Garam masala

Butter chicken is one of the most famous Indian recipes that originated in Delhi in the mid-20th century. Tender pieces of chicken soaked in aromatic spice paste are first sautéed and then simmered in a rich creamy sauce. The dish has a rich, creamy flavor with a slight tang from tomatoes and apple cider vinegar, while the garam masala spice blend adds zest. Cashews lend creaminess to the sauce, and cream makes it velvety. Butter chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice and fresh cilantro. This dish not only warms the soul but also offers a journey into the heart of Indian cuisine, reflecting its love for rich aromas and deep flavors.

Recipe from Irina Chadeeva's book "Culinary Geography.

Recipe from Irina Chadeeva's book "Culinary Geography.

Indian-style pilaf with lamb, known as biryani, is a culinary art born from the rich traditions of Indian cuisine. Its vibrant flavor and aroma result from a complex dance of spices: garam masala, cardamom, coriander, and saffron create a warm spicy depth complemented by tender lamb. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the meat while the spice-infused basmati adds an airy lightness to the dish. Biryani is traditionally served with mint yogurt and chopped cilantro for added freshness and balance. This pilaf symbolizes luxury and comfort; it is prepared for celebrations and special family evenings when food becomes not just sustenance but a true delight.

This wonderful, flavorful seafood soup is delicious with almost any fish.

Spicy parsnip puree soup is a refined dish with a velvety texture and rich flavor. Its base is sweet parsnip, which gains Eastern notes when combined with aromatic ginger, garlic, and garam masala. Milk and vegetable broth create tenderness, while red chili pepper adds spiciness. This soup is perfect for cozy autumn and winter evenings, warming and filling with comfort. Inspired by traditional cuisine, it has firmly entered modern gastronomy due to its originality.

Do you still think that tofu is window putty? Maybe it is useful, but absolutely tasteless? You just don't know how to handle it! In this recipe, Vlad Suchkov acts as an advocate of soy cheese: he does not try to portray it as either fish or meat, but treats it as a full-fledged product. If you keep tofu (not for long!) in an elementary marinade of soy sauce, lemon juice and sugar, it will taste like an amazing thing, reminiscent of either a bamboo shoot or lemon marmalade, and will fit very well into the soup of young peas. And the soup itself, where an Asian accent is added by means of lemongrass, does not need advocates: such green soups are a real consolation for us in the slushy off-season. Vlad Suchkov shared this recipe with us, Chef of Blush gastrobar.

Coconut dal is a fragrant Indian dish that delights with its creamy texture and spicy flavor. It is a vegetarian soup based on red lentils that provides softness and nutrition. Coconut milk adds tenderness and an exotic touch, while spices like garam masala, curry, cardamom, and cloves reveal warm Eastern notes. Historically, dal is a traditional Indian legume soup that has served as a staple for centuries. It is prepared differently in various regions of India but remains hearty, warming, and easy to make. This soup is usually served with rice or flatbreads, perfectly complemented by fresh herbs and lemon. Coconut dal is comfort in a bowl filled with the flavors of distant India.

Spicy Eastern-style scrambled eggs are a bright and aromatic dish from Eastern Indian cuisine that combines spices and fresh vegetables. Historically, Indian cuisine is renowned for its masterful balance of spices, and this recipe is no exception. Yellow tomatoes add a slight tanginess while ramiro peppers provide a sweet note. The blend of curry, garam masala, and mit-curry-masala creates a rich aroma that instantly whets the appetite. The eggs cook quickly over high heat, resulting in a tender texture with slightly crispy edges. Served hot, they pair perfectly with crusty bread or flatbreads. This dish is ideal for breakfast—refreshing and hearty—while its Eastern spices make every bite a true gastronomic adventure.

The recipe is taken from the collection of recipes by Nastya Ozerova.

Chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular Indian dishes, loved by gourmets worldwide. It consists of tender chicken fillet marinated in a fragrant yogurt sauce with spices and baked to a golden crust. The combination of traditional Indian spices like garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander gives the dish a deep, rich flavor with spicy, slightly tangy notes. The creamy tomato sauce makes it especially tender and harmonious, perfectly complementing the chicken. Chicken tikka masala is often served with basmati rice or soft naan bread that soaks up the exquisite sauce. Legend has it that the dish originated in the UK as an adaptation of Indian cuisine to European tastes but undeniably has its roots in Indian tradition.

Turkey without sweet sauce is boring, nature did not reward it with a bright character. Persimmon and pear quickly bring the necessary makeover, after which the turkey can easily be placed in the center of the festive table.

This recipe uses only rice for the filling, no meat, but what an environment: celery, garlic, and cauliflower add juiciness to the rice, and spices — cumin and garam masala — add brightness to the taste. The recipe was invented by our recipe editor Vera Zheleznyak — we call such dishes "utilisotto" in the editorial office. In this case, the pepper can be a receptacle for stale tomatoes that have lost their marketable appearance, wilted greens, carrots left over from soup, and even the day before yesterday's rice. In winter, frozen vegetables can take the place of fresh vegetables. Absolutely any vegetable set is acceptable, based on the contents of your refrigerator, because the spices will still do their spicy job and bring the taste of the rice to the desired degree of piquancy.

Mung dal is a lean version of Indian pea soup, it has no cream, but it does have cabbage, potatoes and lots of spices. Mung peas can easily be replaced with lentils or beans.

South Asian fresh paneer cheese in spicy Indian masala sauce is a popular part of lunches and dinners in India and is simply a good snack for companies.