How to Make a Quick Indian Dinner with Basic Ingredients

When you’re short on time but craving a flavorful meal, making a quick Indian dinner with basic ingredients is a perfect solution. Indian cuisine is known for its rich spices and vibrant flavors, and you can whip up a delightful dish in no time. Here’s how you can prepare a simple dinner using common staples found in many kitchens.

Essential Ingredients

Before diving into the recipes, let's list some basic ingredients you might already have:

  • Rice or flatbreads (like roti or naan)
  • Legumes (such as lentils, chickpeas, or any beans)
  • Vegetables (like potatoes, peas, carrots, or spinach)
  • Onions and tomatoes
  • Basic spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and red chili powder)
  • Cooking oil (vegetable or ghee)
  • Salt to taste

Recipe 1: Quick Vegetable Khichdi

Khichdi is a comforting one-pot dish made with rice and lentils, sometimes enhanced with vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup lentils (moong dal works well)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • Salt to taste
  • 2-3 cups water
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee

Instructions

  1. In a pressure cooker, heat the oil and sauté the onions until golden brown.
  2. Add the chopped tomatoes, mixed vegetables, turmeric, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
  3. Mix in the rice and lentils, then add water. Stir well.
  4. Close the lid and cook for about 2-3 whistles (or cook until everything is soft and mushy).
  5. Let the pressure release, fluff it up, and serve with yogurt or pickle.

Recipe 2: Chickpea Curry (Chole)

If you have canned chickpeas, this quick and delicious curry can be made in a matter of minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, pureed
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil

    Instructions

    1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden.
    2. Add the pureed tomato and cook until the oil separates.
    3. Stir in the turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala.
    4. Add the chickpeas and a little water for desired consistency. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
    5. Serve hot with rice or flatbreads.

    Recipe 3: Spinach and Potato Stir Fry (Aloo Palak)

    This nutritious dish comes together quickly and pairs beautifully with rice or roti.

    Ingredients

    • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
    • 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or frozen spinach)
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 1 tsp cumin seeds
    • 1 tsp turmeric
    • Salt to taste
    • 2 tbsp oil

    Instructions

    1. In a pan, heat oil and sauté cumin seeds until fragrant.
    2. Add the onions and roast until they turn translucent.
    3. Add the diced potatoes and cook