24 Must-Try Punjabi Dinner Recipes

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Punjabi cuisine, with its passionate use of spices, rich flavours, and hearty ingredients, has earned its place in the gastronomical world. Most dishes on the Punjabi food menu are incredibly rich, with high use of butter and ghee that make them extra delicious.

The essence of Punjabi food lies not only in the variety of cuisine but also in its preparation. With an extravagant spread of main-course meals like Sarson Ka Saag, Makki Ki Roti, Chole Bhature, and sweet delicacies like Gajar Ka Halwa, Punjabi cuisine offers versatility at its best.

Let’s look at these Punjabi dinner recipes.

Punjabi Snacks and Appetisers

These starter dishes are not just pleasing to the palate; they also provide an insight into Punjab’s fantastic culinary heritage, including rich curries, opening doors to the hearty main courses that lie ahead.

Samosa Recipe

One of the most popular Punjabi appetisers is the age-old Samosa. These triangular pastry pillows, filled with a spicy mixture of potatoes and peas, embody perfection in street food. The crispy outer layer gives way to a soft and spicy filling that leaves you craving more.

These crispy, golden pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas are a classic favourite in Punjabi cuisine.

Read the complete recipe for Samosa here.

Paneer Pakora

 

Indian cottage cheese, or Paneer, is fundamental to Punjabi cuisine. Paneer Pakora is a favourite snack, where soft paneer cubes are dunked in spicy gram flour batter and deep-fried to a beautiful golden hue.

Paneer Pakora is a standout appetiser in any Punjabi feast. Its splendid crunch and juiciness make it a delight. These delectable pakoras are best served piping hot with sweet tamarind or mint-cilantro chutney.

Know how to make Paneer Pakora at home

Dahi Vada (Dahi Bhalla Chaat)

 

 

Dahi Vada (Dahi Bhalla Chaat) is a popular Punjabi recipe combining tangy yoghurt and crispy lentil fritters. This savoury dish is perfect for adding flavour to your meal. The fritters are soaked in spiced yoghurt and topped with chutneys and spices for a burst of flavour in every bite. Whether hosting a dinner party or craving traditional Punjabi cuisine, Dahi Vada will surely please. Use a pressure cooker for faster cooking.

Also Read: Dahi Bhalla Recipe

Chicken Tikka Kebab

 

Chicken Tikka Kebab is a Punjabi dinner recipe that never fails to impress with its bold flavours and juicy, tender meat. Marinated in a blend of yoghurt, basic Indian spices, and herbs, the chicken is then skewered and grilled to perfection, resulting in an aromatic and delicious dish. Whether served as an appetiser or the main course alongside some fluffy naan and cool raita, Chicken Tikka Kebab will surely be a hit at any dinner table.

Read the complete Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe

Punjabi Side Dishes

A mouthwatering Punjabi meal comprises not just the main entrees but also delicious accompaniments that complement the robust flavours of the main dishes. These range from cooling raitas and yoghurt-based side dishes to varieties of chutney made from fruits or vegetables cooked with sugar and vinegar.

Raita & Chutney

 

Raita is a flavoured yoghurt dish usually served cold. It pairs perfectly with spicy main courses, working its calming magic on the palate. On the other hand, Chutney can be sweet or tangy and comes in various kinds. Know the complete recipe to make Boondi Raita at home.

Green Chutney (chaat)

 

Green Chutney, also known as Chaat Chutney, is a fundamental component of a Punjabi meal. It is a zesty condiment crafted from coriander, enhanced with a touch of lemon juice for extra zest. The spiciness of this chutney originates from the inclusion of green chillies. Combine these components into a paste using a grinder, incorporating some water. Simmer the chutney over medium heat for 10 minutes before serving for optimal texture.

Also Read: How to make Coriander Chutney

Mint Cilantro Chutney Recipe

 

Another delicious and easy-to-make chutney is the Mint-Cilantro Chutney. The refreshing mingling of mint, cilantro leaves, and a few spices gives this chutney its unique flavour profile. It’s tangy due to the addition of lemon juice, mildly spicy because of the green chillies and has a delightful herby freshness. Read how to make Mint Chutney at home.

Punjabi Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

For those who follow a plant-based diet, these Punjabi dinner recipes offer diverse flavours and textures to entertain your taste buds in North India.

Sarson Ka Saag Aur Makki Ki Roti

 

Sarson Ka Saag Aur Makki Ki Roti is a classic Punjabi dish that highlights the essence of vegetarian cuisine. Its blend of mustard greens, spinach, bathua, and radish leaves is cooked until tender. The dish is delicately spiced and simmered to achieve a creamy consistency.

Read the complete recipe for Sarso ka Saag preparation.

Chole Bhature

 

Another classic Punjabi favourite is the hearty combination of Chole Bhature. Chole is a spicy chickpea curry richly flavoured with traditional Punjabi spices like garam masala, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. On the other hand, Bhature is deep-fried bread made from all-purpose flour.

Paneer Tikka

 

Paneer Tikka is a popular vegetarian alternative to the non-vegetarian tikkas and kebabs. In tasty paneer tikka, pieces of paneer are marinated overnight in a mix that includes yoghurt, turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. The soft pieces of paneer, chunks of bell peppers and onions are then skewered and cooked on a grill until lightly charred, making it a must-try spicy dish for any Punjabi dinner.

Read how to make Paneer Tikka at home

Amritsari Kulcha

 

Amritsari Kulcha is a traditional food of Amritsar, Punjab. Unlike regular Indian bread, this kulcha is stuffed. The stuffing usually comprises boiled and mashed potatoes seasoned with spices like coriander powder, garam masala, and red chilli powder.

You can serve it with chole or any other curry of your choice. For an authentic Punjabi experience, top these off with a dollop of butter just before serving.

Aloo Gobi

 

Aloo Gobi is a classic Punjabi vegetarian dish made from potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi) cooked in a medley of spices. This stir-fry version boasts various flavours that you usually associate with Punjabi cuisine.

Cauliflower florets and diced potatoes are cooked in these spices on a medium flame until they are well-coated and cooked through. The dish is usually finished with a generous squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavour.

Dal Makhani

 

Dal Makhani is a classic Punjabi dinner recipe that never fails to satisfy. This creamy and flavourful lentil dish is made with black gram lentils, kidney beans, butter, and cream simmered to perfection in an instant pot. The rich blend of cumin, coriander, garam masala, and fenugreek leaves gives Dal Makhani its distinctive taste.

Baingan Bharta (Roasted Mashed Eggplant)

 

 

Another delightful vegetarian Punjabi dish is Baingan Bharta, a smoky and tangy mashed eggplant dish. It involves roasting an eggplant until the skin is charred, giving the dish a smoky flavour.

The beauty of this dish lies in the smoky flavour of roasted eggplant combined with earthy spices, resulting in a rich and flavourful mix that warms you up instantly. Baingan Bharta served with rotis or parathas, makes for a satisfying Punjabi meal that’s comfort food at its simplest and best.

Also Read: Baingan Bharta Recipe

Kadhi Pakora

 

 

No Punjabi meal is complete without a signature Kadhi Pakora. This dish is an interesting mix of tangy yoghurt-based curry and crispy besan (gram flour) pakoras (fritters). The tanginess of the yoghurt contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pakoras, resulting in a blend of textures and flavours that creates the ultimate comfort food. Another must-try dish in Punjabi cuisine is the Punjabi Dal Tadka, a mouth-watering dish served with roti, naan, or rice.

Read the complete recipe of Kadhi Pakora at home

Punjabi Kala Chana / Black Chickpeas Curry

 

 

Punjabi Kala Chana, also known as Black Chickpeas Curry, is a wholesome dish that has a special place in Punjabi cuisine. It’s packed with proteins and fibre, making it a nutritious choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Served with pooris or rice, this Black Chickpeas Curry is a typical Punjabi dish relished on special occasions and festivities.

Non-vegetarian Punjabi Dinner Recipes

While the vegetarian dishes from Punjab are delicious, the non-vegetarian fare is equally delectable. Infused with spices and slow-cooked to perfection, these Punjabi chicken dinner recipes ensure no one feels left out of the culinary magic.

Butter Chicken

 

 

Punjabi cuisine is incomplete without Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani. This dish includes tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato gravy with butter and cream. The marinated grilled chicken adds a smoky flavour. Try this authentic Punjabi dish with naan or basmati rice for a satisfying meal.

Read: Butter Chicken Recipe

Tandoori Chicken

 

 

Tandoori Chicken, a star in Punjabi cuisine, is loved worldwide for its smoky, grilled flavour and fiery red appearance. It is named after the traditional clay oven – Tandoor, in which it is cooked.

Each bite of the Tandoori Chicken is full of smokiness, juiciness, and an explosion of flavours. Pair this with mint-cilantro chutney or cucumber raita for a complete Punjabi culinary experience.

Know how to make Tandoori Chicken quickly

Murgh Malaiwala

 

Murgh Malaiwala, which translates to “Creamy Chicken,” is a delicate and rich chicken dish with chicken pieces cooked in creamy white gravy. This mouth-watering butter chicken recipe is a must-try for any Punjabi dinner. Unlike most Punjabi dishes, which are heavy on spices, this dish lets the natural flavours of the chicken shine through the mild yet aromatic gravy.

Read: Murgh malai kebab recipe

Punjabi Lemon Chicken

 

 

Punjabi Lemon Chicken is a unique, tangy, non-vegetarian dish that stands out in Punjabi cuisine. Unlike other heavy and creamy Punjabi chicken dishes, it bursts with tangy and spicy flavours from lemon juice. A final squeeze of lemon before serving enhances the dish’s tanginess, creating a delightful contrast to the spicy gravy. Enjoy it with plain basmati rice or buttery naan for a delicious meal.

Read how to make Lemon Chicken at home

Bhatti da Murgh Pindiwala Recipe

 

 

If you are looking for a burst of flavours and textures, Bhatti Da Murg Pindiwala is the dish for you. This famous Punjabi chicken delicacy features tender chicken marinated with traditional Punjabi spices and then barbecued over charcoal for the classic smoky flavour.

The gorgeous smoky flavour of the Bhatti da Murg Pindiwala, paired with the tender and juicy meat, guarantees an unforgettable feast. Served with Indian bread or rice along with a side of tangy green chutney, this dish is sure to transport you to the bustling streets of Punjab.

Achari Chicken

 

 

Achari Chicken, as the name suggests, is a flavourful dish prepared with pickling spices traditionally used in Indian pickles or ‘achar’. The result is delightfully tangy and spicy chicken.

Achari Chicken, with its striking balance of tangy, spicy, and salty flavours, is bound to impress any fanatic of Punjabi food. Serve it hot with roti or rice for a sumptuous Punjabi dinner.

Want to know the recipe for Achari Chicken? Read here.

Keema Recipe

 

 

Keema, a popular dish in Punjab, is a savoury curry made with minced meat (usually mutton or lamb) cooked in a medley of fragrant spices. It showcases the brilliant diversity of Punjabi cuisine by offering a non-vegetarian dish that deviates from the usual chicken and paneer-based entrees.

Read the Keema Recipe here.

Saag Chicken

 

 

Saag Chicken is a classic Punjabi dish that combines tender chicken with a spinach-based sauce. Marinate the chicken in yoghurt and spices, then cook until tender. Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and spices, and add pureed spinach to create a vibrant green sauce. It is best served hot with rice or naan for a delicious Punjabi dinner. For more details, read the complete recipe here.

Conclusion

Punjabi dinner recipes offer a delightful journey through the rich and aromatic Punjabi cuisine. From classic dishes like butter chicken to hearty dal makhani, these recipes cater to various tastes and preferences. Punjabi cuisine has something for everyone, whether you prefer spicy curries or comforting lentil dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Punjabi dish?

The best Punjabi dish is a matter of personal preference. Still, some popular choices include butter chicken, chole bhature, and sarson da saag with makki di roti. These dishes are known for their rich flavours and aromatic spices.

What are the 5 Punjabi cuisines?

Punjabi cuisine boasts rich flavours and hearty dishes. The top five must-try Punjabi cuisines include Butter Chicken, Chole Bhature, sarson da saag with Makki Ki Roti, Rajma Chawal, and Amritsari kulcha. These iconic dishes capture the essence of Punjab’s culinary traditions.

What is the Punjabi food menu?

Punjabi food menu typically includes flavourful dishes like butter chicken, chole bhature, and sarson da saag. These dishes are rich in spices and flavours, showcasing the vibrant culinary tradition of Punjab.

What is the traditional food of Punjab?

Punjabi cuisine is known for its rich and flavourful dishes. The traditional food of Punjab includes dishes like sarson da saag, makki di roti, chole bhature, and tandoori chicken. These dishes reflect the vibrant and diverse culinary heritage of the region.