My half-Indian family LOVES curry and I’m sharing my top, most-treasured Indian curry recipes (my Indian husband says they’re life-changing).

My Favorite Indian Curry Recipes

Put some of Adarsh’s and my favorite curry recipes on your must-make list:

1. Chicken Korma

The Chicken Korma that will change your life, according to Adarsh.

This Indian chicken curry recipe is not far off a butter chicken – it’s slightly lighter in tomato flavor and richness. It is made with cubed chicken breasts, but you could also make it with chicken thighs – cut off the bone into chicken pieces.

If you love this recipe, try my shrimp korma, next.

Serve it with my viral Butter Naan Recipe. This naan recipe will give you pull-apart naan that is stretchy and SO satisfying.

2. Butter Chicken (Seriously Creamy)

Best-Ever Creamy Butter Chicken is one of the most popular recipes of all time on this blog.  

Murgh Makhani, as it’s known, is a top contender for the best Indian curries list, for sure!

It is dripping in creamy curry sauce and has incredible fragrance and taste. The chicken falls apart on the fork.

3. Butter Paneer

Easy Homemade Butter Paneer is the vegetarian version of my butter chicken—deeply rich and creamy thanks to the homemade paneer cheese. 

If you are vegetarian (or not) and new to cooking  Indian curries, this is a great starting point. 

(See also: 52+ of my favorite paneer recipes and how to make homemade paneer)

4. Palak Paneer (Spinach + Cheese Curry)

My Palak Paneer Recipe is literally the best way to eat a pound of spinach, ha! I ADORE the shock of green from this spinach gravy. 

As rich and dreamy as this curry is, it’s also surprisingly fresh and healthy. If you like, I also have a stunning Saag Paneer recipe.

(See also: Palak Paneer vs. Saag Paneer)

5. Madras Lentils

Creamy Madras Lentils has got to be the ultimate vegetarian comfort food. You will sleep well with a belly full of this delicious curry. 

This recipe features red kidney beans and lentils. I like to double the recipe and eat the rest for lunch the next day.

6. Masoor Dal 

Amma’s special Masoor Dal is one of my favorite cozy and satisfying recipes. Scoop the gravy up with aloo naan bread.

Experience the magic in this gravy made with turmeric, fresh ginger, mustard seeds, and green chilies. 

7. Chickpea Curry (Channa Masala)

Indian Chickpea Curry Recipe is vegan AND gluten-free. Oh, and it only takes 15 minutes to whip up.

8. Malai Kofta

Malai Kofta is made with paneer and potato balls and served in a creamy tomato sauce. I always choose this as my top takeaway option – the homemade version is even better.

Serve it with Paratha – these are impressive flaky, layered Indian flatbreads. 

9. Curried Lentils In Coconut Gravy

Curried Lentils with Coconut Milk is a lovely curry to serve in the summer. 

Mustard seeds, turmeric and ginger are key features in this curry. Top it with fresh cilantro/coriander and some sliced red onion. 

10. Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a classic and uber-popular potato Indian curry. This is my Indian mother-in-law’s favorite out of my Indian curry recipes. You need to try it.

Think tender, fluffy potatoes with delicious cauliflower and spices (garam masala, chili, the works).

11. Aloo Masala

If it is an Indian Potato Curry recipe, you are after – this is it. 

On the table in just 30 minutes, it’s a top choice for a vegetarian curry. Thick, hearty, and comforting. 

This recipe is also known as potato masala. It has a mix of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. 

12. Chicken Curry 65

Here is Adarsh’s Chicken 65 recipe. This is my version of the South Indian recipe. It is sticky, BOLD, and seriously tasty.

Make this dish in 45 minutes or so – great as a mid-week curry with a handful of ingredients. Its pretty spicy so keep that in mind when making it for friends and family.

13. Vindaloo Pork Curry

What can be better than my Vindaloo Pork Curry? Not much, ha! The pork is fall apart, soft, and totally delicious. 

This South Indian recipe is a great recipe to try in your Instant Pot or any pressure cooker.

14. Lamb Vindaloo

Grab my Lamb Vindaloo recipe and run with it. The coconut and garlic flavors are so delicious, alongside its spice blend. 

Let it simmer away while you make a few sides to serve with it.

What to Serve with Curry

Here are a couple of my favorites to serve alongside my best Indian curry recipes:

• Indian flatbreads: Roti, chapati, butter naan or paratha are my top choices. Mop of curry gravy with them. (See also: Roti vs Naan + Paratha vs Naan)
• Rice: Here is my viral basmati rice recipe based on my Indian mother-in-law’s easy method.
• Vegetables: Serve with Indian coconut green beans or Yogurt cucumber salad with any of my curries.
• Plain yogurt: A few teaspoons are a great way to cool down any too-hot-for-you curry. 

I love to serve crispy homemade potato samosas (or my favorite chicken samosa recipe, if you’re not vegetarian) at the beginning of the meal.

My family loves to sip on this Indian Chai (tea the authentic Indian way) recipe.

Tips For Making The Best Indian Curry Recipes

Here are my secrets to making unforgettable Indian Curries:

• Learn the basics: Familiarize yourself with the foundational aspects of Indian cooking. An example here is the art of tempering spices (tadka) and achieving flavor balance. These techniques are the cornerstone for crafting authentic Indian curries.
• Use the freshest ingredients: Choose the freshest herbs and spices possible. You can genuinely taste the difference between a curry made with fresh spices (curry powder, cayenne pepper, turmeric powder, cinnamon, etc.) and those in the cupboard for years. I like storing my spices in a dark cupboard or fridge. The same goes for whole spices.
• Customize the heat: While Indian dishes are known for their spiciness, you can adjust the heat levels according to your palate. 
• Build flavor layers: Start by slowly sautéing onions. They should be super soft and golden so that they totally disappear in the sauce and provide a sweet counterpoint to the heat. I like to add salt at different points of the cooking process. 
• Play with herbs and toppings: Experiment with fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, and curry leaves to garnish your dishes.

Next Reading: Impossibly-Delicious Indian Dinner Ideas