In Today’s ever-developing world, new countries present an opportunity for a new life. Numerous people move away from their homes in search of a better livelihood opportunity. This has been experienced in India for quite some time now. India’s Diaspora is the world’s biggest, as recorded in 2020. Numerous people move away from their homes yearly in search of a better livelihood opportunity. Home yearning or sickness is one feeling that is common for these expats to experience at some time or another. Food has proven to be a great connector in these situations as it brings back nostalgic memories of one’s lifetime. In This blog by the Affordable Organic Store, we will look at quick and easy Indian recipes that can be made to feel at home, even while away. So put on your aprons, get out your pans and spices and get ready to go on a journey of flavours and memories!

Vegetable Biryani:

Rice is a staple in many parts of India, whether you look up in the north or go down south. Biryani is one of the most famous dishes made from rice. The aroma and spices transport you back to your roots. This subsection explores the Indian Recipe for Vegetable Biryani.

Ingredients:

• Cup basmati rice, soaked in water for 30 minutes.
• Mixed Vegetables (carrots, beans, peas) chopped
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes chopped
• 2 green chillies, slit
• 1/2 cup yogurt (dahi)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon biryani masala
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• Salt to taste

How to Cook:

• Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
• Stir in vegetables, green chillies, turmeric powder, biryani masala, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Add 1 cup of soaked rice, mix them well
• Pour in yogurt(dahi) and garam masala. Mix gently.
• Add water (1.5 times the quantity of rice) and bring it to a boil.
• Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with raita or a side salad.

This quick and easy Indian recipe for vegetable biryani is just the choice you need for a hearty meal. Enjoy!

Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry):

Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian dish in north India. It is a perfect blend of flavours and spices bringing together the simplicity of potato and the naturalness of cauliflower. It is a quick and filling option on the list. Here is the Indian Recipe for Aloo Gobi

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cauliflower florets (flowers)
• medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chillies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania)
• 1/2 teaspoons red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

How to Cook:

• Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
• Add cauliflower florets and diced potatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in chopped tomatoes and green chillies. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
• Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well.
• Cover the pan and let it cook until the vegetables are tender.
• Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves (dhania).
• Serve hot with roti or rice.

Aloo Gobi is a simple yet tasty Indian Recipe to try. It can be served well with curd to add to the flavour. Do try it out!

Egg Curry:

Eggs are a powerhouse of protein and are essential in a balanced diet. Egg Curry is a simple and quick Indian recipe that is filling, healthy and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Tomato purry
• 2 cloves garlic, (cut into small pieces)
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1/2 teaspoons red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• 2 tablespoons oil

How to Cook

• Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until onions are golden.
• Stir in turmeric(haldi), coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Add pureed tomatoes; cook until the oil separates.
• Cut boiled eggs in half and add to the curry. Cook for 5-10 minutes.
• Sprinkle garam masala, garnish with coriander leaves, and serve with rice or bread.

Egg Curry is an easy to make Indian recipe that is delicious and healthy. Do try it out!

Dal Tadka:

Dal Tadka is a staple Indian recipe that is a staple and necessary side in several Indian meals. It is nutritious and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow lentils (dal), washed and drained
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, (cut into small pieces)
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

How to Cook:

• Boil lentils with turmeric until soft.
• In a separate pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds(jeera), and mustard seeds.
• Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilli. Cook until onions are golden.
• Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
• Pour the tempered mixture into the boiled lentils, garnish with coriander leaves, and serve.

This Indian recipe is one of the easiest on the list. Do try it out!

Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry):

Chana Masala is a classic Indian recipe rich in flavour and easy to cook, making it a go-to for Indian expats.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas (approx. 420 grams), drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 cloves garlic, cut into small pieces
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 green chilli, chopped (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

How to Cook:

• Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
• Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
• Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilli (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Stir in turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.
• Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
• Add chickpeas and mix well to coat them with the spice mixture.
• Pour in a little water if needed and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or naan.

Paneer Bhurji (Indian cottage cheese):

Who does not love paneer? Paneer bhurji is a tasty and easy Indian recipe that makes you lick your fingers.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer, crumbled
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania)
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

How to Cook:

• Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them splutter.
• Add chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
• Stir in chopped tomatoes and green chilli. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
• Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
• Add chopped bell peppers (Shimla mirch) (if using) and cook for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
• Crumble the paneer into the pan and mix it with the spices and vegetables.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paneer is well-cooked and absorbs the flavors.
• Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with roti, paratha, or as a filling for sandwiches.

For new expats, keep in mind that practice makes perfect. The taste and preparation will keep getting better as you progress. The ingredients mentioned in the blog are affordable and easy to purchase. You can buy them at your nearby grocery store or here from our website! Happy Cooking!