5 simple Recepis for busy weeknights

Indian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its bold flavors, rich aromas, and comforting spices. But cooking Indian food doesn’t always mean hours in the kitchen. Here are five quick and easy recipes to bring the magic of India to your table on even the busiest weeknights.

1. Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Curry)

This hearty and nutritious lentil dish is a staple in Indian households. It pairs perfectly with rice or bread.

• .1 cup red lentils
• .3 cups water
• .1 small onion (finely chopped)
• .2 tomatoes (diced)
• .2 garlic cloves (minced)
• .1 tsp turmeric powder
• .1 tsp cumin seeds
• .1 tbsp oil or ghee
• .Salt to taste

• Instructions:
• 1. Rinse the lentils and cook them with water and turmeric until soft.
• 2. In a separate pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they crackle, sauté onions and garlic until golden.
• 3. Add tomatoes, cook until soft, then mix in the cooked lentils. Simmer for 5 minutes and season with salt.
• 4. Serve hot with rice or roti.

2. Paneer Bhurji (Scrambled Paneer)

Paneer Bhurji is a quick vegetarian dish, perfect for a protein-packed meal.

Ingredients:

• . 200g paneer (crumbled)
• . 1 onion (chopped)
• . 1 tomato (chopped)
• . 1 green chili (chopped, optional)
• . 1 tsp cumin seeds
• . ½ tsp turmeric powder
• . 1 tsp garam masala
• . 1 tbsp oil
• . Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
2. 2. Sauté onions and chili until soft, then add tomatoes and spices.
3. 3. Add crumbled paneer, mix well, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. 4. Serve with bread or parathas.

3. Vegetable Pulao (Spiced Rice)

A one-pot meal loaded with vegetables and spices, Vegetable Pulao is a lifesaver on busy nights.

Ingredients:

. 1 cup basmati rice

. 2 cups water

. 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, etc.)

. 1 onion (sliced)

. 2-3 whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon)

. 1 tsp cumin seeds

. 1 tsp garam masala

. 1 tbsp oil or ghee

. Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Rinse rice and set aside.
2. 2. Heat oil in a pot and sauté whole spices and cumin seeds until fragrant.
3. 3. Add onions and mixed vegetables, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
4. 4. Stir in rice, water, garam masala, and salt. Cook until rice is done.
5. 5. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

4. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Stir-fry)

This simple and flavorful dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• . 2 potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• . 1 small cauliflower (cut into florets)
• . 1 onion (sliced)
• . 1 tsp cumin seeds
• . 1 tsp turmeric powder
• . 1 tsp coriander powder
• . 1 tsp red chili powder
• . 1 tbsp oil
• . Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the vegetables:

• . Wash and cut potatoes into cubes and cauliflower into florets.
• . blanch the cauliflower in hot salted water for 5 minutes to remove any dirt or insects. Drain and set aside.
• 2. Cooking the curry base:
• Heat oil in a pan or kadhai over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

3. Add spices:

1. Mix in the tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder.
2. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts separating from the mixture.

4. Cook the vegetables:

1. Add the diced potatoes and cauliflower florets to the pan.
2. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the masala.
3. Add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) to prevent sticking. Cover and cook on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender (about 15-20 minutes).

5. Final touch:

1. Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi (if using).
2. Adjust salt to taste and mix well.
3. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
• Pair it with yogurt or a side of pickles for added flavor.

5. Chickpea Salad (Chana Salad)

A refreshing and healthy option that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• . 1 tomato (chopped)
• . 1 cucumber (chopped)
• . ½ onion (chopped)
• . 1 green chili (optional, finely chopped)
• . Juice of 1 lemon
• . 1 tsp chaat masala
• . Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. In a bowl, mix chickpeas, tomato, cucumber, and onion.
2. 2. Add chili, lemon juice, and chaat masala. Toss well.
3. 3. Garnish with cilantro and serve as a side or light main dish.

These recipes prove that you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to enjoy delicious Indian meals at home. Whether you’re craving something hearty or light, these dishes are perfect for busy weeknights. Happy cooking!