Simple Indian Dinner Recipes with Minimal Ingredients

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, quick and uncomplicated dinner recipes are a necessity. Indian cuisine, with its diverse flavors and ingredients, offers plenty of options that can be prepared with minimal effort. Here are some simple Indian dinner recipes that require only a few ingredients yet deliver on taste and satisfaction.

1. Vegetable Khichdi

Khichdi is a comforting dish, perfect for those busy weeknights. It is made with rice and lentils, and you can add any vegetable of your choice.

• Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1/2 cup split yellow lentils (moong dal), mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans), salt, and water.
• Instructions: Rinse the rice and lentils. In a pressure cooker, sauté vegetables for a few minutes, add rice, lentils, salt, and water (about 4 cups). Cook for 3-4 whistles, then allow to release pressure naturally.

2. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)

Aloo Gobi is a simple and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or roti.

• Ingredients: 2 medium potatoes, 1 small cauliflower, 1 onion, turmeric powder, salt, and oil.
• Instructions: Chop potatoes and cauliflower into small pieces. Heat oil in a pan, sauté the chopped onions until golden, add turmeric, and stir in potatoes and cauliflower. Add salt, cover, and cook until tender.

3. Curd Rice

Curd rice is a refreshing dish that is incredibly easy to make and is great for digestion.

• Ingredients: 1 cup cooked rice, 1 cup yogurt, salt, and a sprinkle of mustard seeds.
• Instructions: Mix the cooked rice with yogurt and add salt. In a small pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, and pour this over the rice. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

4. Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Curry)

Masoor dal is quick to cook and is packed with protein.

• Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, 1 onion, 1 tomato, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and salt.
• Instructions: Rinse the lentils and add to a pot with water (3-4 cups). Once boiling, add chopped onions, tomatoes, turmeric, and salt. Cook until lentils are soft. Temper with cumin seeds in heated oil, then mix into the dal.

5. Vegetable Upma

Upma is a savory semolina dish that’s perfect for dinner and can be customized with various vegetables.

• Ingredients: 1 cup semolina (rava), mixed vegetables (peas, carrots), mustard seeds, cumin seeds, salt, and oil.
• Instructions: Dry roast semolina until light golden and set aside. In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, followed by vegetables. Add water (about 2 cups) and salt. Once boiling, gradually add the semolina, stirring continuously until it thickens.

6. Spinach Dal (Palak Dal)

Spinach dal is a nutritious and quick dish that brings together the goodness of lentils and spinach.

• Ingredients: 1 cup split green lentils (moong dal), 2 cups spinach, 1 onion, cumin seeds, and salt.
• Instructions: Cook the lentils with water until soft. In a separate pan, sauté onions with cumin seeds until golden, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Combine with the lentils and season with salt.

These simple Indian dinner recipes require minimal ingredients but offer maximum flavor. They are ideal for busy weeknights and provide wholesome meals that the entire family can enjoy. Try these recipes and add variety to your dinner table while keeping it simple and delicious!