Craving desi food but feel overwhelmed by complicated recipes or Urdu instructions? Don’t worry! We’ve put together 5 easy desi recipes that are perfect for English-speaking beginners.
Whether you’re a student abroad, a newlywed learning to cook, or just love Pakistani food, these recipes will make your kitchen smell like home!
Let’s dive in.
1. Chicken Curry (Basic Pakistani Style)
Why it’s easy: Just a few spices, basic ingredients, and ready in under 40 minutes.
Main Ingredients:
Chicken (bone-in preferred)
Onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste
Spices: turmeric, red chili, salt, garam masala
How to make it: Sauté onions until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste. Toss in tomatoes and spices, cook till oil separates. Add chicken, cook until tender. Add water for gravy. Done!
Pro Tip: Serve with basmati rice or roti for a complete meal.
2. Chicken Pulao
Why it’s great: Flavorful, aromatic, and a full meal in one pot.
Main Ingredients:
Chicken (bone-in or boneless)
Basmati rice
Onions, tomatoes, green chilies
Whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, black cardamom)
Ginger-garlic paste, salt, black pepper
Quick Steps: Sauté onions until golden. Add chicken, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. Cook till chicken is browned. Add soaked rice and water. Let it simmer until rice is fluffy and chicken is tender.
Pro Tip: Add lemon slices or green chilies on top for a fresh kick.
3. Aalu Gobi (Potato & Cauliflower Stir-Fry)
Perfect for: Vegetarians, side dishes, or light dinners.
Main Ingredients:
Potatoes
Cauliflower
Tomatoes, green chilies
Cumin, turmeric, salt, red chili powder
Simple Method: Cut potatoes and cauliflower into small florets. In oil, fry cumin and green chilies. Add potatoes, cauliflower, and spices. Cover and cook on low heat until soft. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Best enjoyed with roti or plain paratha.
4. Shami Kebabs (Ready-to-Fry)
Why it’s beginner-friendly: You can make a batch and freeze for the whole week!
Main Ingredients:
Boneless beef or chicken
Chana daal (split Bengal gram)
Ginger, garlic, green chilies, salt, red chilli powder, whole garam masala
Egg (for binding)
Instructions: Boil meat and daal together with spices. Grind into a thick paste. Form into patties and shallow fry.
Pro Tip: Layer them with butter paper before freezing.
5. Sewaiyan (Sweet Vermicelli Dessert)
Because… who doesn’t love dessert?
Main Ingredients:
Vermicelli (thin roasted sewaiyan)
Sugar
Milk
Ghee
Cardamom, dry fruits (optional)
How to make it: Heat the ghee, and roast the vermicelli lightly. Add milk and let it cook till soft. Add sugar and cardamom. Cook until slightly thickened. Garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios.
Perfect for Eid, guests, or just to treat yourself.
Final Thoughts
Cooking desi food in English doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. With the right guidance (and the right recipe), you can master it, one dish at a time.
And if you’re loving this style of learning, don’t forget to check out our Essential Desi Cooking Course in English – step-by-step videos, beginner-friendly guidance, and a nationally recognized certificate too!
I'm a passionate culinary artist and cooking instructor, dedicated to sharing my love for food with others through recipes, teaching, and a thriving online community.
