5 Desi Dishes you can Cook in 10 minutes

Desi dishes always seem very complicated to make. Some can take too long depending on how the number of ingredients or preparation that is needed. But wouldn’t it be great to be able to make a Desi dish in 10 minutes and enjoy the flavours of your sumptuous creation?

DESIblitz has brought together the best 10-minute dishes for you to enjoy. Many of the ingredients compiled in the following recipes are fast cooking and go well with ready-made accompaniments.

The secret to Desi food are those all-important aromatic spices. So gather your favourite flavourings and add them to each dish to enhance, and give your food that delicious Desi twist.

There is nothing quite like quick Desi food that is bursting with flavour when you’re short on time. And these recipes are great for busy students, and professionals alike.

1. Egg Sabzi

Egg is a great option when you’re short on time, particularly as eggs take under 10 minutes to cook. Making a scrumptious Egg Sabzi in 10 minutes is not only time saving, but it tastes divine!

The great part is, you only need a few ingredients for this recipe.

Ingredients for Egg Sabzi:

• 4 boiled eggs
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• Salt, and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic crushed paste
• 1 ½ tablespoon oil

Herbs & Spices:

• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 2 tablespoons coriander (finely chopped)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ green chilli

Method:

1. Place the eggs in boiling water, with a teaspoon of salt (to speed up the cooking process) and allow to boil for 8 minutes.
2. Add the ginger and garlic paste to a pan of heated oil.
3. Add the turmeric, green chilli, and finely chopped coriander.
4. Then add in the finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and salt to taste.
5. Stir for four minutes.
6. Add the chilli powder.
7. Finally de-shell the eggs under cold water, add to the pan, season with pepper, and mix through.

2. Desi Baked Beans

Desi baked beans are an Asian version of a British classic. This comfort food is great for students or those who are on the go but don’t want to compromise on flavour.

This recipe is full of flavour, and is best enjoyed poured over some generously buttered bread!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 tin of beans
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoon oil

Herbs & Spices:

• ¼ teaspoon whole cumin
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika powder
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder

Method:

1. Add the onions to the heated oil with the whole cumin.
2. Cook for two minutes on medium heat, until golden brown.
3. Add in the spices.
4. Then add in the tomato puree.
5. Cook for a minute.
6. Add in the beans, and leave on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
7. Finish with chopped coriander.

3. Chilli Chickpea Salad

Chilli Chickpea Salad is a simple dish, full of fresh and tasty ingredients. Not only that, but it is a wonderful quick and healthy meal. This easy and cool 10-minute recipe is a great snack when you’re on the go, or to take to school/work.

It’s light, fresh and filling!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1 finely chopped tomato
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 finely chopped radish
• ½ finely chopped cucumber
• ½ lemon squeezed
• Drizzle of rapeseed oil

Herbs & Spices:

• Coriander
• Mint
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala
• ½ chopped green chilli

Method:

1. Add the finely chopped onion to the oil.
2. Then add a can of chickpeas, and allow to heat for two minutes.
3. Add ¼ teaspoon of garam masala, cook on a medium heat, stirring through.
4. In a bowl, mix together ½ finely chopped cucumber, 1 finely chopped tomato, 1 finely chopped radish, coriander and mint.
5. Add the cooked chickpeas to the salad, and mix well.
6. Finish with a drizzle of rapeseed oil, and a squeeze of lemon.

4. Spicy Garlic Prawns

Spicy garlic prawns are bursting with flavour. Prawns cook in under 10 minutes; so are a great last-minute meal. Lather over naan bread, or place inside a wrap with some creamy yoghurt and ready-made salad.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 40g butter
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced lengthways
• 1kg peeled green prawns
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons grated lemon rind
• Salt, to season

Herbs & Spices:

• 2 long fresh red chillies (finely chopped)
• Chilli Flakes
• ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander

Method:

1. Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and chilli and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
3. Add the prawns, chilli flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until the prawns are just cooked through.
5. Add the lemon juice, lemon rind and coriander to the prawn mixture, and toss to combine.

QUICK TIP: When cooking with little time to spare, a great tip is to use finely chopped portions. This speeds up the cooking time.

5. Masala Toast

Masala Toast is quick, simple and delicious. They can be great as a snack or a light meal. Alternatively, this 10-minute meal can be made in a sandwich toaster; for added, cheesy gooey goodness. You can also add any extra ingredients to your preference.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Bread
• ½ teaspoon garlic
• Ready grated cheddar cheese, and mozzarella balls
• 1 finely chopped tomato

Herbs & Spices:

• ½ Bell green pepper finely chopped
• ½ chopped green chilli
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• Chilli flakes
• Fresh coriander

Method:

1. Add the black pepper, ½ chopped green chilli, and ½ teaspoon garlic to the oil.
2. Place the slices of bread under the grill for two minutes.
3. Take the bread out, and pour the oil mixture over the bread.
4. Add finely chopped tomato, ½ bell pepper finely chopped, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, and coriander to a bowl.
5. Then add in the cheddar cheese, and break up the mozzarella balls into the bowl.
6. Place the mixture over the bread and sprinkle with chilli flakes.
7. Place the bread on the grill for 5 minutes.

Try out this alternative recipe from Archana’s Kitchen here.

So, what’s better than food that doesn’t take forever to cook up, but still tastes delicious?!

Why not try your hand at one these wonderful 10-minute Desi dishes when you’re looking for something quick and tasty to enjoy!