Chef Chetna Makan, known for her simple and delicious Indian cooking, has unveiled a collection of five-ingredient Indian recipes that are perfect for home cooks seeking flavour without fuss. The recipes include classics like chicken tikka and crab curry, as well as innovative dishes such as podi cauliflower rice.
Chicken Tikka
This iconic dish requires just five ingredients: chicken thighs, yogurt, tikka masala paste, lemon juice, and salt. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, then grill or bake until charred and tender. Serve with naan or salad for a complete meal.
Crab Curry
Makan's crab curry uses fresh crab, coconut milk, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and turmeric. Simmer the crab in the aromatic coconut sauce until cooked through. This dish is best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Podi Cauliflower Rice
A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, this dish features cauliflower grated or blitzed into rice-sized pieces, then cooked with podi (a spicy lentil powder), ghee, mustard seeds, and salt. It's a quick and healthy side dish.
Makan emphasises that these recipes are designed to be accessible, using pantry staples and minimal preparation time. Each dish showcases the bold flavours of Indian cuisine without overwhelming the cook.
For those looking to expand their culinary repertoire, these five-ingredient recipes prove that less can indeed be more in the kitchen.
