Are you craving the rich and complex flavors of India, but struggling to find the time to cook them up? Look no further! Slow cooking is a game-changer when it comes to Indian cuisine, allowing you to meld together aromatic spices and tenderize tough cuts of meat without much fuss. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering slow cooker Indian recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
From classic dishes like Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala to more unique offerings like Lamb Rogan Josh and Vegetable Biryani, these recipes showcase the versatility and depth of Indian cuisine. And the best part? They’re all easy to make and require minimal hands-on time, making them perfect for busy home cooks or those new to slow cooking.
Butter Chicken Slow Cooker Delight
Transform your slow cooker into a culinary haven with this creamy and aromatic Butter Chicken recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp ground coriander
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add chicken, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, butter, garam masala, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Experience the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this simple and delicious slow cooker recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, curry powder, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in coconut milk and Greek yogurt.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Creamy Slow Cooker Palak Paneer
Creamy Slow Cooker Palak Paneer Recipe
A delicious and creamy Indian-inspired dish, perfect for a comforting meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup paneer (Indian cheese), cut into small cubes
– 2 cups spinach puree (fresh or frozen)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chopped onion, minced garlic, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, and turmeric.
2. Add the paneer cubes and spinach puree on top of the spice mixture.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Slow Cooker Chana Masala
This hearty slow cooker recipe combines the flavors of Indian chana masala with tender chickpeas, aromatic spices, and creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, ghee or oil, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and chili powder.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lamb Rogan Josh
A flavorful and aromatic slow-cooked lamb dish inspired by the popular Indian recipe, Rogan Josh.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lamb pieces, onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Pour in diced tomatoes and broth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Vegetable Biryani
A flavorful and aromatic one-pot dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening meal, this Slow Cooker Vegetable Biryani is a twist on the classic Indian rice dish. With minimal effort, you’ll have a deliciously spiced and tender vegetable-filled biryani to enjoy with your loved ones.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, cauliflower, bell peppers)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well.
4. Add the cooked rice to the slow cooker and stir gently.
5. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours
Slow Cooker Dal Makhani
Experience the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this easy and comforting slow cooker recipe for Dal Makhani, a popular Punjabi dish. This creamy lentil curry is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup split black lentils (urad dal)
– 1 cup kidney beans (rajma), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
– 2 cups water
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lentils, kidney beans, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric.
2. Add salt to taste, then mix well.
3. Pour in water and butter or ghee.
4. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
6. Serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Slow Cooker Beef Vindaloo
A spicy and flavorful Indian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a busy day. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and packed with tender beef, aromatic spices, and a tangy tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef chuck or brisket, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, curry powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (low) or 2-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Aloo Gobi
This recipe is a simplified version of the popular North Indian dish, Aloo Gobi. This slow cooker version makes it easy to prepare a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes (Aloo), peeled and cubed
– 1 head of cauliflower (Gobi), broken into florets
– 1 can of coconut milk
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
2. Add the cubed potatoes and broken cauliflower florets on top of the onion mixture.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric powder, and salt.
4. Pour the mixture over the potato and cauliflower mixture in the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Malai Kofta
Experience the rich flavors of India with this slow cooker Malai Kofta recipe, a creamy and aromatic twist on traditional koftas.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb or beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, ghee or oil, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well with your hands until just combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 8-10 portions. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into oval shapes.
3. Place the koftas in the slow cooker. Pour in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Garnish with cilantro leaves before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Goan Fish Curry
A flavorful and aromatic curry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, as the slow cooker does all the work.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fish fillets (cod or tilapia work well)
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can coconut milk
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the slow cooker.
2. Place the fish fillets on top of the onion mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, diced tomatoes, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric.
4. Pour the mixture over the fish in the slow cooker.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Paneer Butter Masala
A rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch, Slow Cooker Paneer Butter Masala is a game-changer. With the convenience of slow cooking, you can enjoy tender paneer (Indian cheese) in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup paneer cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine paneer cubes, butter, onion, garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder.
2. Add the canned diced tomatoes and salt to taste.
3. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours
Slow Cooker Baingan Bharta
Transform your day with this slow-cooked eggplant curry, infused with aromatic spices and tender texture.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 1 onion
– 3 cloves garlic
– 1 medium tomato
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups water or low-sodium broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker.
2. Peel the eggplants and chop them into 1-inch cubes. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened (5 minutes).
4. Add garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, and turmeric to the pan. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the tomato and stir well.
6. Pour the mixture over the eggplant cubes in the slow cooker.
7. Season with salt and add water or broth (cover the slow cooker).
8. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve: Hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt, if desired. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Methi Chicken
A flavorful and aromatic slow cooker recipe that combines the warm spices of methi (fenugreek) with juicy chicken, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground methi (fenugreek)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chopped onions, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, methi, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs on top of the spice mixture.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Slow Cooker Rajma Masala
A flavorful and aromatic Indian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, resulting in tender red kidney beans in a rich and spicy tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried red kidney beans
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the kidney beans and soak them in water overnight or quick-soak method.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the soaked kidney beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable oil, onion, garlic, cumin, garam masala powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Keema Matar
This slow cooker recipe is a flavorful and comforting adaptation of the classic Pakistani dish, keema matar. With its tender lamb, creamy peas, and aromatic spices, this curry is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground lamb
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp cumin powder
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– 1/2 tsp garam masala
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Brown the lamb in a pan with oil, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
3. Add the browned lamb, diced tomatoes, and frozen peas to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Sambar
Sambar is a popular South Indian lentil-based vegetable stew that’s perfect for a comforting meal. This slow cooker version makes it easy to prepare and enjoy this flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup split red lentils (masoor dal)
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 tomato, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils and add them to the slow cooker.
2. Add water, onion, garlic, carrot, potato, tomato, cumin, coriander, and salt.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mushroom Masala
Experience the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this easy-to-make Slow Cooker Mushroom Masala recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine mushrooms, onions, garlic, cumin, curry powder, garam masala powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
3. Add olive oil and stir gently.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Korma Curry
A flavorful and aromatic slow cooker curry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This korma curry is made with tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a blend of warming spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, curry powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and coconut milk.
4. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Jeera Rice with Lentils
This comforting dish is a perfect blend of Indian flavors, combining aromatic jeera rice with creamy lentils. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal attention, making it an ideal option for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup red or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground jeera (cumin seeds)
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and lentils separately, then add them to the slow cooker.
2. Heat oil in a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add cumin, coriander, jeera, and salt; cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour the spice mixture over the rice and lentils.
5. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Summary
Get ready to experience the bold flavors of India in the comfort of your own home! This article presents 20 mouthwatering slow cooker Indian recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From classics like Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala, to more unique dishes such as Lamb Rogan Josh and Vegetable Biryani, these recipes showcase the rich diversity of Indian cuisine. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you can create a deliciously spiced meal in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a new culinary adventure, this collection of slow cooker recipes is sure to delight.
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