Check out 17 hidden gems from the rich tradition of Indian cuisine. These recipes, long-cherished by families across India, offer a glimpse into the diverse and delicious world of Indian home cooking. Each dish brings something unique to the table, promising an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for those looking to try something new or add variety to their meals.

Kadai Paneer

For those who love a bit of heat and robust spices, Kadai Paneer brings a punch as it cooks the cheese in a thick, spicy gravy. Often recommended for its feeling of warmth and comfort, this dish is a favorite in the colder months. Families in northern India select this recipe for festive occasions. It combines an aromatic appeal with the charm of rich textures.
Get the Recipe: Kadai Paneer

Adai Dosa

Adai Dosa presents an alternative to the traditional South Indian dosa, laden with hearty, nutritious lentils. It’s cherished for its nutritional value, standing out as a dense, protein-rich meal that can fuel your day. Many enjoy it for breakfast or a filling dinner. It’s often served with coconut chutney or jaggery, adding sweetness to balance its robustness.
Get the Recipe: Adai Dosa

Lamb Curry Instant Pot

Admirers of succulent, meaty dishes will appreciate how Lamb Curry adapts perfectly to the modern kitchen via an Instant Pot. This pressure cooker method simmers lamb in a traditionally rich, spicy gravy, tenderizing the meat to perfection in less time. In many Indian households, such a dish is reserved for special occasions. It’s usually paired with rice or naan for a fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Curry Instant Pot

Bharwa Bhindi

Bharwa Bhindi is a treat for those who favor texture and subtle spices in their vegetables. Each bite introduces a stuffed okra that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. Such dishes stand out in a vegetarian feast or as a side to complement heavier mains. Many value this dish for its low oil content and use of fresh, green vegetables.
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Mango Rice

This dish is often found during the mango season when the fruit is at its peak of freshness.Mango Rice captures the essence of summer with its sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a common sight at festive gatherings and is much loved for its refreshing taste. Typically served as a light main or side, it even does well as a festive dish during celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Mango Rice

Lamb Palak Saag Gosht

Lamb Palak Saag Gosht combines the creamy texture of spinach with rich, tender lamb, a North Indian favorite that boasts both nutrients and deep, comforting tastes. It’s a popular choice in the cold months and in rich family dinners. Known for its succulent green gravy, this dish often leaves a memorable impression. Most enjoy it with some freshly made flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Palak Saag Gosht

Mango Dal

Bringing together sweet mango and savory lentils, Mango Dal is a unique food representation from eastern India. It’s often appreciated for its surprising balance of sweetness with the earthiness of the lentils. Typically, it’s enjoyed during the mango season as a way to add a tropical twist to everyday meals. It’s regularly paired with rice or roti.
Get the Recipe: Mango Dal

Beans Palya Beans Poriyal

Beans Palya, also known as Beans Poriyal, is a staple in South Indian homes for its simplicity and the nutritional punch it packs. Light seasoning allows the natural flavor of the beans to shine through. This dish is often included in daily meals for its fiber content and health benefits. It pairs beautifully with both rice and flatbreads.
Get the Recipe: Beans Palya Beans Poriyal

Kosambari

A traditional salad known for being visually appealing and incredibly refreshing. It is a blend of crisp vegetables and sometimes soaked lentils, dressed simply to enhance their natural flavors. Kosambari is a festival staple and a start for many meals during the warmer seasons. Loved for its digestive benefits and simplicity, it often features at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Kosambari

Chicken Tikka Naanwich

Chicken Tikka Naanwich brings a playful twist to traditional Indian flavors, stuffing succulent chicken tikka within freshly baked naan. Such combinations are favored for a quick meal on the go. Many choose this innovative dish for its flavorful fusion and convenience. It’s a modern take on classic Indian street food, enjoyed by the young and old alike.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Naanwich

Cabbage Palya

How about Cabbage Palya? It’s a common dish in Southern India, appreciated for its simplicity and incorporation of minimal spices that enhance the cabbage without overpowering it. This dish is high in fiber and often chosen for its health benefits. Typical meal settings see it paired with chapati or rice. It’s valued for its easy preparation and digestibility.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Palya

Ladi Pav

Ladi Pav is essential to the bustling street food scenes across India, beloved for its soft, fluffy texture. It serves as the base for many of Mumbai’s iconic snacks or as a complement to hearty gravies and bhaji. Hospitality in many homes includes this bread because it’s versatile and loved by people of all ages. Its preparation itself is a beloved ritual in many households.
Get the Recipe: Ladi Pav

Majjige Huli

Ever tried Majjige Huli? It’s a yogurt-based curry, revered in Southern parts of India for its cooling effect and smooth texture. This comforting curry is a go-to during hot summers or alongside spicy dishes. It combines elements that are both soothing and tangy, acting as a palate cleanser or a simple meal with rice. Its creamy consistency is often celebrated in daily meals and festive occasions alike.
Get the Recipe: Majjige Huli

Keema Matar

Keema Matar involves minced meat that simmers with peas in a thick, spicy sauce. This dish is frequently prepared during the colder months for an extra touch of warmth. It’s a common dish on many North Indian dinner tables, often coveted for its heartiness and rich flavors. Family gatherings often feature this dish as a warm, welcoming meal.
Get the Recipe: Keema Matar

Gujarati Kadhi

This western Indian dish is known for being stomach-friendly and gentle, making it a favored choice during illness or as a light dinner option. Gujarati Kadhi stands out as a comforting, soupy dish made with yogurt, often enhancing meals with its mild, tangy flavor. It’s typically consumed with khichdi or rice, providing a soothing meal at any time of the day. Gathering around such a warm dish creates a feeling of home and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Gujarati Kadhi

Instant Pot Chicken Vindaloo

For those who love their meals with a bit of punch, Instant Pot chicken vindaloo is a boon. Pressure cooking marries the intense spices and chicken into a fiery stew, perfect for those who can handle heat. It’s a popular recipe among adventurous eaters and often finds its way into dinner parties that praise bold dishes. Rice or bread typically accompanies it to mellow its intense heat.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Vindaloo

Yogurt Sandwich

This dish is a quick meal solution, blending crunchy vegetables and soft bread with the freshness of yogurt. Often chosen for summer picnics or as a light lunch, it provides a mild yet satisfying option for those seeking something less heavy. Yogurt Sandwich gives a refreshing twist to regular sandwiches by using yogurt as a creamy, tangy spread. Its ease of preparation makes it a lunchbox favorite among kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Yogurt Sandwich