15 Indian Recipes That Are Better Than Takeout

Posted by Erica Rae Chong on November 13, 2015

Fiery curries, bold spices and sinfully sweet desserts, skip the takeout and indulge in explosive Indian flavours at home with these satisfying dishes.

1 of 15

Curry Rogan Josh, Fluffy Rice, Carrot Salad, Poppadoms and Flatbread

This Indian-Inspired spread by Jamie Oliver is a feast for your palette. Spicy rogan josh curry is served with fluffy basmati rice, a fresh and crunchy carrot salad, pickled lemons and crispy chapattis. Spoon a dollop of yogurt over the curry before serving and garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/curry-rogan-josh-fluffy-rice-carrot-salad-poppadoms-flatbread-beer/11975/" target="_blank">Jamie Oliver's Curry Rogan Josh, Fluffy Rice, Carrot Salad, Poppadoms and Flatbread</a>.
2 of 15

Butter Chicken and Naan Bread

Butter chicken and naan were made for each other! So why not ditch your typical takeout joint and indulge in this homemade version. With only 1 Tbsp of butter and 3 Tbsp of cream or cashew paste, it’s probably healthier that what you’d order anyway. Toast the naan before serving and dip away! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/butter-chicken-and-naan-bread/15786/" target="_blank">Butter Chicken and Naan Bread</a>.
3 of 15

Tandoori-Style Chicken

This hot and spicy tandoori-style chicken will have you mopping your brow and every last bit of food off your plate. Perfectly paired with basmati rice and a mint-yogurt dipping sauce, this recipe uses chicken thighs but also works with whatever chicken pieces you have on hand. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tandoori-style-chicken/13173/" target="_blank">Tandoori-Style Chicken</a>.
4 of 15

Gulab Jabun (Indian Donuts)

Gulab Jabun is a traditional Indian dessert that is essentially deep-fried doughnut balls soaked in a spice-infused syrup. The warm flavours of cardamom, cloves and star anise balance the sweetness of the syrup, making it one delicious bite. Make extra because you’re going to have a hard time limiting yourself to just one! Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/gulab-jabun-indian-donuts/11355/" target="_blank">Bal Arneson’s Gulab Jabun (Indian Donuts)</a>
5 of 15

Vegetable Samosas

Packed with diced vegetables and a dash of hot spices, these vegetable samosas make the perfect appetizer! Use store-bought phyllo pastry for perfectly flaky samosas, but in less time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ricardos-vegetable-samosas/10235/" target="_blank">Ricardo Larrivée’s Vegetable Samosas</a>.
6 of 15

Mango Lassi

Smooth, sweet and creamy, this mango lassi is the perfect end to a heavy meal. Served chilled and garnish with freshly ground nutmeg. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/christines-mango-lassi/7254/" target="_blank">Christine Cushing’s Mango Lassi</a>.
7 of 15

Naan Bread

You won’t have to visit your favourite Indian restaurant for light and puffy naan. Chuck Hughes’ recipe is so simple to make and oh, so delicious. Try it plain or experiment with flavours like garlic and onions. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tandoori-style-chicken/13173/" target="_blank">Chuck Hughes’ Naan Bread</a>
8 of 15

Coconut Indian Chicken in a Bag

Update your regular chicken dinner with this refreshing Coconut Indian Chicken! Chicken breasts are rubbed with spices and lots of cilantro in foil packets. Leave a hole in the top to pour in the coconut cream, then seal and bake. In just 25 minutes, everyone gets their own package of tender, juicy chicken! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/coconut-indian-chicken-in-a-bag/12093/" target="_blank">Coconut Indian Chicken in a Bag</a>.
9 of 15

Indian Fried Fish with Gujarati Dahl

Fish fillets coated in spiced flour are shallow fried until golden brown and crisp on the outside, and flaky and tender on the inside. Serve with gujarati dal made from mashed yellow lentils and lime pickle. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/indian-fried-fish-with-gujarati-dal/4520/" target="_blank">Christine Cushing’s Indian Fried Fish with Gujarati Dahl</a>.
10 of 15

Roasted Sweet Potato Aloo Gobi

This popular and traditional Indian dish gets a fresh update! Waxy potatoes are switched with sweet potato, and chickpeas are introduced to the mix. Simply drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and toss with curry powder, cumin and chilis flakes, then place in a casserole dish and let you oven do all the work. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-sweet-potato-aloo-gobi/12934/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Roasted Sweet Potato Aloo Gobi</a>.
11 of 15

Indian Lamb Curry

Tender chunks of lamb are simmered in an aromatic and tangy tomato-based curry. A hot bowl of this spicy dish on a chilly day is our idea of perfection. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/indian-lamb-curry/9213/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Indian Lamb Curry</a>
12 of 15

Palak Paneer

Even if you’re not a fan of spinach, it’s hard to say no to this deliciously creamy dish. Leafy spinach is sautéed until tender along with tomatoes, cilantro and a variety of spices before being puréed and mixed with cream. Spoon over a bowl of steamy basmati rice or dunk pieces of naan right into it. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/palak-paneer-spinach-with-indian-cheese/16857/" target="_blank">Palak Paneer</a>.
13 of 15

Mango Kulfi

Kulfi, otherwise known as the Indian version of ice cream, has a similar sweet and creamy taste, but it also has a slightly chewy texture. This recipe features mangoes, bananas, yogurt and cardamom for an absolute explosion of flavour! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/indian-fried-fish-with-gujarati-dal/4520/" target="_blank">Bal Arneson’s Mango Kulfi</a>.
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Wilted Spinach with Indian Paneer Cheese

This vegetarian Indian dish features homemade Paneer cheese that you can make overnight — no aging or culturing required! The cheese is seared until its exterior is browned, then it's tossed with spinach sautéed with onion, garlic and cumin. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/palak-paneer-spinach-with-indian-cheese/16857/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Wilted Spinach with Indian Paneer Cheese</a>.
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Indian Spiced Potatoes

Mustard seed, garam masala and cumin give this tasty baked potato some fiery Indian flare. This is one gratin you won’t have any leftovers of! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/indian-spiced-potatoes/4684/" target="_blank">Christine Cushing’s Indian Spiced Potatoes</a>. Erica Rae Chong is a Toronto-based writer who loves experimenting in the kitchen and discovering trendy food hotspots. When she's not munching, she's out exploring her city and abroad. Follow her on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/ericaraechong/" target="_blank">@ericaraechong</a>.
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