best. Whether made with mustard seeds, turmeric, and cumin, or enhanced with onions and green chilies, aloo sabzi goes perfectly with hot rotis or plain rice. It’s one of those dishes that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—flexible, reliable, and delicious.
One-Pot Wonder: Vegetable Pulao
For those days when you want minimal cleanup and maximum taste, vegetable pulao stands out. This rice-based dish is packed with mixed vegetables, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs. As far as simple Indian recipes go, this one hits the mark for ease and balance. It can be served alone with raita or enjoyed alongside a curry. On Awesome Cuisine, you’ll find variations with paneer, mint, or even coconut, offering plenty of ways to make it your own.
Quick Fix: Besan Chilla
Sometimes, breakfast needs to be quick but filling. Besan chilla, or savory gram flour pancake, is one of the quickest simple Indian recipes you can whip up with ingredients in your pantry. Just mix chickpea flour with water, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and a pinch of turmeric. Pour onto a hot pan like a pancake and cook until golden brown. High in protein and naturally gluten-free, it’s a healthy choice for any time of the day.
Tangy Treat: Lemon Rice
Bright, zesty, and ready in under 20 minutes—lemon rice is a South Indian staple that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful. This dish starts with cooked rice tossed in a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, peanuts, green chilies, and of course, fresh lemon juice. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice, and one of the go-to simple Indian recipes for busy mornings or quick dinners.
Savory and Crisp: Onion Pakoras
Craving something crunchy for a snack? Onion pakoras are deep-fried fritters made with sliced onions, gram flour, and spices. Perfect during rainy weather or served with evening tea, they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. While they might sound indulgent, they’re surprisingly easy to make and come together in minutes—another great option from the long list of simple Indian recipes for those who love flavorful snacks without fuss.
Wholesome Classic: Chana Masala
Chickpeas cooked in a tomato-onion gravy with a blend of spices—chana masala is hearty and filling. Whether paired with rice or flatbread, it remains one of the most satisfying simple Indian recipes for everyday meals. The key to this dish lies in balancing the spices and allowing the flavors to develop slowly. With step-by-step guidance from sites like Awesome Cuisine, even beginners can nail this popular dish.
Indian food doesn’t need to be overwhelming or complicated. In fact, some of the most cherished meals come from everyday kitchens using everyday ingredients. With platforms like Awesome Cuisine offering a treasure trove of simple Indian recipes, it’s easier than ever to explore the diversity of flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a full table, there’s a recipe waiting to become a new favorite.
