11 Non-Curry Indian Dishes To Try During This Winter

Posted by Michael Griffin on December 16th, 2020

To many of us, winter is all about pampering yourself with some good food. And curry dishes are some of the most indulgent dishes there are. But the extra liquid or paste may not be for everyone. It tends to get under the nail or spill on the tablecloth. Even if you like curry, you may get bored of having it often. Fortunately, many of the best Indian restaurants in New York City serve dishes that don’t require gravy. They taste just as good as a curry dish.

These non-curry dishes include both nonvegetarian and vegetarian items. Here are some dishes that you should order if you find them on the menu:

Tandoori Chicken

It’s hard to find a list of Indian dishes that does not mention this classic favorite. The tandoori chicken is a great dish to start with for anyone who’s trying Indian food for the first time.

It’s similar to rotisserie chicken but the whole chicken is marinated with yogurt and tandoori spices before being roasted. This gives the meat tender yet smoky feel. The spices are very mild when compared to other dishes.

Chicken Tikka

If you prefer having chicken without bones, then you must-try chicken tikka. It’s a favorite among those who love kebabs. It involves chicken cubes marinated with yogurt and tikka spices before being grilled. It has a mildly spicy yet smoky flavor that works well with the tender meat.

Be careful when ordering from the best Indian takeout in NYC. The menu may include chicken tikka masala which is the gravy version of the dish. Ask them to prepare the dish without gravy if possible.

Hara Bhara Kabab

Hara bhara kabab is a good alternative for vegetarians looking for the vegetarian version of kebab. It’s healthier than most meat substitutes because it’s prepared from scratch. The chef uses spinach, peas and coriander to get green patties, thus the name. Potatoes, ginger and spices are common ingredients.

Paneer Tikka

It’s another vegetarian kebab option. It’s prepared by marinating cheese cottages with tikka spices before grilling. Chefs usually grill it with bell pepper. Like with chicken tikka, you need to make sure that the dish you order is paneer tikka and not paneer tikka masala.

Aloo Paratha

Aloo paratha is a flatbread stuffed with mashed potatoes. It’s a wholesome meal perfect for breakfast and lunch. Some people add chopped chilies to the mix for taste. You can have it with butter or yogurt as well.

Chapli Kabab

Chapli kabab is a soft patty made with ground meat. The chef grinds the meat until it is so soft that a toothless person can chew it. It’s usually made with mutton but lamb and chicken can also be used.

Keema

It’s minced meat at its finest. The minced meat is cooked with a garlic-ginger paste, garam masala, chili powder and more. Some people add peas to the mix which adds to the texture and flavor.

Saloni Tikka

If you’re into fish food, then you might enjoy the seafood version of chicken tikka. It involves boneless salmon cubes marinated with yogurt, cumin and aromatic spices. Again, ask about the masala.

Kati Roll

Those who prefer a quick bite might prefer a kati roll. It’s your regular roll wrapped in a crispy leavened flatbread called paratha and served in a paper wrap. The roll’s stuffing may include chicken, paneer or vegetables. Sauces are added to the stuffing for taste.

Samosa

If you’re just looking for a quick snack, then samosas are it. The fried flour cones are stuffed with mashed potatoes and peas. They make for great evening snacks with some chutney on the side. Some places offer different stuffings like paneer or minced meat.

Pakora

Pakoras are fried snacks great for any occasion with chutney on the side. They are made by covering vegetables like onions, cauliflowers or spinach in a batter before frying. Some may use boiled eggs or cheese cottage as the stuffing.