Winter is here, and with it comes the desire for warm, comforting food that doesn’t take hours to prepare. The good news? You don’t have to spend long hours in the kitchen to enjoy hearty, flavorful Indian dishes. Here are some quick and easy Indian recipes that will be ready in just 10 minutes, ensuring you don’t have to work too hard to satisfy your winter cravings.
1. Masala Maggi (Spicy Instant Noodles)
A beloved comfort food across India, Maggi noodles get an upgrade with a spicy masala twist. This dish is perfect when you’re looking for something quick and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of Maggi noodles
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as per packet instructions
Method:
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes soften.
- Stir in the chili powder, turmeric, and salt, then add water according to the packet instructions.
- Add the noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh coriander.
2. Aloo Tikki
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, aloo tikki is a popular North Indian snack that can be made in just a few minutes. Pair it with chutney or yogurt for a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized boiled potatoes, mashed
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornflour (optional, for crispiness)
- Oil for frying
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small round patties.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the tikkis until golden and crisp on both sides.
- Serve hot with chutney or a dollop of yogurt.
3. Paneer Bhurji (Scrambled Paneer)
Paneer bhurji is a quick and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a winter evening. It’s made with crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Ingredients:
- 200g paneer, crumbled
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Method:
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions until soft.
- Add the tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Stir in the spices and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the crumbled paneer, mix well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with paratha or rice.
4. Instant Vegetable Upma
Upma is a South Indian dish that’s quick to prepare and full of nutritious vegetables. The instant version requires minimal effort and can be made in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina (rava)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans)
- 1 green chili, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Water (1.5 cups)
Method:
- Dry roast the semolina in a pan until light golden, then set it aside.
- In the same pan, heat oil and add mustard and cumin seeds.
- Add onions, vegetables, and green chili. Sauté for a few minutes.
- Add water and salt, bring it to a boil, then slowly add semolina while stirring continuously.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the semolina absorbs the water. Serve warm.
5. Dal Tadka (Quick Lentil Curry)
Dal Tadka is a simple yet flavorful dish made with yellow lentils, tempered with a sizzling mix of ghee, garlic, and spices. It’s a warming dish that’s ready in a flash.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow lentils (moong dal or toor dal)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
Method:
- Boil the lentils in 3 cups of water with turmeric until soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- In another pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds, onions, ginger-garlic paste, and tomatoes. Sauté until the tomatoes soften.
- Add red chili powder and salt, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the cooked lentils to the tempering and stir well. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Serve with rice or roti.
6. Dahi Puri
This is a quick and refreshing snack that can be prepared in minutes. Dahi puri is a fun dish that combines crunchy puris, tangy yogurt, and spicy chutneys.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 puris (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup yogurt, whisked
- 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
- 2 tablespoons mint chutney
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Chaat masala, to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Gently poke a hole in the center of each puri.
- Stuff the puris with chopped onions, drizzle with yogurt, and add chutneys.
- Sprinkle chaat masala, salt, and pepper.
- Serve immediately as a delightful snack.
Conclusion:
Winter doesn’t have to mean long hours spent cooking in the kitchen. With these 10-minute recipes, you can enjoy the comforting and flavorful dishes of Indian cuisine without all the effort. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy noodles, crispy tikkis, or a simple dal, these quick recipes will keep you warm and satisfied throughout the chilly season!