Explore the rich flavorful world of North Indian curry recipes. Learn to make classic dishes like chicken curry, or explore vegetarian and options. Perfect for a traditional North Indian thali.

North Indian curry is known for its depth of flavor, rich textures and unique blend of spices. You can make a creamy chicken curry or totally vegetarian, this page offers something for every palate. Imagine your kitchen filled with the fragrance of simmering spices, the taste of tender flavorful meats, and rich comforting sauces made with simple ingredients. If you are new to North Indian cooking or flavours, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know a North Indian inspired curry.

North Indian Curry What Makes It Unique?

North Indian curry is known for its rich creamy textures and bold aromatic spices. Unlike lighter curries from other regions, North Indian dishes often incorporate dairy like yogurt, cream, or ghee to giving them a luxurious velvety sauces. The hallmark of North Indian curry lies in its robust spice profile with staples like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Compared to South Indian curry, which frequently uses coconut milk, tamarind, and mustard seeds. North Indian curries tends to be richer and less tangy with a focus on creamy tomato bases with warm spices.

Essential Spices and Ingredients for North Indian Curry

• Core Spices Ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala
• Fresh Ingredients Garlic, ginger, onions, and chili
• Liquid Elements Yogurt and cream to add richness, tomato paste

North Indian Food Thali

A North Indian food thali is a traditional platter that includes a variety of small dishes served together. A thali offers a complete meal with a mix of flavors, textures, and nutrients. Each thali typically features items like curry, dal, roti, rice, pickles, and sometimes even a dessert.

North Indian Food Recipes

If you are inspired by the diversity of a North Indian thali, you will love diving into these classic North Indian food recipes. From rich curries to flavorful vegetarian dishes, these recipes bring the heart of North Indian flavors into your kitchen. Why not gather some friends and create your own thali evening.

The below can be easily made by changing a few necessary items in our main indian chicken curry recipe.

• Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk A creamy, coconut based curry that is mild yet flavorful
• Yellow Curry with Vegetables A vegetarian friendly option that’s vibrant and aromatic
• Paneer Butter Masala A vegetarian curry featuring paneer cheese in a rich tomato gravy
• Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Perfect for a hands off cooking method with slow simmered flavors

How to Serve North Indian Curry

Traditional North Indian meals are beautifully served by classic accompaniments like basmati rice, naan, and roti. Each offering a different texture to enjoy with rich curries and flavorful gravies. For a well rounded North Indian thali, sides like dal (lentils), cooling raita (yogurt with spices or vegetables), and tangy chutneys add layers of flavor and balance to the meal. To create an authentic thali experience arrange each dish in small bowls on a large platter, incorporating a variety of colors and textures. The vibrant hues of chutneys, the creamy raita, and the warm tones of curry and dal make a North Indian thali both visually appealing and inviting.

Popular North Indian Curry Variations

North Indian curries offer a fantastic range of protein options to suit any preference. For meat eaters chicken, lamb, and goat are popular choices. They are often cooked until tender in a rich spiced gravy. Pork and duck are other options that work well. Seafood like fish and prawns can also be used especially in regions closer to rivers or coasts. These protein options create versatility and satisfying choices that can be customized for any diet.

North Indian Food Vegetarian

For vegetarians there is an abundance of options, feel free to modify our Indian Chicken Curry Recipe and add any of the recommendations below.

Protein packed meat substitutes are paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and legumes such as chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils are delicious options which adding a hearty texture and robust flavor to the curry.

Vegetables are a wonderful addition to North Indian curries bringing extra flavor, color, and nutrition to each dish. Common choices include potatoes, peas, and spinach, which blend seamlessly with creamy gravies and spices. Cauliflower and bell peppers add a slight crunch and absorb the spices beautifully while okra and eggplant offer unique textures that pair well with both mild and spicy curries. These vegetables not only add variety but also help create wholesome balanced meals, perfect for vegetarian and meat based curries alike.

Adjustments for vegan diets, such as using coconut milk in place of yogurt is also very much ok.

Indian Chicken Curry Recipe Easy

As mentioned, please use any of the recommendations above to tailor the below recipe. Enjoy the inspiration of north indian curry with your dietary needs.

Print Recipe

North Indian Chicken Curry Recipe

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 lbs chicken thighs halved or quartered
• 1 large brown onion finely chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz / 400 g
• ½ cup tomato paste 7 oz / 140 g
• 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
• 1 chili thinly sliced (adjust for heat)
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 cup Greek style yogurt or natural yoghurt 260 g
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Steamed basmati rice for serving

Instructions

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, turning often for 6-8 minutes or until they’re lightly golden.
• Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring often for 3-4 minutes, until the onion starts to soften.
• Add the ginger, garlic, chili, ground coriander, cumin, salt, and turmeric. Cook, stirring continuously, for about 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
• Add the canned tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring until everything is well combined.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until Chicken is fully cooked through.
• Stir in the garam masala and yogurt. Cook for another few minutes until heated through.
• (optional) Top with fresh cilantro and serve with steamed basmati rice.

North Indian curry is a journey of flavors from aromatic spices and creamy textures that are both comforting and exciting. With these recipes and tips, you are ready to explore and savor the variety of North Indian curry dishes at home. Gather your spices, fire up the stove, and dive into the world of North Indian curry.

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