SMB

Hakka Noodles

Hakka Noodles are stir-fried Indo-Chinese noodles tossed with crisp vegetables in a savoury soy-based sauce over high heat. Quick and endlessly adaptable, they're a staple side or main across Indian homes and restaurants alike. Hakka Noodles at a Glance Cuisine Indo-Chinese Country India Meal Dinner Course Main Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 20 minutes Total time About 35 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1.5 cups Hakka Noodles Ingredients 250g noodles (Hakka or any thin wheat noodles); 1 carrot, julienned; 1 capsicum, julienned; 1 cup cabbage, shredded; 2 spring onions, chopped (whites and greens separated); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, minced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp vinegar; 1 tsp red chilli sauce; salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp oil. How to Make Hakka Noodles Cook the noodles according to package instructions until just tender; drain,…

Rasmalai

Rasmalai is a luxurious Bengali dessert of soft chenna dumplings soaked in thickened, saffron-scented sweetened milk (rabri). Lighter and creamier than syrup-based sweets, it's a festive favourite across India. Rasmalai at a Glance Cuisine Bengali Country India Meal Dessert Course Dessert / Festival Sweet Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Hard Preparation 30 minutes Cooking 40 minutes Total time About 3.5 hours Servings 6 Suggested serving 2 pieces Rasmalai Ingredients 1 litre full-fat milk (for chenna); 2-3 tbsp lemon juice, diluted with water; 1.5 cups sugar; 5 cups water (for boiling). For rabri: 1 litre full-fat milk; 1/4 cup sugar; a few cardamom pods, crushed; a few saffron strands; 2 tbsp chopped pistachios and almonds. How to Make Rasmalai Bring milk to a boil; turn off heat and add diluted lemon juice gradually until the milk fully curdles into chenna and clear whey. Strain throug…

Kulfi

Kulfi is India's traditional frozen dessert, made by slow-reducing milk to a dense, creamy consistency before freezing in moulds. Denser and richer than regular ice cream, it's a beloved summer treat across the country. Kulfi at a Glance Cuisine North Indian Country India Meal Dessert Course Dessert Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 40 minutes Total time About 7-9 hours Servings 6 Suggested serving 1 kulfi Kulfi Ingredients 1 litre full-fat milk; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with a little milk; 1/2 tsp cardamom powder; a few saffron strands; 2 tbsp chopped pistachios and almonds. How to Make Kulfi Bring milk to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot; reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until it reduces by about half, 30-35 minutes. Add the cornflour-milk mixture and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously, until slightly thickened. Add…

Mango Lassi

Mango Lassi is a thick, refreshing yoghurt drink blended with sweet mango pulp, popular across North India especially during the summer mango season. Cooling and lightly tangy, it's a simple five-minute treat. Mango Lassi at a Glance Cuisine North Indian (Punjabi) Country India Meal Beverage Course Drink Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 10 minutes Cooking 0 minutes Total time About 10 minutes Servings 2 Suggested serving 1 glass Mango Lassi Ingredients 1 cup ripe mango pulp (fresh or canned); 1 cup thick curd; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to mango's sweetness); a pinch of cardamom powder (optional); ice cubes as needed; chopped pistachios to garnish. How to Make Mango Lassi Combine mango pulp, curd, milk and sugar in a blender. Add cardamom powder if using. Blend until completely smooth and frothy. Taste and adjust sugar depending on how sweet the mango is. …

Masala Chai

Masala Chai is India's everyday cup of comfort — black tea simmered with milk and warming whole spices like cardamom, ginger and cinnamon. Brewed in homes and sold at roadside stalls alike, it's a daily ritual across the country. Masala Chai at a Glance Cuisine Pan-India Country India Meal Beverage Course Drink Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 5 minutes Cooking 10 minutes Total time About 15 minutes Servings 2 Suggested serving 1 cup Masala Chai Ingredients 2 cups water; 1 cup milk; 2 tsp black tea leaves (or 2 tea bags); 2-3 green cardamom pods, crushed; 1 small piece of ginger, crushed; 1 small cinnamon stick (optional); 2-3 whole black peppercorns (optional); sugar to taste. How to Make Masala Chai In a saucepan, combine water, crushed cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and peppercorns if using. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to release the spices' flavour. …

Chingri Malai Curry

Chingri Malai Curry is a festive Bengali dish of prawns simmered in a rich, lightly spiced coconut milk gravy. A special-occasion favourite, its delicate sweetness from coconut sets it apart from most other Indian prawn curries. Chingri Malai Curry at a Glance Cuisine Bengali Country India Meal Dinner Course Main / Curry Food Type Non-Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 45 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 5-6 prawns with gravy Chingri Malai Curry Ingredients 500g prawns, cleaned and deveined; 1/4 tsp turmeric (for marinating prawns); 1 onion, sliced; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 2 green chillies, slit; 1/2 tsp turmeric (for gravy); 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 cup coconut milk; 1/2 tsp garam masala; salt to taste; mustard oil or ghee; a bay leaf; 2 green cardamom pods. How to Make Chingri Malai Curry Marinate prawns with turmeric and salt for …

Mutton Rogan Josh

Mutton Rogan Josh is a rich, aromatic Kashmiri curry made by slow-simmering mutton in curd and warming whole spices until deeply tender. Its vibrant red hue traditionally comes from Kashmiri chilli powder rather than intense heat. Mutton Rogan Josh at a Glance Cuisine Kashmiri Country India Meal Dinner Course Main / Curry Food Type Non-Vegetarian Difficulty Hard Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 1 hour Total time About 1 hour 20 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 4-5 pieces with gravy Mutton Rogan Josh Ingredients 700g mutton, bone-in pieces; 1 cup curd, whisked; 2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp fennel powder; 1/4 tsp dry ginger powder (saunth); 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing); 1 tsp garam masala; salt to taste; whole spices (2 bay leaves, 4 cloves, 2 black cardamom, 1 cinnamon stick); mustard oil or ghee; coriander leaves to garnish. How to Make Mutton Rogan Josh Heat mustard oil in a he…

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala pairs smoky grilled chicken chunks with a rich, creamy tomato gravy. One of the most popular Indian curries worldwide, it's built on the same technique as butter chicken but with its own distinct spice profile. Chicken Tikka Masala at a Glance Cuisine North Indian (British-Indian) Country India Meal Dinner Course Main / Curry Food Type Non-Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 35 minutes Total time About 1 hour 55 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe Ingredients 600g boneless chicken, cubed; 1/2 cup curd; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp garam masala; salt to taste (marinade). For gravy: 4 tomatoes, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp paprika or Kashmiri chilli powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander…

Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is Mumbai's iconic street food — a richly spiced, buttery mashed vegetable curry served with soft, toasted bread rolls. Born from mill-worker fast food, it's now one of India's most beloved comfort dishes. Pav Bhaji at a Glance Cuisine Maharashtrian Country India Meal Dinner Course Main / Street Food Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 30 minutes Total time About 50 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup bhaji with 2 pav Pav Bhaji Ingredients 3 medium potatoes, boiled; 1 cup cauliflower, boiled; 1/2 cup green peas, boiled; 1 capsicum, finely chopped; 2 onions, finely chopped (1 for bhaji, 1 for topping); 2 tomatoes, chopped; 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; salt to taste; 3 tbsp butter, plus more for pav; 8 pav (soft bread rolls); coriander leaves and lemon wedges to serve. How to Mak…

Misal Pav

Misal Pav is a fiery Maharashtrian breakfast of sprouted moth beans simmered in a thin, spicy gravy, topped with crunchy farsan and served with soft pav. Especially bold in its Kolhapuri form, it's a protein-rich street-food classic. Misal Pav at a Glance Cuisine Maharashtrian Country India Meal Breakfast Course Main / Street Food Food Type Vegan Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 30 minutes Total time About 1-2 days plus 50 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup misal with 2 pav Misal Pav Ingredients 2 cups sprouted moth beans (matki); 1 onion, chopped; 1 tomato, chopped; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 2 tbsp misal masala or a mix of red chilli powder and garam masala; 1/4 tsp turmeric; salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil; farsan (crunchy Indian snack mix) for topping; finely chopped onion, coriander leaves and lemon wedges to serve; pav to serve. How to Make Misal Pav Sprout the moth…

Chana Masala

Chana Masala is a deeply spiced North Indian chickpea curry, simmered in a tangy tomato-onion gravy until thick and flavourful. A staple of everyday vegetarian cooking, it's equally at home with rice, roti, or fried bhature. Chana Masala at a Glance Cuisine North Indian (Punjabi) Country India Meal Lunch Course Main Food Type Vegan Difficulty Medium Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 35 minutes Total time About 8.5-9 hours Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup Chana Masala Ingredients 1.5 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight; 1 onion, chopped; 2 tomatoes, pureed; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 2 tsp chana masala or chole masala powder; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp cumin seeds; a pinch of hing; salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil; coriander leaves to garnish. How to Make Chana Masala Pressure-cook the soaked chickpeas with salt and enough water until very soft, about 20-25 minutes. Heat oil…

Matar Paneer

Matar Paneer is a comforting North Indian curry combining soft paneer cubes with green peas in a lightly spiced tomato gravy. Simpler and quicker than richer paneer curries, it's a reliable everyday vegetarian staple. Matar Paneer at a Glance Cuisine North Indian Country India Meal Dinner Course Main / Curry Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 40 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup Matar Paneer Ingredients 200g paneer, cubed; 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen); 1 onion, chopped; 2 tomatoes, pureed; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1/2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp cumin seeds; salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil or ghee; coriander leaves to garnish; 2 tbsp cream (optional). How to Make Matar Paneer Heat oil in a pan; add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Add onion and sauté u…

Chicken 65 Recipe – Crispy South Indian Spicy Chicken Starter iiQ8 Best

Chicken 65 Recipe - Crispy South Indian Spicy Chicken Starter Chicken 65 Recipe is a fiery, deep-fried South Indian starter, coated in a spiced batter and tossed with curry leaves, garlic and green chilli. Originating in Chennai, its punchy heat and crisp texture have made it a nationwide restaurant favourite. Chicken 65 at a Glance Cuisine South Indian (Tamil Nadu) Country India Meal Snack Course Snack / Starter Food Type Non-Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 20 minutes Total time About 70 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 6-8 pieces Chicken 65 Recipe Ingredients 500g boneless chicken, cubed; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tbsp curd; 1 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp black pepper, crushed; 2 tbsp cornflour; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 egg; salt to taste; oil for deep frying. For tempering: 1 tbsp oil; a f…

Chicken Biryani Recipe: Hyderabadi Dum Chicken Biryani | iiQ8 Best

Chicken Biryani Recipe: Hyderabadi Dum Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani Recipe is a fragrant, layered rice dish made by slow-cooking marinated chicken and part-cooked basmati rice together under a sealed lid (dum). It's one of the most-loved festive and weekend dishes across the Indian subcontinent. Chicken Biryani at a Glance Cuisine Hyderabadi Country India Meal Lunch Course Main Food Type Non-Vegetarian Difficulty Hard Preparation 30 minutes Cooking 50 minutes Total time About 2.5 hours Servings 5 Suggested serving 1.5 cups Chicken Biryani Recipe Ingredients 500g chicken, bone-in pieces; 2 cups basmati rice, soaked 30 minutes; 1 cup thick curd; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 2 onions, thinly sliced and fried crisp; 2 green chillies, slit; 1/4 cup mint leaves; 1/4 cup coriander leaves; 1 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp turm…

Kadai Paneer Recipe – Easy North Indian Restaurant-Style Paneer with Capsicum

Kadai Paneer Recipe - Easy North Indian Restaurant-Style Paneer with Capsicum Kadai Paneer Recipe is a North Indian curry made by tossing paneer cubes and crisp-tender bell peppers in a freshly ground, coarsely crushed spice blend. Named after the wok-like kadai it's traditionally cooked in, it's a popular restaurant-style dish that's easy to recreate at home. Kadai Paneer at a Glance Cuisine North Indian Country India Meal Dinner Course Main / Curry Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 40 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup Kadai Paneer Recipe Ingredients 200g paneer, cubed; 1 capsicum, cubed; 1 onion, cubed; 2 tomatoes, pureed; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1.5 tbsp kadai masala (or coarsely crushed coriander seeds and dried red chilli); 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1/2 t…

Egg Curry Recipe – Easy North Indian Egg Curry with Onion Tomato Gravy

Egg Curry Recipe - Easy North Indian Egg Curry with Onion Tomato Gravy Egg Curry Recipe is a quick, protein-rich North Indian dish made by simmering boiled eggs in a spiced onion-tomato gravy. Simple, budget-friendly and fast to prepare, it's a popular weeknight dinner across Indian households. Egg Curry at a Glance Cuisine North Indian Country India Meal Dinner Course Main / Curry Food Type Non-Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 10 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 35 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 2 eggs with gravy Egg Curry Recipe Ingredients 6 eggs, boiled and peeled; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 tomatoes, pureed; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1/2 tsp garam masala; salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil; coriander leaves to garnish. How to Make Egg C…

Aloo Gobi Recipe – Easy North Indian Potato & Cauliflower Curry

Aloo Gobi Recipe - Easy North Indian Potato & Cauliflower Curry Aloo Gobi Recipe is a simple, everyday North Indian curry made from potato and cauliflower cooked together with warming spices. Naturally vegan and light on oil, it's a household staple often served alongside dal, rice and roti. Aloo Gobi at a Glance Cuisine North Indian Country India Meal Dinner Course Main / Side Food Type Vegan Difficulty Easy Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 40 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup Aloo Gobi Recipe Ingredients 2 medium potatoes, cubed; 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets; 1 onion, chopped; 1 tomato, chopped; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1/2 tsp garam masala; 1/2 inch ginger, grated; salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil; coriander leaves to garnish. How to M…

Uttapam Recipe – Easy South Indian Vegetable Uttapam with Dosa Batter

Uttapam Recipe – Easy South Indian Vegetable Uttapam with Dosa Batter Uttapam Recipe is a thick, savoury South Indian pancake made from the same fermented rice-and-lentil batter as dosa, topped with onions, tomatoes and green chillies before cooking. Its soft, spongy texture makes it a comforting alternative to crispy dosa. Uttapam at a Glance Cuisine South Indian Country India Meal Breakfast Course Main / Breakfast Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 20 minutes Total time About 9-13 hours Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 uttapam Uttapam Recipe Ingredients 2 cups dosa/idli batter (fermented); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 small tomato, finely chopped; 1 green chilli, chopped; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; salt to taste; oil for cooking. How to Make Uttapam Ensure the batter is well fermented and of a slightly thick…

Sabudana Khichdi Recipe – Easy Maharashtrian Vrat Breakfast with Peanuts & Potato

Sabudana Khichdi Recipe - Easy Maharashtrian Vrat Breakfast with Peanuts & Potato Sabudana Khichdi Recipe is a Maharashtrian dish made from soaked tapioca pearls (sabudana), tossed with roasted peanuts, potato and mild spices. It's a classic fasting-day (vrat) food, but is equally loved as an everyday light breakfast. Sabudana Khichdi at a Glance Cuisine Maharashtrian Country India Meal Breakfast Course Main / Breakfast Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 15 minutes Total time About 4.5-6.5 hours Servings 3 Suggested serving 1 cup Sabudana Khichdi Recipe Ingredients 1.5 cups sabudana (tapioca pearls), soaked 4-6 hours; 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed; 1 medium potato, boiled and cubed; 1 green chilli, chopped; 1 tsp cumin seeds; a few curry leaves; 1 tsp sugar; juice of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; roc…

Semiya Upma Recipe: Easy South Indian Vermicelli Upma iiQ8 Best Cooking

Semiya Upma Recipe: Easy South Indian Vermicelli Upma Semiya Upma Recipe is a quick South Indian breakfast made from roasted vermicelli, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves and vegetables. It's light, fast to cook, and a favourite for busy weekday mornings and kids' tiffin boxes alike. Semiya Upma at a Glance Cuisine South Indian Country India Meal Breakfast Course Main / Breakfast Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 10 minutes Cooking 15 minutes Total time About 25 minutes Servings 3 Suggested serving 1 cup Semiya Upma Recipe Ingredients 1.5 cups vermicelli (semiya), roasted; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 green chilli, chopped; 1/2 tsp mustard seeds; 1 tsp urad dal; a few curry leaves; 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas); 2.5 cups water; salt to taste; 1 tbsp oil; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped. How to Make Semiya Upma…

Keema Paratha Recipe: Spicy Minced Meat Stuffed Paratha iiQ8 Best Cooking

Keema Paratha Recipe: Spicy Minced Meat Stuffed Paratha Keema Paratha Recipe is a hearty North Indian flatbread stuffed with spiced minced meat, popular as a weekend breakfast or brunch. Rich, filling and packed with protein, it's a favourite in households that enjoy a non-vegetarian twist on the classic stuffed paratha. Keema Paratha at a Glance Cuisine North Indian Country India Meal Breakfast Course Main / Breakfast Food Type Non-Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 25 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 65 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 paratha Keema Paratha Recipe Ingredients 2 cups whole wheat flour; 1/2 tsp salt; water as needed; 1 tsp oil. For the keema filling: 300g minced mutton or chicken; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 tomato, finely chopped; 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp garam masala; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp coriander…