Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a smoky, char-grilled North Indian starter made from marinated paneer and vegetables threaded onto skewers. A vegetarian answer to tandoori chicken, it's a party and restaurant favourite across India. Paneer Tikka at a Glance Cuisine North Indian Country India Meal Snack Course Snack / Starter Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 20 minutes Total time About 1 hour 40 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 4-5 skewer pieces Paneer Tikka Ingredients 300g paneer, cubed; 1 capsicum, cubed; 1 onion, cubed; 1/2 cup thick curd; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp kasuri methi, crushed; 1 tbsp gram flour (besan), lightly roasted; salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil; lemon wedges to serve. How to Make Paneer Tikka Whisk curd with ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, kasuri methi…
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Naan

Naan is a soft, pillowy leavened flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor, characterised by its bubbly, charred surface. A staple alongside rich North Indian curries, it's easily made at home on a hot tawa or in the oven. Naan at a Glance Cuisine North Indian (Punjabi) Country India Meal Dinner Course Bread / Side Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 20 minutes Total time About 3 hours Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 naan Naan Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp instant yeast; 1/2 tsp sugar; 1/4 cup curd; 2 tbsp milk; 1 tbsp oil; salt to taste; warm water as needed; butter for brushing; nigella or sesame seeds (optional). How to Make Naan Dissolve yeast and sugar in a little warm water; let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Mix flour with salt, curd, milk, oil and the yeast mixture; knead into a soft, smooth dough, adding water as needed. C…
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Khichdi

Khichdi is India's ultimate comfort food — soft, well-cooked rice and moong dal simmered together into a warm, easily digestible one-pot meal. Gentle enough for babies and the ill, yet satisfying enough for everyday dinners, it's a dish every household knows. Khichdi at a Glance Cuisine Pan-India Country India Meal Lunch Course Main Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 10 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 35 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup Khichdi Ingredients 1/2 cup rice; 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal; 1/4 tsp turmeric; a pinch of hing; 1 tsp cumin seeds; salt to taste; 4 cups water; 2 tbsp ghee; a few whole vegetables like carrot and peas (optional); coriander leaves to garnish. How to Make Khichdi Wash rice and moong dal together until the water runs clear. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker; add cumin seeds and hing, let them sizzle. Add rice, dal, tu…
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Rasam

Rasam is a light, tangy South Indian soup made from tamarind, tomato and toor dal, finished with a fragrant tempering. Often served alongside rice or sipped on its own, it's especially valued as a comforting remedy during colds. Rasam at a Glance Cuisine South Indian Country India Meal Lunch Course Main / Soup Food Type Vegan Difficulty Easy Preparation 10 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 35 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup Rasam Ingredients 1/4 cup toor dal, cooked and mashed; 2 tomatoes, chopped; a small lemon-sized ball of tamarind, soaked; 2 tbsp rasam powder; 1/4 tsp turmeric; a pinch of hing; salt to taste; 3 cups water. For tempering: 1 tbsp ghee; 1 tsp mustard seeds; 1 tsp cumin seeds; a few curry leaves; 1 dried red chilli; coriander leaves to garnish. How to Make Rasam Extract tamarind pulp from the soaked tamarind. In a pot, combine tomato, tamarind pulp, …
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Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken is a classic Punjabi dish of chicken marinated in spiced curd and roasted until charred and smoky. Traditionally cooked in a clay tandoor, it's easily recreated in a home oven or on a stovetop grill pan. Tandoori Chicken at a Glance Cuisine North Indian (Punjabi) Country India Meal Snack Course Snack / Starter Food Type Non-Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 35 minutes Total time About 5-6.5 hours Servings 4 Suggested serving 2 pieces Tandoori Chicken Ingredients 8 chicken drumsticks or thighs, skin removed and slashed; 1/2 cup thick curd; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp turmeric; salt to taste; 2 tbsp mustard or neutral oil; butter for basting; lemon wedges and onion rings to serve. How to Make Tandoori Chicken Whisk curd with ginger-garlic paste, lemo…
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Gobi Manchurian

Gobi Manchurian is a crispy, tangy Indo-Chinese starter made from battered, deep-fried cauliflower tossed in a garlicky soy-based sauce. A staple of India's beloved Indo-Chinese cuisine, it's equally popular as a starter or a side with noodles. Gobi Manchurian at a Glance Cuisine Indo-Chinese Country India Meal Snack Course Snack / Starter Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 20 minutes Total time About 40 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup Gobi Manchurian Ingredients 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets; 1/2 cup cornflour; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste; salt and pepper to taste; water as needed; oil for deep frying. For sauce: 1 tbsp oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, minced; 2 spring onions, chopped (whites and greens separated); 1 capsicum, sliced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp tomato ketchup; 1 tsp red chilli sauce; 1 tsp vin…
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Chicken Manchurian

Chicken Manchurian is a crispy, savoury Indo-Chinese favourite — battered fried chicken tossed in a glossy garlic-soy sauce. Bold, quick to make, and endlessly popular, it's a fixture on Indian restaurant menus nationwide. Chicken Manchurian at a Glance Cuisine Indo-Chinese Country India Meal Dinner Course Main / Starter Food Type Non-Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 45 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup Chicken Manchurian Ingredients 500g boneless chicken, cubed; 1/2 cup cornflour; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 egg; 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste; salt and pepper to taste; oil for deep frying. For sauce: 1 tbsp oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, minced; 2 spring onions, chopped (whites and greens separated); 1 capsicum, sliced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp tomato ketchup; 1 tsp red chilli sauce; 1 tsp vinegar; 1 tsp cornflour mixed with…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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. …
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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. …
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Chingri Malai Curry Recipe: Bengali Prawn Curry with Coconut Milk iiQ8

Chingri Malai Curry Recipe: Bengali Prawn Curry with Coconut Milk   Chingri Malai Curry Recipe 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 Recipe 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; mustar…
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Mutton Rogan Josh Recipe: Best Authentic Kashmiri Mutton Curry iiQ8

Mutton Rogan Josh Recipe: Authentic Kashmiri Mutton Curry   Mutton Rogan Josh Recipe 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 Recipe 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 s…
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Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: Smoky Chicken in Creamy Tomato Gravy iiQ8

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: Smoky Chicken in Creamy Tomato Gravy   Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe 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…
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Pav Bhaji Recipe: Mumbai-Style Spicy Buttered Vegetable Curry iiQ8

Pav Bhaji Recipe: Mumbai-Style Spicy Buttered Vegetable Curry iiQ8 Pav Bhaji Recipe 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 Recipe 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 …
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Misal Pav Recipe: Spicy Maharashtrian Sprouts Curry with Pav iiQ8

Misal Pav Recipe: Spicy Maharashtrian Sprouts Curry with Pav Misal Pav Recipe 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 Recipe 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 cho…
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Chana Masala Recipe: Spicy North Indian Chickpea Curry iiQ8

Chana Masala Recipe: Spicy North Indian Chickpea Curry iiQ8 Chana Masala Recipe 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 Recipe 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 Chan…
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Matar Paneer Recipe: Easy North Indian Peas and Paneer Curry iiQ8

Matar Paneer Recipe: Easy North Indian Peas and Paneer Curry iiQ8   Matar Paneer Recipe 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 Recipe 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;…
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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…
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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…
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