Best Indian Dinner Recipes for a Weeknight Feast

Weeknight dinners can often feel like a hassle, but with a little planning and creativity, you can whip up delicious and easy Indian dishes that will impress your family. Here are some of the best Indian dinner recipes that you can prepare for a satisfying weeknight feast.

1. Chicken Tikka Masala

This iconic dish features tender chunks of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled and simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. Serve it with basmati rice or naan for a fulfilling meal.

Ingredients:

  • 500g boneless chicken, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 cup cream

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, garam masala, and salt for at least 1 hour.
  2. In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden brown.
  3. Add the marinated chicken, cooking until no longer pink, then stir in crushed tomatoes.
  4. Simmer for 15 minutes, add cream, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

2. Chana Masala

A hearty and flavorful chickpea curry that's both nutritious and filling. Chana masala is perfect for vegetarian dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice or roti.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans of chickpeas
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chana masala spice blend
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté cumin seeds until fragrant.
  2. Add onions and garlic; cook until onions are translucent.
  3. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and chana masala. Cook for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

3. Vegetable Biryani

This fragrant rice dish is made with basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and a blend of spices. Vegetable biryani is a one-pot meal that makes for easy cleanup.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, beans)
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon biryani masala
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or oil

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear, then soak for 30 minutes.
  2. In a large pot, heat ghee and sauté sliced onions until golden brown.
  3. Add mixed vegetables, green chilies, and biryani masala; cook for a few minutes.
  4. Drain the rice and add to the pot with 4 cups of water; cover and simmer until rice is cooked.

4. Paneer Butter Masala

This rich and creamy dish features cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a buttery tomato sauce. It’s a favorite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Ingredients:

  • 250g paneer, cubed
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.