Exploring the Easiest Indian Dishes for Foreigners to Cook

When it comes to embracing the exquisite flavors of Indian cuisine, which dishes make the perfect entry point for non-Indian cooks? In this article, we'll dive into some of the easiest and most delectable Indian recipes, sharing tips and tricks to ensure your cooking journey is both enjoyable and successful.

Chicken Tikka Masala: A Step-by-Step Guide

An easy and exquisite dish, Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most beloved Indian recipes among non-Indians. This creamy, aromatic curry is a great introduction to Indian flavors. Let's break it down with the key ingredients and detailed instructions:

Ingredients

500g boneless chicken pieces, cubed 1 cup plain yogurt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1 can of tomato sauce or 1 cup tomato puree 1 tablespoon garam masala Indian spice blend 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color) 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) Salt to taste Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish Cooked rice or naan bread for serving

Instructions

Mix the yogurt with half of the ginger, garlic, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and salt in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the yogurt mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes or longer for better flavor. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's soft and translucent. Add the remaining ginger and garlic and sauté for another minute. Stir in the tomato sauce or puree and simmer for a few minutes. Add the marinated chicken to the tomato mixture and simmer until the chicken is cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Adjust the seasoning with salt and chili powder to taste. Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and accompanied by rice or naan bread.

This dish proves relatively easy to prepare and offers a delicious introduction to Indian flavors. Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness to your preference and savor the creamy aromatic sauce with tender chicken.

Personal Preferences and Experiences

From my personal experience living in Japan and teaching Indian cooking classes, I've found that chicken curry is one of the easiest non-vegetarian dishes for beginners. It involves just a few ingredients like whole gram masala, turmeric, salt, chicken, and potatoes. For a bit of variety, yogurt or tomatoes can be added.

My Favorite: Mutton Biryani

One of the more challenging dishes for me is achieving the perfect balance between cooked rice and cooked meat, particularly in Mutton Biryani. Balancing these two elements ensures that the meat is tender and the rice cooks perfectly without becoming too overdosed with spices.

Exploring Vegetarian Options

For those who prefer vegetarian options, a simple mix of sautéed vegetables with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt serves as an excellent base. To add more variety, different combinations of vegetables can be used, and for a twist, adding cashew paste and garam masala transforms this dish into a Navratan style curry.

These easy-to-follow recipes and strategies can help you embark on your journey to master the art of Indian cooking. So, give these dishes a try and enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of Indian cuisine!