Top 10 Must-Try Indian Dishes for Beginners

Are you curious about Indian food but don’t know where to start? Whether you're new to Indian cuisine or just looking to expand your cooking skills, this guide covers 10 delicious, beginner-friendly dishes you can make at home with ingredients from IndiaBazaar.co.za.

Chole (Chickpea Curry)

A rich, tangy, and spicy curry made from chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. Serve with basmati rice or bhature.

🛒 You’ll need: canned or dry chickpeas, chole masala, ginger garlic paste.

Palak Paneer

Creamy spinach curry with soft cubes of Indian cottage cheese (paneer). It’s healthy and satisfying!
🛒 Get:  frozen paneer, spinach, garam masala, kasuri methi.

Aloo Paratha

Stuffed flatbread filled with spicy mashed potatoes, perfect with yogurt or pickle.
🛒 Buy: whole wheat atta, aam ka achar (mango pickle), ghee.

Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Soup)

A comforting, protein-rich dish that's simple to cook and full of flavor.
🛒 Pick up: masoor dal,  turmeric,  mustard seeds,  curry leaves.

Chicken Curry

The ultimate crowd-pleaser! Marinated chicken in a spiced onion-tomato base.
🛒 Shop: chicken masala, ginger garlic paste, bay leaves, cardamom.

Vegetable Pulao

A one-pot rice dish loaded with vegetables and warm Indian spices.
🛒 Buy: basmati rice, cumin seeds, mixed frozen vegetables, cloves.

Samosas (Snack Time Favorite)

Triangular pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas – deep-fried to perfection.
🛒 Use: samosa pastry sheets, ajwain seeds, potatoes, green peas.

Paneer Butter Masala

A restaurant-style creamy tomato curry with soft paneer chunks – ideal with naan or rice.
🛒 Need: paneer, tomato puree, cream, butter, paneer masala.

Rava Upma (Savory Semolina Porridge)

A South Indian breakfast staple made with roasted semolina, veggies, and mustard seeds.
🛒 Buy: upma rava, mustard seeds, green chilies, curry leaves.

Gulab Jamun

Finish your meal with this iconic dessert! Soft dough balls soaked in cardamom-flavored sugar syrup.
🛒 Get: gulab jamun instant mix, rose water, sugar, cardamom pods.

Start Cooking with IndiaBazaar!

At IndiaBazaar.co.za, you can find everything you need to start your Indian cooking journey—from authentic spices to ready-made mixes and frozen essentials. All products are delivered across South Africa quickly and affordably.

👉 Shop Now and bring the taste of India to your kitchen!