25 Indian Recipes That Are Even Better Than Takeout

Updated on August 20, 2019 by Melissa Girimonte

Who doesn't love Indian restaurant classics like butter chicken, fluffy naan, aromatic biryani and flaky samosas? Skip the takeout and head to your kitchen this evening with recipes that are sure to take your tastebuds on an exciting journey.

1 of 25

Instant Pot Indian Dal

Use your Instant Pot to make this red <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/lentil-recipes-we-love/" target="_blank">lentil</a> stew in less time than it takes for a delivery from your favourite Indian restaurant. It's seasoned with an assortment of aromatic spices including ginger, turmeric, coriander and cumin. Serve with a side of naan or over basmati rice. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-indian-dal/22687/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Indian Dal</a>
2 of 25

Tandoori-Baked Chicken Thighs

Marinate chicken thighs overnight in this simple spiced yogurt mixture, then pop them in the oven when you get home from work for dinner in just 30 minutes. Serve with rice or your favourite Indian-spiced vegetable dish. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tandoori-baked-chicken-thighs/13670/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Tandoori-Baked Chicken Thighs</a>
3 of 25

Cauliflower Tikka Masala

Tikka masala is typically made with cream, but this one-pot <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/meatless-monday-26-classics-go-vegetarian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">vegetarian</a> version uses sour cream or plain yogurt in its place. Serve the combination of cauliflower, chickpeas and green peas along with cooked brown rice for a complete dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cauliflower-tikka-masala/20147/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cauliflower Tikka Masala</a>
4 of 25

Indian Naan Bread

You don't need a tandoor oven at home to make your own naan. Simply use a cast-iron skillet and you'll never have to buy a pre-made version of this Indian flatbread. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/indian-naan-bread/16629/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson's Indian Naan Bread</a>
5 of 25

Extra-Crispy Indian Spiced Chicken Wings

These crispy fried <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/most-amazing/chicken-wing-recipes/" target="_blank">chicken wings</a> are marinated in a spicy blend of garlic, ginger and chiles before they're dredged in chickpea flour. Once cooked, drizzle them with spiced butter and toasted coconut, and serve with cool cucumber raita for dipping. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/extra-crispy-indian-spiced-chicken-wings/19612/" target="_blank">Extra-Crispy Indian Spiced Chicken Wings</a>
6 of 25

Instant Pot Indian Shrimp Biriyani

An Instant Pot will help you whip up a delicious shrimp biryani in just 30 minutes. First, use the sautee setting for the shrimp and spices, then add the rice and set it to pressure cook. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-indian-spicy-eggplant/22689/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Indian Shrimp Biriyani</a>
7 of 25

Lamb Popsicles

While you're preparing an elaborate feast for guests at your next dinner party, serve these ground lamb popsicles as an appetizer. They're seasoned with bold spices that are complemented by the homemade cherry peach chutney. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lamb-popsicles/13078/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bal Arneson's Lamb Popsicles</a>
8 of 25

Chicken Tikka Masala

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are slow cooked in a spicy tomato cream sauce and served with cooked basmati rice. Enjoy it for dinner, and pack up the leftovers for an easy, reheatable lunch the next day. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-tikka-masala-by-food-network-kitchen/21907/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chicken Tikka Masala</a>
9 of 25

Instant Pot Saag Paneer

Fresh cheese and baby spinach are combined in this spicy Instant Pot saag paneer. Ready in 35 minutes, serve it with warm naan or cooked basmati rice. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-saag-paneer/22694/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instant Pot Saag Paneer</a>
10 of 25

Tandoori Chicken Kati Roll

A hand-held treat the the entire family will love, these kati rolls are made with tandoori-style chicken wrapped in warm, flaky paratha. Serve them for lunch or dinner alongside a cucumber salad. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tandoori-chicken-kati-roll/22650/" target="_blank">Tandoori Chicken Kati Roll</a>
11 of 25

Instant Pot Indian Spicy Eggplant

Skip the lengthy peeling and roasting of a traditional eggplant bhartha and try this Instant Pot version that's ready in a fraction of the time. It's a great vegetarian main on its own, or serve it on the side with a meat curry. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-indian-spicy-eggplant/22689/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Indian Spicy Eggplant</a>
12 of 25

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is an Indian restaurant favourite, and this recipe will help you recreate the comforting dish at home using your Instant Pot. Aromatic and creamy, you won't want to waste a single drop of the spiced sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-butter-chicken/22677/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instant Pot Butter Chicken</a>
13 of 25

Slow Cooked Curried Chicken with Cauliflower

When you're craving curry but want to skip the rich, creamy options, opt for this yogurt and broth-based recipe filled with cauliflower, red lentils, chickpeas and morsels of chicken. It can also be easily transformed into a vegetarian option by leaving out the chicken and using a vegetable broth instead. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooked-curried-chicken-with-cauliflower/18548/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow Cooked Curried Chicken with Cauliflower</a>
14 of 25

Tandoori Meatballs with Cilantro Raita

These seasoned beef <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/mouth-watering-meatball-recipes/" target="_blank">meatballs</a> are oven-baked in a spiced butter to a golden brown finish. It's served with grated cucumber, a tangy tamarind chutney and creamy yogurt dipping sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tandoori-meatballs-with-cilantro-raita/19510/" target="_blank">Tandoori Meatballs with Cilantro Raita</a>
15 of 25

Roasted Sweet Potato Aloo Gobi

This popular and traditional Indian dish gets a fresh update! Waxy potatoes are switched with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/superfood-spotlight-best-sweet-potato-recipes/" target="_blank">sweet potato</a>, and chickpeas are introduced to the mix. Simply drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and toss with curry powder, cumin and chili flakes, then place in a casserole dish and let your 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>
16 of 25

Potato Vegetable Samosas

Whether you bake or fry these samosas filled with spiced potato, spinach and peas, you and your family won't be able to eat just one. Dip them in a store-bought mango chutney or tamarind sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/potato-vegetable-samosas/8931/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Potato Vegetable Samosas</a>
17 of 25

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Start this curry before you leave for work in the morning and come home to a hearty meal bursting with bold Indian spices. Serve with warm naan or basmati rice to soak up all of the delicious sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-curry/18952/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow Cooker Chicken Curry</a>
18 of 25

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>
19 of 25

Indian Beef and Peas

Also known as kheema, this dish of spiced ground beef and green peas is a quick and delicious weeknight dish. It's a great filling for roti, or opt for a low-carb option like lettuce leaf wraps. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/indian-beef-and-peas/13060/" target="_blank">Bal Arneson's Indian Beef and Peas</a>
20 of 25

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 one tablespoon of butter and three tablespoons 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>
21 of 25

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>
22 of 25

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>
23 of 25

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>
24 of 25

Mango Kulfi

Kulfi, otherwise known as the Indian version of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/ice-cream-flavours-from-around-the-world-and-recipes/" target="_blank">ice cream</a>, 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>
25 of 25

Gulab Jamun (Indian Donuts)

Gulab Jamun is a traditional Indian dessert that is essentially deep-fried <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/party-worthy-doughnut-recipes/" target="_blank">doughnut</a> balls soaked in a spice-infused syrup. The warm flavours of cardamom, cloves and star anise balance the sweetness of the syrup, amounting to 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 Jamun (Indian Donuts)</a>
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