28 Delicious Indian Curry Recipes for Flavorful Meals

Are you ready to break free from the monotony of ordering the same old takeout or relying on familiar options at Indian restaurants? Why not try your hand at crafting unique and flavorful curries in the comfort of your own home? The possibilities are endless, with a vast array of meat-based, fish-based, vegetarian, and vegan curry recipes to explore.

Our curated list features an eclectic mix of timeless classics and innovative creations that will challenge your perceptions and ignite your passion for Indian cuisine. From rich and creamy kormas to tangy and spicy vindaloos, we’ve got you covered with 28 mouth-watering Indian curry recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Chana Masala

Looking for more creative ways to spice up your vegan Indian curry repertoire? Start by giving this mouthwatering chana masala recipe a try. This hearty dish is built around the humble chickpea and a medley of vibrant tomatoes, which are then infused with a rich tapestry of aromatic spices – think ginger, garlic, cumin, mustard seeds, garam masala, lemon juice, turmeric, and coriander. And the best part?

You can serve it alongside your favorite rice or roti, knowing that every bite will be both satisfyingly filling and tantalizingly flavorful.

Butter 

Fans of rich and creamy chicken dishes are in luck when it comes to Indian curries, which offer a plethora of delicious options. One recipe that stands out is our butter chicken dish, which boasts an effortless preparation process that can be completed in just three straightforward steps. While the time spent preparing this dish may not be insignificant, the end result – a mouthwatering blend of creamy textures and subtle spiciness courtesy of chili powder – makes it well worth the effort.

Chingri Malai

Unlike popular belief, seafood curries are a delicious reality that can be just as flavorful as their meat or vegetable-based counterparts. The Chingri Malai recipe is a prime example of this, featuring succulent shrimp swimming in a rich coconut milk broth infused with the warmth of chili powder, turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon. This Bengali-inspired curry is a true taste sensation that will leave you craving more.

Lamb Madras

Savor the bold flavors of this lamb madras curry, a dish that harmoniously balances the richness of red meat with the intensity of fiery spices. While there are many variations of this recipe available online, we steadfastly recommend this particular iteration every time. The hallmark of this dish is its ‘hot and fiery’ character, which is achieved by creating your own madras powder and masala sauce to serve alongside the tender leg of lamb.

A slow-cooking process of up to an hour may seem lengthy, but the payoff is well worth the wait, as the resulting flavors are nothing short of sublime.

Smoked Pork Curry

The rich flavor profile of smoked pork takes on a whole new dimension when combined with the bold spices of a curry. This traditional Naga dish is a masterclass in simplicity, requiring just a few key ingredients including smoked pork, potatoes, green chillies, mejenga seeds, tomatoes, and salt to taste. The result is a satisfying and deeply flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.

Maharashtrian Amti Dhal

For those who revel in the harmonious union of sweet and sour flavors, this Maharashtrian Amti Dhal curry recipe is an absolute delight. The presence of coconut imbues the dish with a genuine sweetness, which is expertly balanced by the fiery heat of the chili peppers as well as the robust flavors of coriander, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. Moreover, this Indian-inspired curry not only caters to vegan diets but also happens to be gluten-free.

Furthermore, its lentil-based foundation ensures it’s an excellent source of plant-based protein. With its unique blend of spices and textures, this dish is sure to tantalize the taste buds.

Keralan Pandi

While it’s common for Indian curries to be incredibly aromatic, the Keralan Pani curry stands out as truly exceptional. The combination of coconut milk, fennel, and turmeric, along with succulent pork loin steak and crispy green beans, creates a culinary experience that is both visually appealing and tantalizing to the taste buds. The tender pork and crunchy green beans provide a delightful texture contrast, making each bite a pleasure to savor.

Prawn Caldine

In Goa, Prawn Caldine is a seafood-based curry that’s renowned for its vibrant flavor profile. While the succulent king prawns are certainly a highlight, it’s the rich sauce that truly sets this dish apart. A harmonious blend of coconut milk, ginger and garlic pastes, coriander, turmeric, chili, and white wine vinegar creates a culinary symphony that will tantalize your taste buds. And the best part?

This delectable curry is surprisingly low in calories, with each serving clocking in at just 326 calories.

Vegetarian Mushroom Curry

Incorporating mushrooms into vegetarian Indian curry recipes can be a game-changer. This flavorful and quick-to-make mushroom curry is an excellent substitute for meat-based options, requiring just 15 minutes of hands-on time. The recipe leverages familiar Indian spices like coriander, ginger, tomatoes, and coconut milk to create a rich and satisfying sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this single-pot wonder can be ready in no time.

Instant Pot Egg Curry

In a delightful twist, this Instant Pot egg curry recipe draws inspiration from traditional Awadhi cuisine by incorporating eggs as a key ingredient. The rich curry sauce is built upon a foundation of sautéed tomatoes and onions, further elevated by the aromatic presence of mint, cilantro, chili powder, garam masala, black pepper, turmeric, and cumin. As the sauce simmers, boiled eggs are added whole, creating a hearty and satisfying 20-minute dinner solution that’s sure to please.

Chicken Jalfrezi

Jalfrezi, a beloved Indian curry dish, lends itself perfectly to customization with various meats. However, for a truly unforgettable Chicken Jalfrezi experience, we highly recommend following our tried-and-true recipe. This mouthwatering creation features tender chicken breast smothered in a rich and aromatic sauce infused with the bold flavors of garam masala, succulent chopped tomatoes, chili flakes, turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, and garlic.

The addition of bell peppers adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to each bite. Best served over fluffy pilau rice and accompanied by your preferred chutney.

Dhansak Curry

Dhansak curry has a fascinating history, having originated from Persian cuisine before becoming an integral part of Indian traditional cooking. A defining characteristic of this popular dish is its rich and thick sauce, courtesy of the lentil base. The harmony of sweet and savory flavors achieved through the judicious blend of herbs and spices is truly delightful. What’s more, this recipe stands out for its incredible speed, requiring only 25 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Vegan Split Pea And Spinach Dhal

One of our standout vegan curry recipes is a nutritious split pea and spinach Dhal curry that’s packed with goodness. The combination of split peas, spinach, tomatoes, and vegetable stock in the sauce provides an excellent way to meet your daily quota of five portions of fruit and vegetables, as long as you follow the serving suggestions outlined in the recipe. We recommend serving it with roasted butternut squash and cauliflower for a well-rounded meal.

Malvani Fish Curry

In the heart of Western India, Malvani Fish Curry has been a beloved culinary staple for centuries. The creamy curry sauce is a perfect blend of coconut and tomato, with a subtle kick from chilies that can be adjusted to suit individual tastes – simply remove the seeds if you prefer milder heat. When it comes to selecting the perfect fish for your curry, options are plentiful, but the traditional choices remain red snapper, kingfish, or pomfret.

Before adding the fish to the sauce, ensure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces for an effortless and satisfying meal.

Kashmiri Chaman Kaliya

If you’re a fan of cottage cheese, you’ll absolutely adore the bold flavors in this Kashmiri Chaman Kaliya curry recipe. This mouthwatering dish is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their cooking skills.

To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need some high-quality paneer, milk, butter, and an array of aromatic spices including saffron, cinnamon, cumin, fenugreek, turmeric, coriander, cardamom, and bay leaves, along with a few secret ingredients that will leave your taste buds singing. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Chettinad Chicken

To create this flavorful Chettinad Chicken, you’ll only need a few key ingredients. For the sauce, you’ll need chilies, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, coriander, black pepper, and garlic. The chicken itself requires kalpasi, cinnamon, turmeric, and sesame oil. Once prepared, serve this nutritious dish alongside your favorite rice for a satisfying meal.

Jackfruit Seed Curry

Experience the unique flavor of jackfruit in savory dishes with this intriguing recipe for jackfruit seed curry. The addition of mango adds an exciting twist to the traditional pairing of jackfruit and prawns. With a mere handful of essential ingredients, including coconut oil, shallots, curry leaves, chili powder, turmeric, coconut, and salt, you’ll be on your way to creating a bold and adventurous dish that will delight your senses.

Rajasthani Lamb Curry

Savoring the rich flavors of slow-cooked Rajasthani lamb curry is a culinary experience like no other. This dish requires a modest time commitment, clocking in at over two hours from start to finish. However, the tender and juicy lamb pieces that result are well worth the investment. As the meat soaks up the complex blend of spices, including ginger, chili, tomato, garam masala, and bay leaves, it becomes even more delectable.

Serve your finished curry alongside chapatis or naan bread for a truly authentic dining experience.

Black Chana Masala

Black Chana Masala is a flavorful and nutritious vegan curry recipe that showcases the benefits of black chickpeas, an excellent source of protein. This plant-based dish not only offers a healthy alternative but also tantalizes the taste buds with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, including fenugreek, garam masala, chili, ginger, cumin, and turmeric. With its impressive array of flavors, this recipe is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Goan Fish Curry

For our final seafood curry recommendation of the day, we’re going to highlight the incredible Goan Fish Curry. While you can experiment with different types of fish in this recipe, the best results come from using monkfish, kingfish, tuna, or halibut. The combination of fresh coconut, chilis, ginger, turmeric, and other spices yields a richly flavored sauce that perfectly complements the fish.

Chicken Tikka Masala

A culinary icon globally, Chicken Tikka Masala is a gentle curry that transcends spice tolerance boundaries, making it an excellent choice for all. This delectable recipe harnesses the power of heavy cream to add depth and richness, while the harmonious blend of garam masala, turmeric, and ginger delivers a vibrant flavor profile without overpowering the palate.

In our view, this is an ideal starting point for anyone new to Indian cuisine, offering a taste experience that’s both accessible and authentic.

Pork Vindaloo

For those who crave a curry that packs a punch, this pork vindaloo recipe is an exceptional choice. Unlike the more mild Tikka Masala, this dish boasts a bold flavor profile courtesy of generous helpings of chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and garlic. The foundation of the sauce is built upon a rich mixture of tomato paste, puree, and caramelized onions. For optimal results, the recipe recommends using pork leg or shoulder as the protein component.

Lamb Pasanda

Lamb Pasanda is a beloved North Indian curry dish characterized by its tender lamb chunks swimming in a rich, mildly spicy sauce. This delectable recipe has earned our seal of approval as one of the best we’ve tried. Its secret lies in the use of creamed coconut to add depth and creaminess to the sauce, while ghee (clarified butter) brings an authentic Indian flavor to the dish.

Mangalorean Style Ambe Upkari

For those who relish the sweet and tangy combination of mangoes and fruit-based curries, this recipe for Mangalorean Style Ambe Upkari will surely become a favorite. This popular side dish is crafted with an ideal blend of six ripe mangos, one cup of powdered Jaggery, a trio of green and red chilies, mustard seeds, white Urad Dal, ghee (or coconut oil), and asafoetida, harmoniously coming together to create a truly delectable experience.

Chicken Korma

Another beloved curry recipe that has gained worldwide popularity is chicken korma. A staple in many U.S. households, this dish stands out for its mild flavor profile, free from chili powder’s spicy kick. Instead, the rich flavors of ginger, turmeric, garlic, onion, garam masala, and coriander take center stage. The velvety smoothness and subtle sweetness come from a clever combination of coconut milk and ground almonds in the sauce.

Aloo Gobi

For our vegan readers and anyone looking for a flavorful potato and cauliflower curry, we’re excited to share this mild recipe. While it’s perfect for those who prefer a gentle heat, the option is always there to add a spicy kick with red chili paste – so feel free to tailor it to your taste. The rich flavors in this dish come from a blend of turmeric, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, mango powder, coriander powder, and cilantro.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up our culinary journey through the world of Indian cuisine, we hope you’ve found inspiration for your next delicious meal. The diverse array of vegan curries, gluten-free recipes, and even innovative seafood curry dishes showcased here demonstrate that there’s no shortage of variety in this rich and flavorful culinary tradition.