What to Cook Today? 50 Easy Indian Dinner Ideas

Deciding is usually harder than cooking. So this list is sorted by the one thing that actually decides dinner on a weeknight: how much time you have.

All 50 ideas are recipes that exist on Masala Spin, so every entry has a real ingredient list, method, total time and calorie estimate — and a link straight to the recipe. Nothing here is a placeholder.

Under 15 minutes

1. Toast with Butter

• Total time: 5 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 150 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Bread, Butter, Salt
• Key step from the recipe: Sprinkle a pinch of salt if desired
• Read the full Toast with Butter recipe

2. Bun Butter

• Total time: 5 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 180 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Pav/Buns, Butter, Sugar
• Key step from the recipe: Sprinkle sugar if desired for sweet version
• Read the full Bun Butter recipe

3. Maggi Noodles

• Total time: 8 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 310 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Maggi noodles, Onions, Tomatoes, Vegetables, Maggi masala, Green chilies
• Key step from the recipe: Cook for 2 minutes until noodles are soft
• Read the full Maggi Noodles recipe

4. Bread Omelet

• Total time: 10 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 220 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Eggs, Bread, Onions, Tomatoes, Green chilies, Coriander
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Beat eggs with chopped onions, tomatoes, chilies
• Read the full Bread Omelet recipe

5. Egg Bhurji

• Total time: 12 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 190 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Eggs, Onions, Tomatoes, Green chilies, Turmeric, Red chili powder
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Scramble while cooking with turmeric and spices
• Read the full Egg Bhurji recipe

6. Poha

• Total time: 15 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 180 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Flattened rice, Peanuts, Onions, Green chilies, Turmeric, Curry leaves
• Dietary tags: vegan, gluten-free, low-carb
• Key step from the recipe: Heat oil, add mustard seeds, peanuts, curry leaves
• Read the full Poha recipe

7. Paneer Bhurji

• Total time: 15 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 260 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Paneer, Onions, Tomatoes, Green chilies, Ginger, Turmeric
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Add crumbled paneer, turmeric, garam masala
• Read the full Paneer Bhurji recipe

8. Curd Rice

• Total time: 15 mins · Course: Side dish · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 240 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Rice, Curd, Milk, Tempering spices, Curry leaves, Pomegranate
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Temper with mustard seeds, curry leaves
• Read the full Curd Rice recipe

9. Masala Oats

• Total time: 15 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 150 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Oats, Onions, Tomatoes, Vegetables, Green chilies, Cumin
• Dietary tags: vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, diabetic-friendly
• Key step from the recipe: Add water and oats, cook for 5 minutes
• Read the full Masala Oats recipe

10. Neer Dosa

• Total time: 10 min · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Goa (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 180 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: raw rice, Water for soaking rice, Water for grinding batter, Water for thinning batter, salt, coconut oil
• Key step from the recipe: Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot tawa, starting from the edges and swirling inwards to form a thin circle.
• Read the full Neer Dosa recipe

20 to 30 minutes

11. Upma

• Total time: 20 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 220 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Semolina, Onions, Green chilies, Ginger, Cashews, Curry leaves
• Dietary tags: vegan
• Key step from the recipe: Slowly add roasted semolina, stir continuously
• Read the full Upma recipe

12. Aloo Jeera

• Total time: 20 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 180 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Potatoes, Cumin seeds, Turmeric, Red chili, Coriander, Lemon juice
• Dietary tags: vegan, gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Garnish with coriander and lemon juice
• Read the full Aloo Jeera recipe

13. Veg Stir Fry

• Total time: 20 min · Course: Dinner · Cuisine: Goa (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 250 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: mixed vegetables, onion, garlic cloves, green chilies, curry leaves, mustard seeds
• Key step from the recipe: Add curry leaves, minced garlic, green chilies, and sliced onion; sauté until onion is soft.
• Read the full Veg Stir Fry recipe

14. Bhindi Bhaji

• Total time: 20 min · Course: Dinner · Cuisine: Maharashtra (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 280 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: okra, onion, green chillies, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, oil
• Key step from the recipe: Heat oil in a wide pan, add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add sliced onion and green chillies.
• Read the full Bhindi Bhaji recipe

15. Idiyappam

Soft steamed rice-flour string hoppers. Eaten with coconut milk, or with a curry for a fuller meal.

• Total time: 20 min · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Kerala (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 200 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Roasted rice flour, Boiling water, Salt, Coconut oil, Fresh grated coconut
• Key step from the recipe: Press strands onto greased idli plates or banana leaves, optionally layering coconut.
• Read the full Idiyappam recipe

16. Masala Dosa

• Total time: 30 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 250 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Rice, Urad dal, Potatoes, Onions, Mustard seeds, Curry leaves
• Dietary tags: vegan, gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Boil and mash potatoes, sauté with mustard seeds, onions, turmeric
• Read the full Masala Dosa recipe

17. Aloo Paratha

• Total time: 25 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 270 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Potatoes, Green chilies, Coriander, Cumin powder, Ghee
• Dietary tags: vegan
• Key step from the recipe: Cook on griddle with ghee, serve with curd
• Read the full Aloo Paratha recipe

18. Bhindi Masala

• Total time: 25 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 140 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Okra, Onions, Tomatoes, Ginger-garlic, Turmeric, Coriander powder
• Dietary tags: vegan, gluten-free, low-carb
• Key step from the recipe: Cook until okra is tender and not slimy
• Read the full Bhindi Masala recipe

19. Dal Tadka

• Total time: 30 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 200 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Yellow dal, Tomatoes, Onions, Garlic, Cumin, Red chili
• Dietary tags: vegan, gluten-free, low-carb
• Key step from the recipe: Prepare tadka with ghee, cumin, garlic, red chilies
• Read the full Dal Tadka recipe

20. Jeera Rice

• Total time: 25 mins · Course: Side dish · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 220 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Basmati rice, Cumin seeds, Bay leaf, Ghee, Salt
• Dietary tags: vegan, gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Heat ghee, add cumin seeds and bay leaf
• Read the full Jeera Rice recipe

21. Khichdi

• Total time: 25 min · Course: Dinner · Cuisine: Maharashtra (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 380 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Basmati or Sona Masuri rice, yellow moong dal, onion, green chilli, curry leaves, mustard seeds
• Key step from the recipe: Heat ghee in a pressure cooker, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilli.
• Read the full Khichdi recipe

22. Zunka

Drier cousin of pithla — crumbly besan cooked with onion and green chilli.

• Total time: 25 min · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Maharashtra (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 390 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: besan, onion, green chillies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, turmeric powder
• Key step from the recipe: Cook on low heat, breaking lumps, until the mixture becomes dry, crumbly, and cooked.
• Read the full Zunka recipe

23. Thalipeeth

A multi-grain flatbread that uses a blend of flours — usually eaten with curd or butter.

• Total time: 25 min · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Maharashtra (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 380 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Thalipeeth bhajan, finely chopped onion, green chilli, chopped coriander, cumin powder, turmeric powder
• Key step from the recipe: Combine Thalipeeth bhajan, chopped onion, green chilli, coriander, cumin powder, turmeric, sesame seeds, and salt in a bowl.
• Read the full Thalipeeth recipe

24. Sabudana Khichdi

The fasting-day (upvas) favourite — sago pearls with peanuts and cumin.

• Total time: 25 min · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Maharashtra (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 410 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: sabudana, roasted peanut powder, potato, green chillies, cumin seeds, curry leaves
• Key step from the recipe: Rinse sabudana well, then soak in just enough water overnight or for 4-5 hours until soft.
• Read the full Sabudana Khichdi recipe

25. Egg Curry

• Total time: 25 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 220 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Eggs, Onions, Tomatoes, Ginger-garlic paste, Coconut milk, Garam masala
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Simmer for 10 minutes, garnish with coriander
• Read the full Egg Curry recipe

26. Kerala Dosa

Softer and thicker than the Tamil-style dosa, usually served with chutney or sambar.

• Total time: 25 min · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Kerala (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 280 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Raw rice, Grated coconut, Cooked rice, Fenugreek seeds, Salt, Water
• Key step from the recipe: Grind soaked rice, fenugreek, cooked rice, and coconut into a smooth batter.
• Read the full Kerala Dosa recipe

30 to 50 minutes

27. Palak Paneer

• Total time: 35 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 320 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Spinach, Paneer, Onions, Tomatoes, Cream, Garam masala
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Add paneer and cream, serve with roti or rice
• Read the full Palak Paneer recipe

28. Veg Pulao

• Total time: 35 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 320 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Basmati rice, Mixed vegetables, Onions, Whole spices, Ghee, Bay leaf
• Dietary tags: vegan, gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Add water and cook until rice is fluffy
• Read the full Veg Pulao recipe

29. Matki Usal

Sprouted moth-bean curry, pairs with pav, bhakri or chapati.

• Total time: 35 min · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Maharashtra (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 340 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: sprouted moth beans, onion, tomato, Kanda Lasun Masala, goda masala, ginger-garlic paste
• Key step from the recipe: Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld.
• Read the full Matki Usal recipe

30. Pithla Bhakri

A Maharashtrian everyday classic — a silky besan gravy poured over jowar bhakri.

• Total time: 35 min · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Maharashtra (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 480 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: besan, onion, green chillies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, turmeric powder
• Key step from the recipe: Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pithla thickens to a semi-liquid consistency and is cooked.
• Read the full Pithla Bhakri recipe

31. Goan Fish Curry Rice

• Total time: 35 min · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Goa (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 480 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: pomfret or kingfish steaks, grated fresh coconut, dry red Goan chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, garlic cloves
• Key step from the recipe: Gently add fish pieces to the simmering curry, reduce heat, and cook for 8-10 minutes until fish is cooked.
• Read the full Goan Fish Curry Rice recipe

32. Kerala Veg Stew

A light coconut-milk vegetable stew — the traditional partner for appam.

• Total time: 30 min · Course: Dinner · Cuisine: Kerala (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 370 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Mixed vegetables, Green chilies, Ginger, Whole spices, Coconut oil, Thin coconut milk
• Key step from the recipe: Pour in thin coconut milk and simmer until vegetables are tender.
• Read the full Kerala Veg Stew recipe

33. Vegetable Korma

• Total time: 40 mins · Course: Dinner · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 310 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Mixed vegetables, Cashews, Coconut, Onions, Tomatoes, Cream
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Simmer until vegetables are tender, finish with cream
• Read the full Vegetable Korma recipe

34. Rajma Chawal

• Total time: 45 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 380 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Kidney beans, Rice, Onions, Tomatoes, Ginger-garlic, Garam masala
• Dietary tags: vegan, gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Add tomatoes, spices, cook until masala thickens
• Read the full Rajma Chawal recipe

35. Chicken Curry

• Total time: 45 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 340 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Chicken, Onions, Tomatoes, Ginger-garlic paste, Yogurt, Garam masala
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Simmer with water until chicken is tender
• Read the full Chicken Curry recipe

36. Amti

Maharashtrian tangy dal with goda masala, best served over plain rice.

• Total time: 30 min · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Maharashtra (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 360 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Toor dal, goda masala, tamarind pulp, jaggery, mustard seeds, cumin seeds
• Key step from the recipe: Add the mashed dal to the tempering. Add goda masala, tamarind pulp, jaggery, and salt.
• Read the full Amti recipe

37. Varan Bhat

Plain toor dal finished with ghee and lemon, poured over rice. Comfort food, minimal effort.

• Total time: 30 min · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Maharashtra (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 450 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Toor dal, Basmati or Sona Masuri rice, turmeric powder, Salt to taste, ghee, cumin seeds
• Key step from the recipe: Wash dal and rice separately. Pressure cook dal with turmeric and 3 cups water for 3-4 whistles.
• Read the full Varan Bhat recipe

38. Fish Curry

• Total time: 30 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 280 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Fish, Coconut milk, Onions, Tomatoes, Tamarind, Curry leaves
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Simmer for 10 minutes until fish is cooked
• Read the full Fish Curry recipe

39. Cabbage Thoran

A dry cabbage preparation with grated coconut and mustard seeds.

• Total time: 25 min · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Kerala (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 250 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Cabbage, Grated coconut, Green chilies, Garlic, Cumin seeds, Mustard seeds
• Key step from the recipe: Add the coconut mixture and salt; cook uncovered until dry and tender. Serve hot.
• Read the full Cabbage Thoran recipe

40. Foxtail Millet Khichdi

A soft foxtail-millet khichdi for light dinners.

• Total time: 30 mins · Course: Dinner · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 220 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Foxtail millet, Moong dal, Vegetables, Turmeric, Cumin, Ginger
• Dietary tags: millets, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, vegan
• Key step from the recipe: Pressure cook with vegetables, turmeric, ginger
• Read the full Foxtail Millet Khichdi recipe

An hour or more (weekends and guests)

41. Chole Bhature

• Total time: 60 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 450 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Chickpeas, All-purpose flour, Yogurt, Onions, Tomatoes, Chole masala
• Dietary tags: vegan
• Key step from the recipe: Prepare bhature dough with flour, yogurt, let it rest
• Read the full Chole Bhature recipe

42. Butter Chicken

• Total time: 60 mins · Course: Dinner · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 420 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Chicken, Butter, Cream, Tomatoes, Kasuri methi, Garam masala
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Marinate chicken with yogurt and spices, grill
• Read the full Butter Chicken recipe

43. Biryani

• Total time: 90 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 480 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Basmati rice, Chicken/Vegetables, Onions, Yogurt, Saffron, Biryani masala
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Marinate chicken/vegetables with yogurt and spices
• Read the full Biryani recipe

44. Chicken Biryani

• Total time: 90 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 520 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Basmati rice, Chicken, Yogurt, Onions, Saffron, Biryani masala
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Marinate chicken with yogurt, biryani masala, ginger-garlic
• Read the full Chicken Biryani recipe

45. Mutton Curry

• Total time: 90 mins · Course: Lunch · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 420 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Mutton, Onions, Tomatoes, Yogurt, Ginger-garlic paste, Whole spices
• Dietary tags: gluten-free
• Key step from the recipe: Prepare gravy with onions, tomatoes, spices
• Read the full Mutton Curry recipe

46. Puttu Kadala

Steamed cylinders of rice flour and grated coconut, served with black chana curry.

• Total time: 60 min · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Kerala (Indian)
• Estimated calories: about 550 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Rice flour, Grated coconut, Salt, Water, Black chickpeas, Onion
• Key step from the recipe: Sauté onion, ginger-garlic-chili paste, and curry leaves in coconut oil.
• Read the full Puttu Kadala recipe

Millet-based dinners

47. Bajra Khichdi

A one-pot pearl-millet and dal khichdi — the warming Rajasthani-style dinner.

• Total time: 30 min · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 280 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: pearl millet, split moong dal, onion, tomato, cumin seeds, turmeric
• Dietary tags: millets, vegan, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, low-carb
• Key step from the recipe: Add onion, green chilli, and tomato with a splash of water; cook till soft.
• Read the full Bajra Khichdi recipe

48. Ragi Dosa

Finger-millet dosa; works as an instant batter as well as a fermented one.

• Total time: 40 mins · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 160 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: Ragi flour, Rice flour, Onions, Green chilies, Coriander, Cumin seeds
• Dietary tags: millets, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly
• Key step from the recipe: Spread thin on hot griddle and cook both sides
• Read the full Ragi Dosa recipe

49. Jowar Upma

Sorghum-based upma that replaces sooji entirely.

• Total time: 20 min · Course: Breakfast · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 270 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: jowar rava, onion, carrot, peas, mustard seeds, curry leaves
• Dietary tags: millets, vegan, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly
• Key step from the recipe: Dry-roast jowar rava in a pan for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
• Read the full Jowar Upma recipe

50. Bajra Roti with Sabzi

Pearl-millet roti served with a simple sabzi.

• Total time: 35 min · Course: Dinner · Cuisine: Indian
• Estimated calories: about 380 kcal per serving (estimate — see note below)
• Main ingredients: bajra flour, Warm water, seasonal mixed vegetables, onion, tomato, cumin seeds
• Dietary tags: millets, vegan, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly
• Key step from the recipe: Roll thin bhakris and cook on hot tawa with light pressure till edges lift.
• Read the full Bajra Roti with Sabzi recipe

How to actually decide

A note on the numbers: times and calorie figures on this page come from the recipe cards on Masala Spin. Calories are rough estimates for a single serving and will change with your portion size, the exact ingredients you use and how much fat you cook with.

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