Rava Dosa

Rava Dosa is a crispy, lacy South Indian crepe made from a thin, instant semolina batter, needing no fermentation. Its delicate, holey texture and quick preparation make it a popular choice for a fuss-free weekday breakfast.

Rava Dosa at a Glance CuisineSouth Indian CountryIndia MealBreakfast CourseMain / Breakfast Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyMedium Preparation10 minutes Cooking20 minutes Total timeAbout 50 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving2 dosas Rava Dosa Ingredients 1 cup rava (semolina); 1/2 cup rice flour; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup curd; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 green chilli, chopped; 1/2 inch ginger, grated; a few curry leaves, chopped; 1/4 tsp cumin seeds; a few crushed black peppercorns; salt to taste; water as needed; oil for cooking. How to Make Rava Dosa Whisk rava, rice flour, all-purpose flour and curd with water into a very thin, watery batter, similar to neer dosa consistency. Rest the batter for 20 minutes to let the rava absor…
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Gajar Ka Halwa

Gajar Ka Halwa is North India's classic winter dessert, made by slow-cooking grated carrots in milk until rich and fudgy, then finished with ghee and nuts. A festive favourite, it's especially popular during the colder months when fresh red carrots are in season.

Gajar Ka Halwa at a Glance CuisineNorth Indian CountryIndia MealDessert CourseDessert / Festival Sweet Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyMedium Preparation20 minutes Cooking45 minutes Total timeAbout 65 minutes Servings6 Suggested serving1/2 cup Gajar Ka Halwa Ingredients 1 kg carrots, grated; 1 litre full-fat milk; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup ghee; 1/2 tsp cardamom powder; 2 tbsp chopped almonds and cashews; 1 tbsp raisins. How to Make Gajar Ka Halwa Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan; add grated carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Add milk and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the milk is fully absorbed and reduced, about 30-35 minutes. Add sugar and continue coo…
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Kashmiri Dum Aloo

Kashmiri Dum Aloo is a distinctive curd-based curry made with fried baby potatoes simmered in a mildly spiced, vibrant red gravy coloured by Kashmiri chilli powder. Traditionally made without onion or garlic, it showcases the delicate, aromatic style of Kashmiri Pandit cuisine. Kashmiri Dum Aloo at a Glance Cuisine Kashmiri Country India Meal Dinner Course Main / Curry Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 30 minutes Total time About 50 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 5-6 potatoes with gravy Kashmiri Dum Aloo Ingredients 500g baby potatoes, boiled and peeled; 1 cup curd, whisked; 2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp fennel powder; 1/4 tsp dry ginger powder (saunth); a pinch of asafoetida (hing); 1/2 tsp garam masala; salt to taste; mustard oil or ghee; a few whole spices (2 cloves, 1 bay leaf, 1 black cardamom). How to Make Kashmiri Dum Aloo Lightly…
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Papdi Chaat

Papdi Chaat is a popular North Indian street snack made by topping crisp flat wafers with chickpeas, potato, curd and tangy chutneys. Layered with textures and flavours, it's a favourite party appetizer and evening treat.

Papdi Chaat at a Glance CuisineNorth Indian CountryIndia MealSnack CourseSnack / Street Food Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyEasy Preparation20 minutes Cooking0 minutes Total timeAbout 20 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving1 plate Papdi Chaat Ingredients 20-24 papdi (flat crisp wafers); 1 cup boiled chickpeas; 1 boiled potato, chopped; 1/2 cup curd, whisked; 3 tbsp tamarind chutney; 2 tbsp green mint-coriander chutney; 1/2 tsp chaat masala; 1/4 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder; 1/4 cup sev; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; salt to taste. How to Make Papdi Chaat Arrange the papdi on a serving plate. Top with boiled chickpeas and chopped potato. Drizzle whisked curd generously over the top. Add tamarind chutney and green chu…
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Chana Madra

Chana Madra is a mellow, curd-based chickpea curry from Himachal Pradesh, gently spiced with whole spices rather than heavy chilli. A staple of the traditional Himachali feast called dham, it showcases the region's distinctive, comforting cooking style.

Chana Madra at a Glance CuisineHimachali CountryIndia MealLunch CourseMain / Curry Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyMedium Preparation15 minutes Cooking30 minutes Total timeAbout 8.5 hours Servings4 Suggested serving1 cup Chana Madra Ingredients 1.5 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight; 2 cups curd, whisked smooth; 2 tbsp ghee; 1 bay leaf; 2-3 cloves; 1 small cinnamon stick; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp garam masala; a pinch of hing; salt to taste; a handful of raisins (optional). How to Make Chana Madra Pressure-cook the soaked chickpeas with salt and enough water until fully soft. Heat ghee in a pan; add bay leaf, cloves and cinnamon, let them sizzle briefly. Add hing and turmeric; stir qui…
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Dabeli

Dabeli is a Kutchi Gujarati street snack made from a spiced potato filling stuffed into a bun and topped with pomegranate, peanuts and sev. Tangy, sweet and crunchy all at once, it's a beloved regional take on the classic Indian stuffed bun. Dabeli at a Glance Cuisine Gujarati Country India Meal Snack Course Snack / Street Food Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 20 minutes Cooking 15 minutes Total time About 35 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 dabeli Dabeli Ingredients 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed; 2 tbsp dabeli masala; 1 tbsp tamarind chutney; salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil; 4 pav (soft bread rolls); butter for toasting; pomegranate seeds; roasted peanuts; fine sev; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; extra tamarind and garlic chutney for spreading. How to Make Dabeli Heat oil in a pan; add mashed potato, dabeli masala, tamarind chutney and salt; mix and cook for 5-7…
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Kanchipuram Idli

Kanchipuram Idli is a spiced, robust idli originating from temple kitchens in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, made by folding pepper, cumin, ginger and cashews into fermented idli batter. Flavourful enough to enjoy on its own, it's a distinctive twist on the classic South Indian idli. Kanchipuram Idli at a Glance Cuisine South Indian Country India Meal Breakfast Course Main / Breakfast Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 9-13 hours Servings 4 Suggested serving 3 idlis Kanchipuram Idli Ingredients 2 cups idli rice; 1/2 cup urad dal; 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds; salt to taste; 1 tsp black peppercorns, coarsely crushed; 1 tsp cumin seeds; a pinch of hing; 1 inch ginger, grated; 10-12 cashews, chopped; a few curry leaves, chopped; 2 tbsp ghee. How to Make Kanchipuram Idli Soak idli rice and urad dal (with fenugreek) separately for 4-6 hours, th…
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Dalia Khichdi

Dalia Khichdi is a light, fibre-rich breakfast made by cooking broken wheat with vegetables into a soft, savoury porridge. Easy on the stomach and quick to prepare, it's a popular choice for a wholesome, low-effort start to the day. Dalia Khichdi at a Glance Cuisine North Indian Country India Meal Breakfast Course Main / Breakfast Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 10 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 35 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 cup Dalia Khichdi Ingredients 1 cup dalia (broken wheat), lightly roasted; 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans); 1 small onion, chopped; 1 tomato, chopped; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1/4 tsp turmeric; a pinch of hing; salt to taste; 3 cups water; 1 tbsp ghee or oil; coriander leaves to garnish. How to Make Dalia Khichdi Heat ghee in a pressure cooker; add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Add onion and sauté until translucen…
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Sandesh

Sandesh is a delicate Bengali sweet made from fresh chenna, lightly cooked with sugar and shaped into soft discs or decorative moulds. Lighter and less sweet than many Indian sweets, it's a Bengali festive staple, especially during Durga Puja. Sandesh at a Glance Cuisine Bengali Country India Meal Dessert Course Dessert / Festival Sweet Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 30 minutes Cooking 15 minutes Total time About 75 minutes Servings 6 Suggested serving 2 pieces Sandesh Ingredients 1 litre full-fat milk; 2-3 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, diluted with water; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp cardamom powder; a few saffron strands (optional); chopped pistachios for garnish. How to Make Sandesh Bring milk to a boil; turn off the heat and add diluted lemon juice gradually, stirring gently, until it fully curdles into curds (chenna) and clear whey. Strain through a muslin clot…
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Shrikhand

Shrikhand is a smooth, chilled dessert made by straining curd into a thick base and sweetening it with sugar, cardamom and saffron. A festive favourite in Gujarati and Maharashtrian households, it's traditionally served alongside puri. Shrikhand at a Glance Cuisine Gujarati Country India Meal Dessert Course Dessert / Festival Sweet Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 15 minutes Cooking 0 minutes Total time About 4.5-6.5 hours Servings 4 Suggested serving 1/2 cup Shrikhand Ingredients 2 cups thick curd; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp cardamom powder; a few saffron strands soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk; 2 tbsp chopped pistachios and almonds; a pinch of nutmeg powder (optional). How to Make Shrikhand Tie the curd in a muslin cloth and hang it over a bowl to drain excess whey for 4-6 hours, or until it thickens into a firm, chakka-like consistency. Transfer the strained curd to a …
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Momos

Momos are steamed dumplings filled with spiced vegetables, a Tibetan-influenced dish that's become one of the most popular street snacks across Northeast India and beyond. Served with a fiery chilli dipping sauce, they're loved for their light, savoury bite. Momos at a Glance Cuisine Northeast Indian (Tibetan-influenced) Country India Meal Snack Course Snack / Main Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Medium Preparation 30 minutes Cooking 20 minutes Total time About 70 minutes Servings 4 Suggested serving 6 momos Momos Ingredients For dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour; a pinch of salt; water as needed. For filling: 2 cups finely chopped or grated mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrot, capsicum); 2 spring onions, chopped; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1/2 tsp black pepper; salt to taste; 1 tsp oil. How to Make Momos Knead flour with salt and water into a smooth, firm dough; rest, covered…
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Amritsari Kulcha

Amritsari Kulcha is a soft, potato-stuffed leavened bread from Punjab, traditionally baked in a tandoor and brushed generously with butter. Served alongside spicy chole, it's a beloved street-food breakfast across North India. Amritsari Kulcha at a Glance Cuisine Punjabi Country India Meal Breakfast Course Main / Breakfast Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Hard Preparation 30 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Total time About 3 hours Servings 4 Suggested serving 1 kulcha Amritsari Kulcha Ingredients For dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; a pinch of baking soda; 2 tbsp curd; 1 tbsp oil; salt to taste; water as needed. For filling: 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed; 1 green chilli, chopped; 1/2 inch ginger, grated; 1/2 tsp ajwain; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp amchur; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; salt to taste. Butter and nigella/sesame seeds for topping. How to Make Amrit…
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Peda

Peda is a soft, rich milk sweet made from cooked khoya and sugar, shaped into small discs with a characteristic thumb indent. Famous as Mathura's signature sweet, it's a festive favourite offered during Diwali and Krishna Janmashtami. Peda at a Glance Cuisine North Indian (UP) Country India Meal Dessert Course Dessert / Festival Sweet Food Type Vegetarian Difficulty Easy Preparation 10 minutes Cooking 15 minutes Total time About 45 minutes Servings 8 Suggested serving 2 pedas Peda Ingredients 2 cups khoya, crumbled; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp cardamom powder; a few saffron strands soaked in 1 tsp warm milk; chopped pistachios for garnish. How to Make Peda Heat a non-stick pan on low heat; add crumbled khoya and cook, stirring continuously, for 5-7 minutes until it softens and turns slightly glossy. Turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes, then add powdered sugar, cardamo…
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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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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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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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