There is nothing better than a delicious Indian dinner to wrap up your day. But, a question remains for every meal – it isn’t what to eat but how to choose from so many scrumptious options.
The succulent Tandoori Chicken is one of the best starters you could ask for. Biryani, with its rich aroma and taste, makes your dinner extra special. And, a sweet reward at the end can be the heavenly Gulab Jamun.
We have barely begun and there is so much more to savour. So, keep scrolling for the full feast.
A Mouth-watering Dinner
Starter
In Indian cuisine, appetisers do more than just start the meal. They spark your taste buds and give you a sneak peek into the exquisite flavours that await you throughout the rest of the dinner.
- Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is a popular Indian dish that has captured the attention and taste buds of people worldwide for its distinct flavour and tantalising aroma.
To prepare this starter, tender chicken pieces are first soaked in a yoghurt-based marinade rich with spices, before being cooked to perfection in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven.
Just the sight of Tandoori Chicken, with its bright orange colour and enticing charred edges, can whet your appetite. Juicy and rich, this chicken shines on the plate, while the smoky hint brings complexity to the dish.
It is served alongside lemon wedges and tangy chutney. And, let us tell you, Tandoori Chicken should certainly rank high among the dishes you absolutely need to experience.
- Ajwani Fish Tikka
The intriguing pungent taste of ajwain, reminiscent of oregano, combined with the smoky richness from the grill, makes Ajwani Fish Tikka stand out from the rest of the starters.
The marinade used in Ajwani Fish Tikka adds a punch of flavours and enhances the fish without overwhelming its original taste.
The flavoursome, tender cubes of fish are perfectly complemented by pickled onion and mint chutney. This Fish Tikka is a light and fulfilling appetiser for you to savour at any meal of the day.
- Gobi 65
Indian vegetarian starters easily stand toe-to-toe with their non-vegetarian counterparts. A great example is Gobi 65, a flavourful dish that is just light but bold.
This deep-fried cauliflower dish, coated in a spicy batter, takes inspiration from the famous Chicken 65. Though there are many stories surrounding its origin and name, the one truth we can all agree on is how delectable it is!
On the outside, the cauliflower florets are crispy, but bite into them and you find that they are soft on the inside. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, Indian cuisine brings this incredible starter.
Main Course
Indian main dishes are often rich and layered with spices. It is a celebration of textures, aromas and of course, delectable flavours. The flavour spectrum varies from gently mild to boldly fiery to please every palate
- Biryani
‘I do not like biryani’, said no one ever. Seriously, this iconic dish wins over even the toughest critics. It can be relished at any time of the day.
You simply can’t help but sing the praises of the appetising flavours and the tender meat that falls off the bone. And, there are so many delicious varieties of Biryani for you to try.
Hyderabadi Gosht Dum Biryani is hearty, while the Thalassery Biryani makes your heart swoon.
The subtly spiced Lucknow Biryani might become your new favourite. Even vegetable biryani has a special place in this lip-smacking lineup.
- Bread
Leavened and unleavened flatbreads are an important part of Indian cuisine, each type representing the culinary diversity and rich heritage found in India. They are great for dinners.
- Roti
Roti, a staple found in most Indian households, is known for its light and thin texture. This humble and round whole wheat flatbread is an amazing alternative to naan.
A generous dollop of butter makes it a more comforting dish. The simplicity of roti’s taste works well with many curries. It, in fact, lets those flavours really come alive on your palate.
From the soft tandoori roti, puffed in a tandoor to the roomali roti, rolled very thin like a handkerchief, roti comes in unique forms. And, it pairs really well with just about anything, be it a lentil dish or a creamy curry.
- Malabar Parotta
Malabar Parotta is a flaky, crispy flatbread that holds a special place in the Indian culinary space. You will see them gracing the menus of restaurants all across Kerala as well as Tamil Nadu.
Each layer of dough is carefully folded and rolled, resulting in a perfect crunch on the outer crust. And, it is pillowy soft on the inside.
The layers are so tender and delicate that they can be effortlessly pulled apart. Parotta is an ideal companion for a wide selection of curries and stews, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
And, once you indulge in them with some spicy gravy, trust us, you will enjoy it so much that you will want to order it at every opportunity.
- Curry
Indian curries are known for their rich, complex flavours, often simmered for hours to extract the full depth of the spices.
When served alongside fluffy bread or fragrant rice, Indian curries become the heart and soul of a delightful dinner.
- Gosht Rogan Josh
If you are a meat lover, you absolutely must try Gosht Rogan Josh. ‘Rogan’ refers to clarified butter or the colour red in Hindi and ‘Josh’ signifies fiery passion.
The name itself encapsulates the bold and robust taste of this exquisite sauce. Every mouthful of Rogan Josh is a flavourful explosion. The melt-in-your-mouth lamb is too good to be true.
The succulent pieces of lamb are lovingly cooked in a rich sauce infused with caramelised onions, Kashmiri red chilli and a handful of select Indian spices.
Ah, the signature deep red colour of the gravy is all thanks to Kashmiri chilli. It also provides a pleasant heat that will not overpower your palate.
- Paneer Do Pyaza
Paneer Do Pyaza is a creamy, dreamy Mughlai dish that features paneer (cottage cheese) in a luscious onion-tomato gravy. It is great for any occasion, especially dinner.
The name ‘do pyaza’ signifies a generous usage of onions, typically twice the usual amount. It adds a special touch and elevates the dish.
The taste is a splendid fusion of sweet, tangy and savoury sensations. Paneer Do Pyaza is different from other curries and in the best way possible.
Dessert
Rich, decadent and fragrant, Indian desserts showcase brilliant flavours using ingredients such as cardamom, saffron and rose water.
Keep in mind to always save some room for the luxurious Indian dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Carrot Halwa
Carrot Halwa, often referred to as Gajar Ka Halwa, is a traditional Indian dessert that takes simple carrots and turns them into an opulent dessert.
This Halwa is made from freshly grated carrots, creamy milk, sugar and ghee (clarified butter). It is slowly cooked until the carrots soften, allowing the flavours to blend and become a sweet treat that warms your soul.
Usually served warm, it beautifully rounds off a cosy family dinner. It is also a dessert often prepared for festivals and celebrations.
- Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is a quintessential Indian dessert that truly feels like it is straight from paradise. If Gulab Jamun has not made it to your dessert plate yet, you are missing out!
The divine sweetness and soft texture are truly mesmerising. These fried clotted cream balls are drenched in a sweet, glazed syrup that carries notes of rose and aromatic saffron.
Every bite gives you a reason to go ‘mmmm’ with joy. Also, try serving gulab jamun with a scoop of creamy ice cream, you will love it!
We get your temptation to try everything on the Indian menu. So, if you are craving a lip-smacking dinner with all of these dishes and more, come on over to The Madras Diaries.
We would be so happy to have you here!
