Authentic Indian Gourmet Meals Under $10 | That Taste Like $50 Meals!

 

1. Butter Chickpeas (Chana Makhani)

Ingredients:

• Canned chickpeas

• Tomato sauce

• Butter

• Garlic

• Onion

• Cream or coconut milk

• Garam masala

• Cumin

Instructions:
Sauté garlic and onion in butter until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, garam masala, and cumin. Simmer, then add chickpeas and cream or coconut milk. Cook for 10–15 minutes until rich and thick.

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2. Vegetable Biryani

Ingredients:

• Basmati rice

• Frozen mixed vegetables

• Onion

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Biryani masala or curry powder

• Oil

Instructions:
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add mixed vegetables and spices. In a pot, layer cooked rice and vegetable mix. Cover and steam for 20 minutes to let the flavors blend.

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3. Lentil Curry (Masoor Dal)

Ingredients:

• Red lentils

• Onion

• Garlic

• Tomato

• Cumin seeds

• Turmeric

• Oil

Instructions:
Boil lentils in water until soft. In a separate pan, sauté onions, garlic, cumin seeds, and turmeric. Add tomatoes, cook until soft, then mix into lentils. Simmer to blend flavors.

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4. Baingan Bharta (Smoky Eggplant Curry)

Ingredients:

• Eggplant

• Onion

• Tomato

• Garlic

• Cumin

• Oil

Instructions:
Roast eggplant until soft. Peel and mash it. Sauté onion, garlic, and cumin in oil. Add tomatoes and cook down, then stir in mashed eggplant. Simmer until smoky and smooth.

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5. Tandoori-Style Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs

• Yogurt

• Lemon juice

• Tandoori masala

• Garlic

• Salt

Instructions:
Marinate chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and tandoori spices for 1+ hour. Bake or grill until cooked through and slightly charred.

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6. Aloo Tikki with Tamarind Sauce

Ingredients:

• Potatoes

• Green chili

• Cilantro

• Cumin

• Breadcrumbs

• Oil

• Tamarind chutney (or substitute with a sweet & sour sauce)

Instructions:
Boil and mash potatoes. Mix in spices, herbs, and green chili. Form into patties, coat with breadcrumbs, and pan-fry until golden. Serve with tamarind sauce.

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7. Palak Paneer (Spinach & Cheese Curry – Budget Version)

Ingredients:

• Frozen spinach

• Cottage cheese or mozzarella

• Garlic

• Onion

• Cream or milk

• Garam masala

Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add spinach and cook down. Stir in cheese and a splash of cream or milk. Simmer until creamy and flavorful.

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8. Tomato Coconut Curry

Ingredients:

• Canned tomatoes

• Coconut milk

• Mustard seeds

• Curry powder

• Garlic

• Oil

Instructions:
Sauté mustard seeds and garlic in oil. Add tomatoes and curry powder. Pour in coconut milk and let simmer until thickened and fragrant.

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9. Indian Garlic Naan (Budget Hack)

Ingredients:

• Biscuit dough or flatbread

• Garlic

• Butter or margarine

• Parsley

Instructions:
Roll out biscuit dough or flatbread. Cook on a skillet or bake until lightly golden. Brush with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley.

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10. Kofta Curry (Meatball Curry)

Ingredients:

• Ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)

• Onion

• Garlic

• Egg

• Breadcrumbs

• Tomato sauce

• Cream or milk

• Garam masala

Instructions:
Mix meat with onion, garlic, egg, and breadcrumbs. Form meatballs and brown in a pan. Simmer in tomato sauce, cream, and garam masala until cooked through.

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11. Chole (Spicy Chickpea Curry)

Ingredients:

• Canned chickpeas

• Onion

• Tomato

• Garlic

• Chole masala or garam masala

• Oil

Instructions:
Sauté onion, garlic, and tomato until soft. Add spices and chickpeas. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thick and well-blended.

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12. Kachumber Salad

Ingredients:

• Cucumber

• Tomato

• Onion

• Lemon juice

• Salt

• Chili powder

Instructions:
Chop all vegetables finely. Mix with lemon juice, salt, and chili powder. Chill and serve as a refreshing side to spicy dishes.