Indian Lentil and Rice Salad Fragrant Basmati & Spiced Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Ingredients: 1/2 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 cucumber, diced 1 medium carrot, grated 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped Juice of 1 lemon Salt and black pepper to taste Optional topping: toasted cashews or peanuts Directions: Cook the lentils in lightly salted boiling water for about 20–25 minutes until just tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool. Meanwhile, cook the basmati rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and let cool completely. In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; cook until they begin to pop. Stir in turmeric, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils and rice. Add red onion, cucumber, grated carrot, chopped cilantro, and mint. Pour the spiced oil mixture over the salad. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with toasted nuts if desired. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #indianflavors #lentilrecipes #ricesalad #healthyindianfood #plantbasedmeal #vegandinner #spicedrecipes #herbaceous #refreshingsalads #glutenfreevegan #easyveganrecipes #indiancooking #cleaneating #wholefoods #meatlessmeals #veggiepacked #summerrecipes #basmatirice #spicyandsavory #nuttysalad Craving something healthy, hearty, and full of spice? This Indian Lentil and Rice Salad has everything—fragrance, flavor, and freshness in every bite!

Chicken Tikka Biryani Aromatic Chicken Tikka Biryani with Spiced Yogurt-Marinated Chicken and Fragrant Basmati Rice Ingredients: For the Chicken Tikka: 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 1/2 cup plain yogurt 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons garam masala 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1-inch piece ginger, grated Salt to taste For the Biryani Rice: 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes 3 cups water or chicken broth 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 green cardamom pods 4 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves Salt to taste Additional: Fried onions (optional, for garnish) Saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk (optional) Directions: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, garlic, ginger, and salt. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. Rinse and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes, then drain. Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown. Remove half the onions and set aside for garnish. Add marinated chicken to the pot and cook until the chicken is partially cooked, about 7-8 minutes. In a separate pot, bring water or chicken broth to boil. Add soaked rice and salt, cook until rice is 70% cooked (rice should still have a bite). Drain. Layer the partially cooked rice over the chicken in the pot. Sprinkle chopped cilantro, mint, fried onions, and saffron milk over the rice. Cover tightly with a lid. Cook on low heat (dum) for 25-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to finish cooking. Gently fluff the biryani with a fork before serving. Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating) | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Kcal: 550 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #chickentikkabiryani #biryani #indiancuisine #spicedchicken #basmatirice #flavorfulmeals #homemadebiryani #comfortfood #aromaticrice #tikkamarinatedchicken #dumcooking #foodie #indianfoodlover #curryandrice #deliciousdinner #biryanilove #easybiryani #foodstagram #foodblogger #authenticrecipes Rich, aromatic Chicken Tikka Biryani — tender marinated chicken layered with fragrant basmati rice and warm spices. A feast for the senses!

Chicken Vindaloo with Potatoes Spicy Chicken Vindaloo Stew with Tender Potatoes Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 1 tablespoon oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 5 garlic cloves, minced 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) Salt to taste 1/2 cup water Fresh cilantro for garnish Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving Directions: In a small bowl, mix vinegar, tomato paste, sugar, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir to make a paste. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for another minute. Add the spice paste and stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add chicken and coat it well in the spice mixture. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add diced potatoes and 1/2 cup water. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cover. Reduce heat and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is tender and potatoes are cooked through. Uncover and simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken sauce, if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #chickenvindaloo #spicycurry #indianfood #currynight #comfortcurry #vindaloorecipe #potatochicken #homemadeindian #fieryflavors #basmatirice #naanpairing #chickenrecipes #easycurries #onepotmeal #flavorpacked #ethnicfood #curryfromscratch #corianderandcumin #spicydinner #traditionalindianfood Turn up the heat with this Chicken Vindaloo with Potatoes! Bold spices, tender chicken, and soft potatoes come together in one rich and fiery dish

Coconut Chicken Curry Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry with Aromatic Spices Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks 1 tablespoon oil (coconut or vegetable) 1 large onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 inch fresh ginger, grated 2 tablespoons curry powder 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon paprika 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk 1 cup chicken broth 1 tablespoon tomato paste Salt and pepper to taste Juice of ½ lime Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Cooked basmati rice, to serve Directions: Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for another minute until fragrant. Add curry powder, turmeric, and paprika. Toast the spices for 1 minute while stirring. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sear until lightly browned on all sides. Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Mix well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens. Stir in lime juice for a fresh finish. Adjust salt and spice to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot over basmati rice. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #coconutchickencurry #chickencurryrecipe #currylovers #comfortfood #easychickenrecipe #glutenfree #currywithrice #coconutmilkrecipes #homecookedcurry #familydinner #simplechickenmeals #flavorfuldinner #mildspicy #weeknightcurry #onepotmeal #creamycurry #spicedchicken #basmatiricepairing #saucydinner #wholesomemeal Comfort in a bowl! This Coconut Chicken Curry is rich, creamy, and loaded with warm spices. Perfect for a cozy night in!