Welcome to the world of Indian cuisine, where rich flavours and aromatic spices take centre stage. While traditional Indian cooking can be a labour of love, there are times when you need a quick fix without compromising on taste. Let us unveil the 10 time-saving hacks that will help you prepare mouth-watering Indian dishes in a hurry, allowing you to savour the vibrant flavours without spending hours in the kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure!
1. Pre-Made Spice Blends: The Magic in a Jar
Nothing enhances the taste of Indian dishes like a medley of spices. Save time by using pre-made spice blends readily available in stores. Garam masala, curry powder, and tandoori masala are versatile options that add depth to your dishes without the need to individually measure and grind spices.
2. Pressure Cooker: Fast and Flavorful
When time is of the essence, a pressure cooker becomes your best friend. It significantly reduces cooking time by tenderising tough meats, legumes, and lentils in a fraction of the time. From classic biryanis to hearty lentil curries, a pressure cooker helps you achieve the rich flavours you crave in record time.
3. Frozen Vegetable Medleys: Freshness in a Flash
Don't have time to chop an assortment of vegetables? Frozen vegetable medleys are here to save the day. These pre-cut and packaged mixtures of vegetables provide the same nutritional value and taste as fresh produce. Use them to quickly whip up stir-fries, curries, or even vegetable-packed biryanis.
4. Ready-Made Dough: Convenience Meets Cravings
The kneading dough can be a time-consuming process. Opt for ready-made dough options like frozen parathas, rotis, or naans. Simply heat them on a griddle or in the oven, and voila! You have a delectable bread accompaniment to pair with your curries or a quick and easy base for homemade pizzas and wraps.
5. Instant Pot: Effortless Indian Delights
The Instant Pot is a game-changer in the world of quick cooking. It combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté pan, and more into one convenient appliance. From creamy butter chicken to flavorful chana masala, the Instant Pot allows you to achieve the same depth of flavours as traditional cooking methods in a fraction of the time.
6. Pre-Cut Ingredients: Slice and Dice No More
Save precious minutes by purchasing pre-cut ingredients such as onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. These essentials form the base of many Indian dishes, and having them ready to use eliminates the need for time-consuming chopping. Look for them in the produce section of your local grocery store or consider using frozen alternatives.
7. One-Pot Wonders: Simplicity at its Finest
Streamline your cooking process by opting for one-pot meals. Whether it's a hearty biryani, a comforting dal, or a fragrant pulao, these dishes allow you to cook your protein, grains, and vegetables together, minimising both prep and cleanup time. The result? A delicious and wholesome meal with minimal effort.
8. Canned Sauces: Flavour in an Instant
For those moments when you need to whip up a quick curry or sauce, canned sauces come to the rescue. Tomato-based gravies, butter chicken sauces, and tikka masala sauces are available in stores and can be the perfect base for your dishes. Simply add your choice of proteins, vegetables, and spices to create a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
9. Electric Pressure Cooker: Set it and Forget it
An electric pressure cooker takes convenience to the next level. With programmable settings and timers, you can set it up, go about your day, and return to a perfectly cooked Indian dish. From lentils to biryanis, the electric pressure cooker saves time and effort while preserving authentic flavours.
10. Meal Prep: Cook Once, Eat Twice
Make the most of your time by engaging in meal prep sessions. Choose a day when you have some extra time, and prepare larger quantities of key ingredients like spice pastes, gravies, and marinated proteins. Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags, ready to be used later. This way, when you're in a hurry, you can quickly assemble a delicious Indian dish by combining these pre-prepared elements.
Cooking delicious Indian dishes doesn't have to be a time-consuming endeavour. With these 10 time-saving hacks, you can whip up flavorful meals in a hurry, without compromising on taste. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a feast of mouthwatering Indian delights in no time. Happy cooking!
