This Christmas, why not give your holiday feast a flavorful twist with some Indian recipes? Whether you’re looking for a warm, comforting curry or a sweet treat to end the meal, this collection of Indian Christmas recipes is sure to give your holiday menu a fun twist.
Christmas is a time for happiness, celebration, and, of course, great food! While a traditional Christmas dinner usually includes roast meats, mashed potatoes, and sweet desserts, there’s always a chance to try something new with flavorful, spiced dishes.
If you love Indian cuisine, you’re in for a treat! Indian Christmas recipes feature vibrant flavors, colorful plating, and a range of options to suit everyone’s taste.
In India, especially in places like Goa and Kerala, Christmas is celebrated with big family feasts. Over the years, my Christmas menu has evolved into a mix of Indian classics and festive favorites that create a memorable meal.
Table of Contents
Whether you want something different to serve your family or add some spice to your Christmas dinner, these Indian-inspired dishes will make your holiday memorable.
From appetizers to desserts and side dishes to the main course, these recipes are simple and perfect for hosting or enjoying a cozy meal with family. And don’t forget to check out the full Indian Christmas dinner menu at the end!
Appetizers
Cranberry Chutney Brie Bites
These Cranberry Chutney Brie Bites are the perfect bite-sized holiday appetizer—crispy, creamy, sweet, and tangy all at once. Warm brie melts into flaky phyllo shells, topped with bright cranberry chutney and toasted pecans for an irresistible festive bite.
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Chaat Platter (Easy Chaat Dip)
This stunning Chaat Platter is a party favorite, layered with yogurt, chutneys, spiced potatoes, papdi, and sev—an irresistible centerpiece everyone loves.
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Cranberry Chutney
This Cranberry Chutney is sweet, spicy, and tangy, all at the same time. It is like a flavor burst in your mouth, with the cranberries, apples, orange juice, and spices. Make it in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop in just 30 minutes. Enjoy it on a cheese tray, or with your favorite appetizer or sandwich!
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Chicken Tikka Kebab
Chicken Tikka Kebab is a delicious appetizer that is packed with flavor. It starts with chicken pieces marinated in yogurt along with lime juice and aromatic spices, then threaded onto skewers and cooked to create a delicious appetizer. Make it in the air fryer or oven to serve at the gathering, or include it into your meal prep for the week!
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Paneer Tikka (Air Fryer, Oven & Grill Recipe)
The best restaurant-style Tandoori Paneer Tikka at home. With the marinated paneer and crispy vegetables, this Indian appetizer is packed with lots of flavor. Enjoy paneer tikka with this easy recipe to make in the air fryer, oven or grill!
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Tandoori Chicken Wings (Air Fryer & Oven)
These smoky-flavored Tandoori chicken wings, marinated in Indian spices and yogurt and grilled to perfection, will blow your mind away! The wings are succulent and juicy on the interior and crispy on the outside.
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Tandoori Cauliflower (Gobi Tikka)
Tandoori Cauliflower is a wonderful gluten-free and low-carb appetizer. Tossed with a spiced yogurt marinade and roasted in the oven or air fryer, this Tandoori Gobi Tikka is so flavorful, golden, and crispy. The whole family will love this easy cauliflower recipe!
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Khaman Dhokla Recipe
Soft and fluffy Khaman Dhokla made in the Instant Pot and stovetop. These delicious steamed savory chickpea flour cakes are a popular Gujarati delicacy, perfect to enjoy for breakfast or snack!
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Dahi Puri (Mumbai Street Style Chaat)
Dahi Puri is a beloved Indian street food known for its delicious combination of sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors. Crispy puris, tangy chutneys, cool yogurt, and tasty toppings come together to create a snack that everyone loves. Just one bite, and you'll be addicted!
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Restaurant-Style Chicken 65
This restaurant-style crispy and spicy Chicken 65 is made by marinating chicken in yogurt, spices, and curry leaves, then deep-frying it to make the best chicken starter!
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Salad, Soup & Condiments
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
A perfect soup that is a complete meal in itself – beans, loads of veggies and pasta, topped with cheese and a side of bread. This tastes just like the Olive Garden minestrone soup. Vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free and vegan.
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Vegan Roasted Carrot and Red Pepper Soup
A healthy and delicious roasted red pepper & carrot soup made in the instant pot or stovetop. This vegan and gluten free soup has deep bold flavors from roasting the red peppers and carrots.
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Avocado Cucumber Tomato Salad
Avocado Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful summer salad, which can be put together in less than 10 minutes. It is loaded with avocado, cucumber, tomato, red onions, cilantro, and tossed in a light lime dressing with Indian chaat masala, for a tangy, delicious salad!
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Pumpkin Salad (with Feta & Walnuts)
A mouthwatering sweet balsamic-honey dressing is drizzled on top of this delicious roasted pumpkin salad with feta and walnuts. This fall salad is great as a side dish or as a complete meal on its own.
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Mint Cilantro Chutney Recipe (Indian Green Chutney)
A cool, spicy and tangy green chutney. This no-cook mint cilantro chutney is a must try accompaniment to Indian food such as samosa, chaat, kebabs and sandwiches.
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Indian Onion Salad (Laccha Pyaaz)
This popular Indian salad – sliced onion rings tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing and fresh herbs, makes it a perfect accompaniment for your Indian curry. This is not only gluten-free but a no-oil salad.
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Easy Cucumber Raita
This easy homemade Indian Cucumber Raita is so refreshing. Made with grated cucumber, yogurt, and flavored with spices, it a perfect easy side dish. Serve it as an accompaniment to biryani, pulao or any Indian meal.
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Main Course
Masala Mac and Cheese
This Indian Baked Masala Mac and Cheese brings together the comfort of classic mac with the bold, aromatic flavors of Indian spices. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced with just the right kick—one of those dishes that wins over both kids and adults in the very first bite.
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Healthy Vegetarian Mexican Casserole with Rice & Beans
Healthy Vegetarian Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole is easy to make and filled with cheesy goodness, along with brown rice and lots of veggies. This is an easy gluten-free & vegetarian casserole for a weeknight dinner or your next party!
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Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry with Spinach
This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry is a creamy vegan curry, filled with goodness of squash, coconut milk and spinach. This cozy and comforting curry is perfect for Fall dinners!
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Instant Pot Palak Paneer Recipe (Pressure Cooker)
A North Indian favorite with spinach and cottage cheese, Palak Paneer. Make this instant pot palak paneer as a one-pot dish, super easy and delicious!
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Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe in Instant Pot
Paneer Tikka Masala is a flavorful and aromatic curry made with marinated and grilled paneer cubes simmered in a rich onion tomato gravy along with warm spices. This restaurant quality Paneer Tikka Masala is so easy to make in the instant pot, that you will not consider take-out again.
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Rogan Josh (Kashmiri Lamb Curry)
Rogan Josh is a rich and flavorful curry from the beautiful valley of Kashmir. This iconic Indian dish is renowned for its vibrant color, bold taste, and irresistibly tender meat, making it a favorite among curry lovers worldwide.
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Indian Pumpkin Curry (Kaddu ka bharta)
This Indian Pumpkin Curry, or Kaddu ka Bharta, is an easy, tried-and-tested recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes. Bursting with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, this vegan curry is perfect for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner.
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Instant Pot Chana Masala / Punjabi Chole Masala Recipe in Pressure Cooker
Punjabi Chole Masala or Chana Masala is an Indian favorite chickpea curry. This one-pot recipe for the authentic Chana Masala can be made in the Instant Pot or stovetop Pressure Cooker. A healthy protein-rich vegan and gluten free chickpea recipe.
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Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani
One-pot Vegetable Biryani made in the Instant Pot is so easy to make with the same authentic flavors! Fragrant basmati rice cooked with lots of vegetables, aromatic whole spices, and herbs. This flavorful Veg Biryani is ready in less than 30 minutes, and is perfect for a weeknight dinner with a side of raita or for special occasions.
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Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian curries worldwide. Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce with the perfect balance of spices. Making it in the Instant Pot not only saves time but also locks in all those incredible flavors, all in a simple one-pot method.
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Chicken Vindaloo – Authentic Pressure Cooker Recipe
Authentic Goan Chicken Vindaloo made in the Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot. Enjoy this dairy-free and gluten-free Chicken Vindaloo with rice or naan for a satisfying dinner!
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Authentic Chicken Biryani
With this tried-and-tested recipe, learn how to make the most flavorful restaurant-style chicken biryani with tender marinated chicken, fluffy rice, and topped with crispy fried onions.
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Sides
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Roasted Rainbow Carrots served over a lemon yogurt sauce make a vibrant, flavorful Thanksgiving side dish. Easy to prepare, elegant to serve, and always a crowd favorite.
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Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
This Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread is one of my go-to recipes—moist, tender, and full of bold flavor from fresh jalapeños and melty cheddar. It comes together easily in just 15 minutes of hands-on effort, and it always disappears fast at the table!
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Indian Brussels Sprouts
If you like Brussels sprouts, you will love these Indian-inspired Brussels sprouts. They are stir-fried in a mustard and cumin seed tempering and tossed with Indian spices.
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Spicy Bombay Potatoes
Baby Potatoes cooked with aromatic spices, as a one-pot dish, are perfect to serve as an appetizer or a side dish. These delicious and easy Bombay Potatoes take just 20 minutes to make in the Instant Pot or on stovetop.
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Aloo Gobi (Indian Potato and Cauliflower Stir Fry)
Aloo Gobi is a delicious and easy 20-minute Indian potato and cauliflower stir-fry. A vegan and gluten-free side dish that pairs perfectly with roti, naan, or parathas.
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Paratha Recipe (Pan-fried Indian flatbread)
Paratha, one of the most popular unleavened flatbreads from India, is perfect to enjoy with pickle and a hot cup of chai for breakfast or alongside curry and yogurt raita for lunch or dinner.
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Saffron Rice with Nuts and Raisins
A classic Saffron Rice Pilaf with Nuts and raisins recipe. Made in one pot, it comes together in under 30 minutes. Make it on the stovetop or in the instant pot; it's weeknight-friendly and great for guests!
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Desserts
Mini Fruit Custard Trifle Cups
Mini Fruit Custard Trifle Cups are a delightful dessert that is effortless to make but sure to satisfy those dessert cravings. The delectable layers of pound cake, fruit, custard, and cream are a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. These custard trifle cups are sure to be a party stunner!
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Coconut Pumpkin Halwa
Coconut Pumpkin Halwa, also called Kaddu ka Halwa, is an Indian pumpkin dessert made with pumpkin, sugar, ghee, coconut, and nuts. It can be cooked in a pressure cooker on the stovetop or Instant pot, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make this delicious dessert!
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Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is the most popular Indian dessert. Gulab Jamun’s are deep-fried donut-like balls soaked in sweet rose-flavored syrup. Learn to make the best gulab jamun’s with khoya or milk powder, along with all the tips and tricks to get them melt-in-the-mouth soft.
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Kheer (Authentic Indian Rice Pudding)
Rice Kheer, also known as Indian Rice Pudding, is a beloved classic Indian dessert. It's a rich and creamy pudding made by cooking rice with milk and adding nuts and saffron for flavor. Try this easy recipe for a delicious taste of tradition.
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Eggless Christmas Plum Cake – By Bake With Shivesh
This Eggless Christmas Plum Cake is rich, moist, and packed with warm spices, dried fruits, and festive flavors. Made without eggs, it’s a classic holiday favorite that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during Christmas celebrations.
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Gulab Jamun Custard Jars (Indian Fusion Dessert)
An easy Indian fusion festive dessert – Gulab Jamun Custard Jars. This dessert is layered with the goodness of the cookie crumble, creamy cooling custard, and sweet gulab jamun's adorned with slivered pistachios and rose petals. These exotic dessert jars are easy to put together and are sure to be a party stunner!
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Fruit Custard (Easy Indian Dessert)
Whip up this delicious, creamy Indian fruit custard for any celebration. Made with custard powder, milk, and a variety of fresh fruits, it is a delightful, vibrant dessert. This eggless custard dessert is easy to make in less than 30 minutes.
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Drinks
Indian Masala Chai Recipe (Spiced Milk Tea)
A warm cup of authentic Indian Masala Chai, prepared with aromatic spices and ginger, to refresh and brighten your morning!
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Homemade Sweet Lassi
This popular homemade sweet lassi is a refreshing, creamy, and cooling drink for summer. Made with a blend of yogurt, sugar and cardamom, it perfectly complements the spices in Indian food.
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Masala Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk)
This staple Indian summer spiced buttermilk drink is refreshing, delicious, and healthy. Made with buttermilk, spices, and herbs, it takes only 5 minutes to make and can be served after lunch, dinner, or any time of the day.
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Badam Milk (Indian Saffron Almond Milk)
Badam Milk is a delightful Indian drink made with ground almonds, cardamom powder, and saffron. This aromatic & flavorful Badam Doodh can be served cold in the summer or hot in the winter.
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How To Plan Ahead?
Plan and prepare some dishes for a stress-free Christmas dinner to avoid a last-minute rush.
- Clear space in your refrigerator to store ingredients and leftovers.
- Plan your menu, make a grocery list, and shop for nonperishables about 10 days ahead.
- Buy fresh produce 3-4 days before the event.
- Plan to use all your kitchen equipment, oven, stove, air fryer, and Instant Pot to multitask and cook several dishes at once.
- You can make chutneys, like tamarind or mint, and store them in airtight containers for a week in advance.
- Prepare soups or dal 3-4 days ahead and freeze them.
- Indian curries freeze well, so you can cook them in advance and reheat them on the day.
- And most importantly, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to family and friends to make things easier for you!
Indian Christmas Dinner Menu
I am sharing our Christmas menu here. Feel free to print it out and keep it handy as you plan your dinner menu.
I hope you add some Indian flavors to your Christmas dinner this year. Just select your recipes, shop for the ingredients, and get cooking! And after you’ve finished your delectable meal, you’ll undoubtedly be grateful for a beautiful dinner.
