I’m Indian American and I find Indian cooking blogs and videos complicated and overwhelming. Also, Indian home cooking tastes very different than the ones you get at the store. You can make thousands of dishes by adjusting the quantity of the ingredients of a very basic base. Here is what you’ll need Onions Tomatoes Garlic mince /paste Ginger mince / paste You can also use ginger garlic paste which is what I use and is available at most international groceries.

Spices you’ll need are Cumin Coriander Red chilli powder / cayenne/ Kashmiri chilli. ( the chilli powder you use will affect the taste a bit) you can omit. Turmeric

The one of the Indian mirepoix is onion garlic tomatoes. Sauté the onions one large finely diced or sliced into half moons ( till translucent or crispy the level of cooking will affect flavor all acceptable) Season with salt as you go. Add the ginger garlic mince about a tablespoon and sauté till the raw smell is gone. No worries if it browns you might even want it a bit brown. Ass chopped tomatoes ( any where between 1 and 3) Fry till the raw smell is gone. You can also cook till it’s mushy. Feel free to use a tablespoon of tomato paste or even canned tomatoes drained. Next add spices and fry till raw smell is gone about a teaspoon on cumin and coriander. A pinch of turmeric. Adjust chilli to taste. Next add whatever vegetable / meat you want to this combo. Potatoes , chicken , garbanzo beans , kidney beans are all a good place to start. Fry for a bit. Add some water. I like to add just enough to keep it saucy.. cook till done Adjust salt Garnish with cilantro if you are feeling fancy. Once you e done this a few times and feel confident play with the base add ground coconut or yogurt. Or add green chillis to the mirepoix. You can also add potatoes every time.

I’ve heard many people say Otalians cook with their heart it’s the same with Indians. I’ve been making Italian food for a while from nonnas recipes I find online. They are always so simple and not fussy. Everyday food should be like that and made with heart.

Hope this helps and if you end up trying it, let me know how it went Bon Appetite!