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Want to become the star of the next potluck party? Then these Indian potluck recipe ideas are simply the best way to dazzle your guests with a variety of textures and flavors that are hard to resist. No matter if it’s a casual get-together or a formal affair, you’ll definitely find a winner!
Potlucks are a fantastic way to bring people together!
And what better way to greet your friends and family than the ‘deliciously diverse’ goodness of Indian cuisine?
Having a wide tapestry of textures, flavors, and colors, Indian food has a myriad of dishes that can satisfy any palate.
From the richness of butter chicken and shahi paneer to the sweet fulfillment of gulab jamun and barfi, these Indian potluck ideas will take you on a culinary journey.
But first, let me explain…
What is a Potluck?
A potluck is a communal gathering where each member brings out his dish (often homemade) to be shared with other visitors. It is a fun and exciting way to treat the company without being a burden on the host and interact with each other.
Plus, it gives the possibility to feed a large crowd with a variety of dishes from different cuisines, cultures, and traditions.
25 Indian Potluck Recipe Ideas
Being an Indian, I have a soft spot for the particular cuisine, and this list of Indian dishes for potluck covers everything from appetizers, snacks, and entrees, to sides, and desserts, perfect for bringing a unique flavor profile to your table.
Main Course
1. The Best Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Ready in: 35 mins
This butter chicken is not only one of the best Indian potluck recipe ideas but one of the best recipes overall.
The straightforward cooking method and pantry-friendly ingredients are what give this dish a worldwide appeal.
All you have to do is fry the marinated chicken, make the buttery gravy, and combine. That’s it!
Recipe: saltedmint.com
2. Dal Makhani
Ready in: 9 hrs
You can never go wrong with this dal makhani as it is rich, velvety, buttery, and most important of all, scrummy!
It is loaded with protein-heavy kidney beans, iron-rich black lentils, aromatic herbs, and flavorsome spices, and it can be made using an instant pot.
Hoist up this dish by infusing some smokiness with charcoal as the finishing touch.
Recipe: spicecravings.com
3. Keema Curry Recipe
Ready in: 1 hr 10 mins
If you’re looking for comfortable Indian potluck ideas, then look no further than this keema curry recipe.
It combines minced meat with a medley of Indian spices and is cooked in a traditional onion-tomato curry for a tantalizing punch.
But it is the addition of green peas that provides a pop of vibrancy and bright green color to the mix.
Recipe: funfoodfrolic.com
4. Mutton Biryani
Ready in: 1 hr 30 mins
Who doesn’t love a plate full of slow-cooked mutton biryani that screams delicious?
The fat and protein content from mutton keeps you full for hours, while the fragrant rice and fried onion tickle your taste buds diligently.
It is one of the Indian dishes for potluck that is guaranteed to become the center of attention!
Recipe: pipingpotcurry.com
5. Shahi Paneer (Mughlai Paneer)
Ready in: 45 mins
Give paneer butter masala a rest and try this shahi paneer that is just as scrumptious and addicting if not more.
Featuring large chunks of paneer in a creamy sauce incorporating cashews, milk, butter, and flavorful spices, this dish is surely gonna become your next favorite.
Pair it with naan bread or pour it over basmati rice to get the full fun out of it.
Recipe: trippingonearth.com
6. Rajma Chawal
Ready in: 4 hrs 50 mins
Wondering what should be on no-brainer Indian potluck menu ideas? Then you just can’t skip rajma chawal.
It is completely plant-based, high in protein and fiber, and full of antioxidants, satisfying your daily nutritional needs in one go.
Plus, the warmth from kidney beans and spices keeps you cozy during the chilly nights.
Recipe: livingsmartandhealthy.com
7. Aloo Bhuna
Ready in: 1 hr
Whenever I’m looking for Indian potluck menu ideas that all family members love, this aloo bhuna comes to my mind.
This dish combines boiled potatoes, onions, tomatoes, capsicum, fresh cream, and spices for a scrumptious kick.
Enjoy it as a side dish with lentil curries like this one, or as an entree with rice and naan bread, it can go both ways!
Recipe: trippingonearth.com
8. Goan Fish Curry
Ready in: 30 mins
Bring the tropical climate, the smell of wet sandy beaches, and the seafood culture of Goa to your dinner table with this Goan fish curry.
This meal comes together in just 30 minutes and is pretty effortless to make.
Just cook the fish in coconutty and spicy gravy till tender and feel it melting in your mouth in the most elegant way.
Recipe: kurrykitchen.in
9. 15-Minute Egg Bhurji
Ready in: 15 mins
Egg bhurji is loved for its simplicity and rich taste and can be put together in mere minutes.
It is a classic twist on OG scrambled eggs which is versatile enough to be plated for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It’s one of those Indian food potluck ideas that can be served as an appetizer too and goes incredibly well with garlic bread.
Recipe: teaforturmeric.com
10. Paneer Chilli Masala
Ready in: 30 mins
This paneer chilli masala is sure to become a hit in your potluck bash because it is brimming with healthy veggies and protein and calcium-packed paneer.
The crispy fried paneer is engulfed by an aromatic sauce loaded with garlic and the umami goodness of the soy sauce, whereas the bell peppers lift up the crunch levels to an eleven!
Mouth-watered yet?
Recipe: trippingonearth.com
Appetizers & Snacks
11. Crispy Aloo Tikki Recipe
Ready in: 30 mins
What did you think, that I’ll finish up my Indian potluck recipe ideas without mentioning the heart and soul of Indian street food? Not a chance!
You can involve aloo tikki in a number of ways from using it as a patty for burgers and sandwiches, to even making a potato salad out of it.
Want some more good news? This recipe is vegan, soy-free, and gluten and dairy-free.
Recipe: profusioncurry.com
12. Khamam Dhokla Recipe
Ready in: 50 mins
I’ve tried many dhoklas in my life, and trust me when I say, that this one might just beat them all!
This soft, spongy, and savory treat is so light and juicy and might be one of my favorite Indian dishes for potluck.
The fermented chickpea flour batter is steamed to perfection and then seasoned with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and green chilies for an indulging blend of sweet and spicy.
Recipe: shwetainthekitchen.com
13. Easy Masala Lemonade
Ready in: 5 mins
What better way to greet your guests than with a refreshing welcome drink?
This masala lemonade is filled with the freshness of mint, and the citrusy zing of lemon.
And, did I mention that this beverage aids in digestion and boosts the overall immune system as well?
Recipe: trippingonearth.com
14. Sweet Potato Mini Samosas
Ready in: 20 mins
These mini samosas are exactly the Indian potluck ideas you need to have for a memorable party.
These bite-sized morsels are ridiculously munchy on the outside, but the filling of green peas and sweet potato gives an amazing mouthwatering taste in every nibble.
Just be careful when stuffing the samosa sheets as they may break when frying.
Recipe: thetwincookingproject.net
15. Paneer Tikka
Ready in: 22 mins
Creamy, fluffy, and perfectly charred, this paneer tikka recipe is 10 times better than the takeout!
The mind-blowing part is that they can be made ahead and take surprisingly less than 30 minutes to get prepared.
Mix all the ingredients in the bowl, and grill the paneer on the stove burner. It’s that easy!
Recipe: cookwithkhushi.com
16. Mango Chickpea Salad
Ready in: 18 mins
This mango chickpea salad is loaded with the summery goodness of mangoes, crunchy vegetables, and nutritious chickpeas.
Besides the two main ingredients, the colorful bell peppers and fresh cucumbers provide a beautiful medley of engaging textures.
If somehow you forgot to come up with something for the potluck, this salad is a safer bet as it is such a breeze to make.
Recipe: frommybowl.com
17. Boondi Raita
Ready in: 10 mins
Indian food potluck ideas like this boodi raita are essential after a heavy meal as they get your digestive juices flowing rapidly.
The savory base of curd is mixed with cumin powder, salt, and sugar, and topped with fresh cilantro and boondi for a crunchy contrast.
Throw chopped green chilies and chili powder to infuse some heat.
Recipe: myfoodstory.com
18. Chicken Pakora Recipe
Ready in: 50 mins
Oh man, these chicken pakoras are the real deal!
These succulent morsels bring fried chicken into a new light with their crispy golden exterior and juicy tender chicken squeezed under.
It is a common snack in social gatherings and celebrations that are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Recipe: kitchensanctuary.com
19. Easy Indian Corn Salad
Ready in: 10 mins
Easter salads are my jam, so why not take your salad game to the next level with this corn salad?
This construct is a melange of tangy tomatoes, potent onions, and fresh cucumbers with the fibrous kick of sweet corn.
Scoop everything up with a drizzle of lemon juice and it will become one of your go-to Indian potluck menu ideas to pair with curries and curd.
Recipe: greenbowl2soul.com
20. Bhel Puri
Ready in: 14 mins
Kickstart your celebration with a mountain of puffed rice, and crackling roasted peanuts.
Assemble it with crispy chickpea noodles (sev), boiled potatoes, onions, and tomatoes for an explosion of flavors and diverse textures.
Not only that, lemon juice and cilantro enhance the taste even further to conjure up one of the most crowd-pleasing Indian dishes for potluck.
Recipe: cookingwithsapana.com
Desserts
21. Easy Indian Gulab Jamun With Milk Powder
Ready in: 40 mins
Who can resist a gulab jamun dipped in rose syrup?
The milk powder replaces the mawa, and the baking powder raises the batter into fluffy spheres.
Finish them with chopped pistachios and silver layering on top to give them an enticing look.
Recipe: chefdehome.com
22. Aata Ka Halwa With Mawa
Ready in: 20 mins
Have you seen this halwa? You can practically smell the deliciousness, just from looking at the picture.
You only need a handful of ingredients and takes less than half an hour, so you won’t miss your punctuality reward when the party starts.
When it comes to Indian potluck ideas, this sweet dish has always been on my mind.
Recipe: jcookingodyssey.com
23. Custard Rasgulla
Ready in: 20 mins
Just look at those picture-perfect custard rasgullas, placed meticulously in the glasses.
You almost don’t even want to break them apart.
The flavors of rasgullas and custard astoundingly complement each other, and the nuts hidden between give a crunchy surprise!
Recipe: blendwithspices.com
24. Creamy Kheer Recipe
Ready in: 1 hr 10 mins
I love kheer! I love kheer! I love kheer!
That’s how much I adore this dessert integrating basmati rice, whole milk, cardamom, saffron, ghee, and sugar.
Trust me, it is a heavenly dessert that must be on your Indian potluck recipe ideas checklist at all costs!
Recipe: shivanilovesfood.com
25. Barfi Recipe (2-ingredient Ice-cream Barfi)
Ready in: 2 hr 15 mins
I was quite intrigued and skeptical at the same time when I saw this ice-cream barfi recipe.
But you know what, it blew me away with its crumbly mouthfeel and toothsome flavor.
It is gloriously versatile and you can make a variety of barfis with only a couple of additions!
Recipe: sanjanafeasts.co.uk
What Do You Think?
These are some of my favorite Indian food potluck ideas that I make regularly whether there is a party or not to satisfy my own cravings.
Indian cuisine offers a myriad of flavorful dishes and meals, and I’ve only touched a spec of the immense range in this archive of Indian potluck recipe ideas.
How many of these Indian dishes for potluck have you tried? Which one did you like the most? And if I missed any of your favorites, let me know in the comments section below!
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