40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (2024)

by Erin

Jump to Recipe

Looking for some healthyIndian recipesfor dinner or lunch? There are so many great options! From Tandoori Chicken, to Dal, and more! Here are 40+ delicious and healthy Indian dishes to try at home!

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (1)

Do you ever dream of indulging in the flavors of Indian cuisine, but are looking for something a little more healthy?

Look no further!

This post will provide you with an array of easy, delicious, and healthy Indian dishes, no matter what your cooking skill level!

Some of these recipes are traditional Indian cuisine, while others are more new-school with an Indian flavor twist. But the one thing they all have in common is that they’re super delicious and easy to prepare!

PS – Don’t forget about these 25+ easy Indian Appetizers, Indian Side Dishes and delicious Indian Desserts too! Plus, the best wine pairings for Indian food.

Easy & Healthy Indian Recipes to Try Out!

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a deliciously spiced Indian dish that's easy to make with the help of your crockpot.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chickpeas feature tender chickpeas simmered in an intensely flavorful and aromatic Indian-inspired butter sauce. Either serve it as the main course with rice or as a delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly side dish.

Indian Butter Chickpeas

This Instant Pot Dal comes together with minimal effort with the help of your electric pressure cooker. These delicious bowls of dal are topped with quick-pickled red onion and tangy yogurt for an unforgettable, vegetarian meal that’s perfect for Meatless Monday or any day of the week.

Instant Pot Dal

Curried Chicken Skewers with Lime are quick and easy to prepare on the grill. Deliciously fragrant and tangy, they're perfect served alongside some rice and a simple salad.

Curried Chicken Skewers

This Potato Vindaloo Curry recipe is a spicy Indian vegetarian dish that makes a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.

Potato Vindaloo Curry

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (7)

Tandoori Chicken and Cauliflower Sheet Pan Dinner. Traditional tandoori spices like turmeric, cumin and cinnamon are the secret to this simple cauliflower and chicken sheet pan dinner’s rich, warm flavors.

Recipe: The Modern Proper

Tandoori Chicken and Cauliflower Sheet Pan Dinner

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (8)

Tandoori Chicken oven baked for easy home cooking. A simple 4-ingredient meal that is a cinch to prepare and so incredibly tasty!
Recipe: Mad Creations Hub

Baked Tandoori Chicken

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (9)

Warm spices like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and cumin mixed with yogurt make the marinade for this simple whole tandoori roast chicken.
Recipe: The Modern Proper

Roasted Tandoori Chicken

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (10)

This Chicken Korma is a delicious Indian dish made with mildly spiced chicken that’s been marinated in a homemade korma paste. Super easy and quick!
Recipe: Jo Cooks

Chicken Korma

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (11)

Easy weeknight recipe for Chicken Vindaloo, a popular Indian curry made with a unique spice paste of dried chilies, tamarind, and vinegar.
Recipe: Spice Cravings

Chicken Vindaloo

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (12)

The Modern Proper took classic Indian chicken tikka masala and turned it into a soup that is the definition of cozy. Slurping encouraged.

Recipe: The Modern Proper

Tikka Masala Soup

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (13)

Simple Coconut Chicken Curry with sweet sesame mango…full of yummy Indian-inspired flavors, made in 30 mins, and so delicious!
Recipe: Half Baked Harvest

Coconut Chicken Curry

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (14)

Easy Mango Chutney Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. Quick and crazy-delicious, a jar of mango chutney is the secret to the delicious, slightly sweet flavor of this chicken-and-cauliflower sheet pan dinner.

Recipe: The Modern Proper

Easy Mango Chutney Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

One Pot Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas is a fuss free dish that's easy to make at home. Spicy, fragrant harissa coats the chicken and chickpeas as they roast and a creamy yogurt harissa sauce finishes it off at the end.

One Pot Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas

These Lemon Chicken Skewers cook up perfectly on the grill and are served with a side of Harissa Yogurt Sauce for extra flavor.

Lemon Chicken Skewers

This Indian Butternut Squash Curry is a delicious vegetarian squash curry simmered with fragrant spices and rich coconut milk.

Indian Butternut Squash Curry

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (18)

A delicately spiced aloo gobi recipe that gets its flavors from an onion and tomato base with just a sprinkling of the big three spices of Indian cooking – turmeric, coriander and red chilli powders. It’s vegan, it’s easy and it’s tasty!
Recipe: Indian Ambrosia

Aloo Gobi

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (19)

Vegetable Paneer Jalfrezi is a simple Indian vegetarian curry made with vegetables, paneer and Indian spices.This stir fry is low carb and keto recipe too.
Recipe: Carve Your Craving

Vegetable Paneer Jalfrezi

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (20)

This bhindi masala recipe will convert any bhindi hater! It’s a punjabi style recipe & is full of flavor. Just follow the recipe & it won’t be slimy.
Recipe: My Food Story

Bhindi Masala

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (21)

This crispy gobi 65 recipe is irresistibly delicious, perfectly cooked with crunchy layer makes it better than restaurant style, you will love this fried cauliflower recipe over and over again!

Recipe: Nithi's Click & Cook

Cauliflower 65

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (22)

Hara bhara kabab is a crispy, easy to make vegan kabab recipe with spinach, green peas, potatoes & chickpea flour. Best filling snack!
Recipe: Cook Click N Devour

Hara Bhara Kabab

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (23)

This is the classic Indian tomato soup recipe that tastes just like your favorite Indian restaurant. This creamy tomato soup gets ready in 30 minutes using instant pot.

Recipe: Spicy Up The Curry

Creamy Indian Tomato Soup

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (24)

An easy, quick and spicy Vegan “Chicken” Masala Curry that you can make in under 30 minutes to satisfy any craving. Serve with rice or naan and raita.
Recipe: Holy Cow Vegan

Spicy Vegan Chicken Masala

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (25)

This vegetarian tikka masala recipe is made with cauliflower (Gobi Masala), served with basmati rice & naan. Roasted cauliflower curry.
Recipe: The Cookie Rookie

Vegetarian Tikka Masala

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (26)

This is an easy and authentic tasting Kathal Ki Sabji recipe. The crave-able jackfruit curry is vegan, sattvic, and gluten-free.

Recipe: Cinnamon Snail

Jackfruit Curry (Kathal Ki Sabji)

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (27)

Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian curry dish made with soft paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and smooth creamy spinach puree that is infused with spices . It can be served with Naan/Roti/Chapati or even Rice.

Recipe: Shweta In The Kitchen

Palak Paneer

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (28)

This chana masala from Smitten Kitchen is made up of perfectly spiced chickpeas in a tomato based sauce.

Recipe: Olive & Mango

Creamy Chana Masala

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (29)

This Hyderabadi style Chicken Biryani recipe will guide you to make the most flavorful, fragrant biryani at home.

Recipe: My Food Story

Chicken Biryani

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (30)

Indian Cabbage Curry recipe is so easy and quick to make with simple ingredients – cabbage, tomato and basic Indian spices.

Recipe: J Cooking Odyssey

Cabbage Curry

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (31)

This delicious homemade Punjabi Rajma Masala has an irresistible melt in the mouth texture. Get the authentic rajma experience!

Recipe: J Cooking Odyssey

Rajma Masala

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (32)

Follow this easy recipe to make Aloo Tamatar ki Sabzi made with potatoes, tomatoes and spices. Try North India’s traditional potato and tomato curry.

Recipe: J Cooking Odyssey

Potato Tomato Curry (Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabji)

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (33)

Love Rogan Josh? Take a look at my lamb Rogan Josh recipe to recreate this takeaway favourite at home. Slimming friendly version included!

Recipe: Super Golden Bakes

Rogan Josh

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (34)

Vegan Brussels Sprouts Kormais the stuff dreams are made off! Now that Brussels Sprouts are in season make this delectable Indian Korma Curry at home – ready in under 40 minutes.Serve with hot and steamyrice, quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Recipe: J Cooking Odyssey

Brussels Sprouts Korma

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (35)

An easy-to-follow Fish Curry (Fish Masala) made with an onion-tomato masala and simple spices.. Tender yet crispy fish in a flavorful curry!

Recipe: Tea For Turmeric

Fish Curry (Fish Masala)

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (36)

Making masoor dal (authentic red lentil curry) at home is SO much easier than you think. This is a favorite recipe that’s loved by everyone who tries it.

Recipe: Tea For Turmeric

Masoor Dal

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (37)

Restaurant-Style Matar Paneer is an Indian vegetarian curry with cubes of paneer cheese & green peas. A delicious recipe for Matar Paneer that you'll come back to again and again!

Recipe: Sanjana Feasts

Matar Paneer

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (38)

This secretly healthy vegan pav bhaji recipe is a delicious curry packed with so many veggies! This recipe is healthier than most because there’s not much oil/vegan butter used! And there are more veggies hidden in it compared to other Pav Bhajis.

Recipe: Cooking with Parita

Pav Bhaji

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (39)

Ground Beef Keema Curry with peas and potatoes is an easy, restaurant quality Indian dish. It’s kid friendly and perfect for beginners!

Recipe: Our Salty Kitchen

Keema Curry (Ground Beef Curry)

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (40)

Smoky charred eggplant mashed with Indian spices is the best way to eat eggplant. Guaranteed to make you fall in love with eggplant!

Recipe: Rainbow Plant Life

Baingan Bharta

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (41)

Salmon and pineapple rubbed with homemade dry tandoori masala and grilled on high heat. Easy to make and taste amazing for any meal.

Recipe: Sinfully Spicy

Tandoori Salmon Tikka

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (42)

Restaurant style Dal Tadka. This dal tadka recipe has a great hearty flavors of lentils and ghee tempering. Quick and easy meal in 30 minutes.

Recipe: Feast with Safiya

Dal Tadka

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (43)

Moong Dal Khichdi is an easy dish made with rice, lentils, and spices. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and is arguably India’s most classic, hearty dish.

Recipe: Masala and Chai

Masala Moong Dal Khichdi

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these Indian recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.

Wine Pairings for Indian Food

  • Indian dishes are heavily spiced and rich with complex flavors and aromas. The key is pairing the complexity with a fruity, cold wine like a sweetRieslingor a floralRosé.
  • A crispPinot GrigioorSauvignon Blancalso pair well with the spicy, savory flavors.

More Indian Inspired Recipes

  • Indian Soups
  • Indian Appetizers
  • Indian Side Dishes
  • Indian Chicken Recipes
  • Vegetarian Indian Recipes
  • Indian Desserts

Did you Make Any of These Healthy Indian Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of Indian recipes.Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me onInstagramusing the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE?For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me onPinterest,TikTok,Facebook,YouTubeandTwitter.

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (44)

40+ Healthy Indian Dishes to Try

Here are 40+ delicious and healthy Indian recipes to try for lunch or dinner! From Tandoori Chicken, to Dal, and so much more! Try these Curried Chicken Skewers with Lime.

No ratings yet

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Marinade Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients (except chicken) in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.

  • Add chicken to a large ziploc bag and pour the marinade over the chicken.

  • Let marinate for at least 4 hours (or overnight)

  • Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Arrange chicken skewers in a single layer and cook, rotating occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 757mg | Potassium: 313mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg

40+ Healthy Indian Recipes to Try (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest Indian food to order? ›

Vegetarian options are often lower in calories and saturated fats while providing ample protein and fiber. Consider trying dishes like Palak Paneer (spinach and cottage cheese), Baingan Bharta (roasted eggplant), or Daal (lentil curry) for a satisfying and healthful dining experience.

What is the #1 Indian dish? ›

1. Chicken Makhani (Butter Chicken) Butter chicken is mouth-watering, tender chicken, cooked in a spiced tomato sauce. It's traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a cylindrical clay or metal oven), but may be grilled, roasted or pan-fried in less authentic preparations.

What is the healthiest Indian curry? ›

Any Indian curries that are tomato-based, like tandoori, madras, jalfrezi, rogan and bhuna, are the lowest in calories. They average around 200-300 calories. If you want an even healthier option, consider a sauce-free dish like fish tikka (which is only 180 calories).

What is the unhealthiest Indian food? ›

The list of unhealthy Indian food is given below.
  • Butter Chicken. ...
  • Medu Vada. ...
  • Samosa and Kachori. ...
  • Bhujia. ...
  • Pani Poori. ...
  • Excessive Salt. ...
  • Caffeine. Caffeine is often found in chocolates, coffee and soft drinks. ...
  • Soft Drinks. Carbonated drinks are high in sugar content.
May 8, 2024

What is least fattening Indian food? ›

Certainly, let's delve a bit deeper into the details of these delicious and low-calorie Indian dishes:
  • Moong Dal Cheela. ...
  • Sabudana Khichdi. ...
  • Cucumber Raita. ...
  • Palak Khichdi. ...
  • Oats Idli. ...
  • Bhel. ...
  • Dhokla. ...
  • Upma.

Which Indian meal is best for weight loss? ›

Here's an example of what a day on an Indian weight loss diet could look like:
  • Breakfast: Vegetable omelette with whole wheat toast and green chutney.
  • Lunch: Lentil curry, sautéed spinach, brown rice, raita.
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts.
  • Dinner: Grilled fish with sautéed veggies, quinoa pulao.
Feb 8, 2023

Is tikka masala healthy? ›

Skip: Chicken Tikka Masala

But like many Indian dishes that were originally low fat, the modern recipe for chicken tikka masala is anything but. An average portion has whopping 1,249 calories and 90.8 grams of fat. A lot of that comes from the ghee and heavy cream.

What is the most eaten meat in India? ›

Many types of meat are used for Indian cooking, but chicken and mutton tend to be the most commonly consumed meats. Fish and beef consumption are prevalent in some parts of India, but they are not widely consumed except for coastal areas, as well as the north east.

Is Chinese or Indian healthier? ›

Having an Indian meal may be Britain's favourite culinary pastime, but researchers say curries are more fattening than either Chinese food or pizzas. A single meal of Indian curry has been found to have more fat than what is recommended for the entire day.

Is Thai or Indian food healthier? ›

The health benefits of Thai food

Thai also tends to have fewer carbohydrates than other ethnic cuisines like Indian or Chinese. This makes Thai a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight!

Which is healthier, chicken tikka or tandoori chicken? ›

Nutritional Value

The high fiber, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content in chicken tikka kebabs makes them incredibly healthy. It contains 4.2g of protein, 0.7g of fiber, and 5g of net carbohydrates. The delicious appetizer, however, has fewer nutritional value and health advantages than chicken tandoori.

What Indian food can I eat on a diet? ›

You can eat foods like Brown Rice, Multigrain chapati, legumes and pulses, all leafy green vegetables etc. Consult your dietitian about the dos/don'ts before you add something to your diet plan.

Is chicken tikka dry healthy? ›

Healthy not so much if you buy it from a restaurant as a lot of oil is used to marinade and tandoor the tikkas. But yes if you make it at home, you can brush a little less oil than usual. Oh and yes chicken tikka is way healthier than other fried snacks/starters.

What is a high calorie Indian food? ›

One pot meals like chicken biryani, khichdi, Veg pulav and curd rice are the dishes which can scale up your calorie intake. The combo of rice with lentils and legumes is another good choice one can make. Our very own rajma chawal, kadhi chawal and sāmbhar chawal are the dishes to go for.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kerri Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6405

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kerri Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1992-10-31

Address: Suite 878 3699 Chantelle Roads, Colebury, NC 68599

Phone: +6111989609516

Job: Chief Farming Manager

Hobby: Mycology, Stone skipping, Dowsing, Whittling, Taxidermy, Sand art, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.