Indian Dinner Recipes

Easy 5-Minute Indian Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights

Written by: Anamika Singh

|

Published on

|

Time to read 11 min

Indian dinners are known for being hearty, flavorful, and packed with variety, but they can also feel time-consuming after a long day. The good news is, you don’t always need hours in the kitchen to enjoy a comforting Indian meal. This guide brings you a curated list of 5-minute Indian recipes for dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed evenings when you want something wholesome without the wait.

Quick & Easy Last-minute Indian Dinner Recipes

When hunger strikes and time is short, Indian cuisine still has you covered. From wholesome one-pot meals to comforting curries and light snacks, there are plenty of dishes that can be cooked in under 30 minutes without compromising on taste. These last-minute dinner recipes use simple pantry staples, minimal effort, and smart shortcuts, perfect for busy weeknights or when guests drop by unexpectedly.

Let’s explore some 5-minute Indian recipes for dinner that make the meal easy, filling, and flavorful:

  1. Masala Poha

    A light yet satisfying dish, Masala Poha is the perfect last-minute dinner option. Soft flattened rice flavored with onions, green chilies, and curry leaves makes for a comforting meal that’s ready in minutes. Pair it with pickle or curd, and you have a wholesome Indian dinner without much effort.

    Ingredients:
    • 2 cups poha (flattened rice)
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 2 green chilies, slit or chopped
    • 8–10 curry leaves
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
    • Salt to taste
    • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
    • Juice of ½ a lemon
    • Optional: roasted peanuts or cashews for crunch
    How to Make:
    1. Rinse the poha under running water in a colander for a few seconds. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften. Fluff gently with a fork to avoid clumping.
    2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add curry leaves, chilies, and onions. Sauté until onions turn soft and slightly golden.
    3. Sprinkle turmeric and salt, mix well.
    4. Add the soaked poha, gently toss everything together, and cook on low heat for 3–4 minutes.
    5. Turn off the flame, squeeze lemon juice, and garnish with coriander leaves.
    6. Serve hot with curd or enjoy on its own for a quick, filling dinner.

    Want to try another quick twist on poha? Check out this delicious Roti Poha Recipe, a simple, wholesome dish made with leftover rotis and packed with flavor.

  2. Besan Chilla (Gram Flour Pancake)

    Besan Chilla is a quick, protein-rich Indian pancake made with gram flour and spices. It’s light, nutritious, and comes together in just a few minutes—making it a perfect last-minute dinner that’s both healthy and filling. You can enjoy it plain or pair it with chutney, yogurt, or pickle for extra flavour.

    Ingredients:
    • 1 cup gram flour (besan)
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped
    • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (or cumin powder)
    • Salt to taste
    • Water, as needed (to make smooth batter)
    • Oil or ghee, for cooking
    How to Make:
    • In a mixing bowl, add gram flour, turmeric, cumin, salt, onions, chilies, and coriander leaves.
    • Gradually add water and whisk into a smooth, lump-free batter with a slightly thick, pourable consistency.
    • Heat a non-stick pan or tawa and lightly grease with oil.
    • Pour a ladleful of batter, spreading it into a thin circle like a pancake.
    • Cook on medium heat until the base turns golden, then flip and cook the other side until crisp and golden.
    • Repeat with the remaining batter.
    • Serve hot with mint chutney, curd, or ketchup for a comforting dinner option.

  3. Paneer Tikka Wrap

    Paneer Tikka Wrap is a flavour-packed, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Soft paneer cubes are marinated in spices, lightly sautéed, and then rolled up in fresh rotis with crunchy vegetables and tangy chutney. It’s a wholesome, filling, and easy Indian dinner recipe option.

    Ingredients:
    • 200 g paneer, cut into cubes
    • 4 whole wheat rotis or tortillas
    • ½ cup yogurt
    • 1 onion, thinly sliced
    • 1 capsicum, thinly sliced
    • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
    • ½ teaspoon garam masala (optional)
    • Salt to taste
    • 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
    • Green chutney or mint chutney, for spreading
    How to Make:
    • In a bowl, mix yogurt with chili powder, cumin, garam masala, and salt to create a marinade.
    • Add paneer cubes, coat well, and let them rest for 10 minutes (or use immediately if in a hurry).
    • Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions and capsicum until slightly softened, then add marinated paneer. Cook until golden and aromatic.
    • Warm rotis or tortillas and spread a thin layer of chutney on each.
    • Place the paneer and veggie filling in the center, roll tightly into wraps, and serve hot.

  4. Curried Chickpea Salad

    For a 5-minute dinner recipe option, the curried chickpea salad is a refreshing yet filling option that combines the goodness of protein-rich chickpeas with crunchy vegetables and a light, tangy dressing. It’s a no-cook recipe that comes together in minute, perfect for a quick dinner or as a side with rotis or rice.

    Ingredients:
    • 2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
    • 1 cucumber, finely chopped
    • 1 tomato, chopped
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 3 tablespoons yogurt or 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for dressing)
    • ½ teaspoon curry powder
    • ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder (optional)
    • Salt & pepper to taste
    • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
    How to Make:
    • In a large bowl, add chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, and onion.
    • In a small bowl, whisk yogurt (or lemon juice) with curry powder, cumin powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
    • Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss until evenly coated.
    • Garnish with fresh coriander and serve immediately.

  5. Instant Vegetable Pulao (with Pre-cooked Rice)

    If you are looking for a last-minute dinner recipe, you can try the instant vegetable pulao is a time-saving one-pot wonder that’s both wholesome and satisfying. By using pre-cooked rice, you can whip up this aromatic dish in minutes, making it perfect for late-night dinners or busy weekdays.

    Ingredients:
    • 2 cups pre-cooked rice (preferably basmati)
    • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, beans, corn – fresh or frozen)
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • ½ teaspoon garam masala
    • 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
    • Salt to taste
    • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
    How to Make:
    • Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add cumin seeds; let them splutter.
    • Toss in the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender.
    • Add turmeric, garam masala, and salt, mixing well with the veggies.
    • Stir in the pre-cooked rice and gently toss until evenly coated with spices.
    • Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with raita or pickle.

  6. Curd Rice

    Curd Rice is one of the quickest and easiest Indian dinner recipes you can prepare. Cooling, light, and probiotic-rich, it not only satisfies hunger but also aids digestion, making it a perfect last-minute meal option.

    Ingredients:
    • 2 cups cooked rice (slightly cooled)
    • 1 cup fresh yogurt (curd)
    • 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
    • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
    • 6–8 curry leaves
    • 1 teaspoon oil or ghee
    • Salt to taste
    • Fresh coriander (for garnish)
    How to Make:
    • In a bowl, mash the cooked rice lightly and mix it with yogurt until creamy. Add salt to taste.
    • Heat oil/ghee in a small pan, add mustard seeds, and let them crackle.
    • Add curry leaves, chopped green chili, and grated ginger; sauté for a few seconds.
    • Pour this tempering over the rice-yogurt mix and stir well.
    • Garnish with coriander and serve chilled or at room temperature, with pickle or papad.

  7. Roti Pizza (Quick Fusion)

    When you crave pizza but don’t have the time to make a base, Roti Pizza comes to the rescue. This quick 5-minute dinner recipe transforms a plain roti into a crispy, cheesy delight, perfect for kids and adults alike.

    Ingredients:
    • 1 leftover roti or fresh roti
    • 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup or pizza sauce
    • ¼ cup onion, finely sliced
    • ¼ cup capsicum, finely sliced
    • 2–3 tablespoons grated cheese (mozzarella or processed)
    • A pinch of chili flakes and oregano (optional)
    How to Make:
    • Place the roti on a heated non-stick pan or tawa.
    • Spread tomato ketchup/pizza sauce evenly on top.
    • Add sliced onion and capsicum, then sprinkle grated cheese generously.
    • Cover with a lid and cook on a low flame until the cheese melts.
    • Sprinkle chili flakes and oregano, slice into wedges, and serve hot.

  8. Lemon Rice

    A South Indian classic, Lemon Rice is refreshing, tangy, and light, making it a perfect last-minute dinner. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip it up in minutes while still enjoying a wholesome meal.

    Ingredients:
    • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cooled)
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
    • 2–3 green chilies, slit
    • 1 sprig curry leaves
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts or cashews
    • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
    • ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
    • Salt to taste
    How to Make:
    • Heat oil/ghee in a pan, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
    • Add green chilies, curry leaves, turmeric, and roasted peanuts; sauté for a minute.
    • Add the cooked rice and mix well so the tempering coats every grain.
    • Switch off the flame and stir in lemon juice.
    • Adjust salt, fluff lightly, and serve warm with papad or pickle.

  9. Vegetable Upma (Instant Version)

    Light, wholesome, and ready in minutes, Vegetable Upma is a comfort food that doubles up as a quick dinner option. With roasted semolina, fresh veggies, and mild spices, it’s filling yet easy to digest.

    Ingredients:
    • 1 cup rava/semolina
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 1–2 green chilies, slit
    • 1 sprig curry leaves
    • ½ cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans)
    • 2½ cups water
    • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
    • ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
    • Salt to taste
    How to Make:
    • Dry roast the semolina until it turns slightly golden and aromatic; set aside.
    • Heat oil or ghee in a pan, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, onion, and chilies; sauté until onions turn soft.
    • Add chopped vegetables and cook briefly.
    • Pour in water, season with salt, and bring to a boil.
    • Gradually add the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
    • Cook for 3–4 minutes until the upma turns fluffy. Serve hot with chutney or pickle.

  10. Instant Moong Dal Chilla

    A protein-packed, quick-to-make savory pancake, Moong Dal Chilla is perfect for last-minute dinners. Light yet filling, it can be paired with chutney or yogurt for a wholesome meal.

    Ingredients:
    • 1 cup moong dal flour (or soaked and ground moong dal)
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped
    • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • Salt to taste
    • Water, as needed
    • Oil for cooking
    How to Make:
    • In a bowl, mix moong dal flour with water to make a smooth, pourable batter.
    • Add onion, green chilies, coriander, turmeric, and salt; mix well.
    • Heat a non-stick pan, lightly grease with oil.
    • Pour a ladle of batter and spread gently into a pancake shape.
    • Cook on medium heat until the bottom turns golden, then flip and cook the other side.
    • Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve hot with chutney, yogurt, or pickle.

    Cooking in a rush doesn’t mean compromising health. Read our guide on Eating Healthy with a Busy Lifestyle for smart hacks to balance nutrition with convenience.

  11. Aloo Matar (Potato & Pea Curry)

    A classic North Indian curry, Aloo Matar is comforting, quick to prepare, and pairs perfectly with roti or rice. This simple curry balances soft potatoes and tender peas in a mildly spiced tomato-onion gravy.

    Ingredients:
    • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
    • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 1 medium tomato, chopped
    • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
    • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala
    • 1–2 tablespoons oil
    • Salt to taste
    • Fresh coriander for garnish
    How to Make:
    • Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
    • Sauté onions until translucent, then add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
    • Add tomatoes, turmeric, salt, and garam masala; cook until tomatoes soften.
    • Add diced potatoes and peas, mix well.
    • Pour in a little water, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender and the curry thickens.
    • Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with roti, paratha, or rice.

  12. Egg Curry

    A quick and protein-rich dish, Egg Curry is perfect for a last-minute Indian dinner. Boiled eggs simmer in a spiced onion-tomato gravy, making it flavorful yet easy to prepare. Serve with steamed rice, roti, or paratha for a complete meal.

    Ingredients:
    • 4–5 boiled eggs, peeled
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 1 medium tomato, chopped
    • 1–2 green chilies, chopped
    • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons oil
    • Salt to taste
    • Fresh coriander for garnish
    How to Make:
    • Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions until golden brown.
    • Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
    • Mix in chopped tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, and salt; cook until tomatoes soften.
    • Pour a little water to form a gravy and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
    • Gently place the boiled eggs into the gravy, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes so the flavors infuse.
    • Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

  13. Chole (Chickpea Curry)

    Chole is a hearty and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a quick Indian dinner. Boiled chickpeas simmer in a spiced onion-tomato gravy, creating a rich and flavorful curry that pairs wonderfully with rice, roti, or bhature.

    Ingredients:
    • 1 cup boiled chickpeas (chana)
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 1 medium tomato, chopped
    • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • 1–2 teaspoons chole masala
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1–2 teaspoons oil
    • Salt to taste
    • Fresh coriander for garnish
    How to Make:
    • Heat oil in a pan and sauté cumin seeds until aromatic.
    • Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
    • Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
    • Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, chole masala, and salt; cook until tomatoes soften and oil separates.
    • Add boiled chickpeas and a little water to create a gravy; simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
    • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

  14. Vegetable Khichdi

    Vegetable Khichdi is a comforting, wholesome, and one-pot Indian meal, perfect for a quick dinner. Combining rice, moong dal, and assorted vegetables, it’s lightly spiced and easy to digest, making it ideal for both busy evenings and light meals.

    Ingredients:
    • ½ cup rice
    • ¼ cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
    • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas)
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1–2 teaspoons ghee or oil
    • Salt to taste
    • 2–3 cups water
    How to Make:
    • Wash rice and dal together until the water runs clear.
    • Heat ghee in a pressure cooker, add cumin seeds until aromatic.
    • Add vegetables, turmeric, and salt; sauté for a minute.
    • Add rice, dal, and water; close the lid and pressure cook for 2–3 whistles.
    • Open once pressure releases, mix gently, and serve warm.

  15. Paneer Butter Masala (Quick Version)

    Paneer Butter Masala is a rich and creamy North Indian favorite, perfect for a last-minute indulgent dinner. This quick version saves time while keeping the velvety texture and aromatic flavor intact.

    Ingredients:
    • 200 g paneer, cut into cubes
    • ½ cup tomato puree
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 tablespoons cream
    • ½ teaspoon garam masala
    • ¼ teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
    • Salt to taste
    How to Make:
    • Heat butter in a pan and add tomato puree; sauté for 2–3 minutes.
    • Add garam masala, kasuri methi, and salt; mix well.
    • Gently add paneer cubes, simmer for 3–4 minutes.
    • Stir in cream, cook for another minute, and serve hot with roti or rice.

Tips to Make Indian Dinners Faster

  • Prep Ahead: Keep ginger-garlic paste, onion-tomato masala, and pre-cooked rice ready for quick assembly.
  • Stock Essentials: Maintain a pantry with key spices, canned beans, and frozen parathas for last-minute meals.
  • Use Smart Appliances: Make cooking effortless with gadgets like Instant Pot, pressure cooker, or Rotimatic to enjoy fresh rotis in just 90 seconds.

Indian dinners don’t have to be time-consuming. Quick recipes and smart prep make it easy to enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals. With organized ingredients and a few handy shortcuts, anyone can serve up healthy, satisfying Indian food in minutes.

Explore Simple Indian Lunch Recipes You Can Make in Minutes to expand your everyday quick-cook menu.

← Go back