15 Gluten-Free Indian Recipes

By Hayley Sugg
January 02, 2020
Credit: Allrecipes

Finding gluten-free dishes in Indian cuisine is actually incredibly easy. The majority of recipes have a meat, legume, or vegetable base, and are commonly thickened with the addition of ground pulses instead of flour or other gluten products. Sides are often comprised of rice, chutneys, and pickles, most of which will also be naturally gluten-free. You can even find some flatbreads that are compliant, like pesarattu or akki rotti, and created by blending lentils and rice. Click through to see all the creative ways you can eat Indian while avoiding gluten. 

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Egg Curry

Credit: bd.weld
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A great way to use leftover boiled eggs, this vegetarian curry comes out a lovely golden hue thanks to the addition of turmeric. 

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Indian Chole Aloo Tikki

Credit: Allrecipes
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Don't be intimidated by the long ingredients list, they're mostly spices that add distinct flavor to these potato patties. This makes just the right size for two main dishes, or several servings when presented as an appetizer. 

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Indian Style Basmati Rice

Credit: Hungrymom13
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Add extra depth to your meal with this spiced rice. "I love this rice!" says heathery. "I am awful at cooking rice and it usually ends up gummy and sticky, but this recipe produced rice like I'd buy in an Indian restaurant."

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Indian Stuffed Eggplant

Credit: Buckwheat Queen
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These double-stuffed eggplants are mixed with ghee (clarified butter) and spices to create an excellent vegetable side dish. If frying is a concern, some reviewers have had success baking the eggplants instead.

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Indian Chicken Curry

Credit: farynhite
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Chopped chicken breasts simmer until fall-apart tender in a creamy curry sauce in this easy recipe. "I used this recipe when I made curry myself for the first time ever," says user Nadia Orawski. "I loved it!"

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Akki Rotti

Credit: Ashwini
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Green mung beans and rice flour are the base for these gluten-free flatbreads. Shredded carrots and coconut contribute moisture, while cumin seeds and peppers add a pop of flavor. 

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Green Chutney

Credit: Marigat
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No Indian meal would be complete without a side of chutney. This cilantro version is incredibly simple and only requires blending in a food processor.

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Dal Makhani (Indian Lentils)

Credit: tox
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Dal is a hearty dish of split pulses (commonly lentils) that is cooked until tender and thickened. "Love this recipe," says Michelle Annese. "The whole family loves it also and requests it often."

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Indian Tandoori Chicken

Credit: Montana
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Before being grilled, the chicken is marinated overnight in a perfectly spiced yogurt mixture. If you want to avoid using food coloring, add a dash of turmeric and paprika to the marinade. 

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Indian Fish Curry

Credit: aBoutrosBoutros
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Use your favorite white fish varieties — such as cod or haddock — in this Bengali-inspired curry dish. 

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Pesarattu

Credit: Le Anne
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These gluten-free flatbreads are made with a base of green lentils and white rice. Serve on the side, or roll up with a scoop of spiced potatoes for a traditional Indian breakfast. "Really easy to make and super tasty," says recipe reviewer k1rsten. 

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Indian Style Sheekh Kabab

Credit: Ripsime Kaltekechian
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These tender lamb kabobs are studded with chopped mint and cilantro for a fresh flavor throughout. "I made it twice -- once using lamb and once using beef," says user A.H.R. "We liked it both ways."

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Lamb Madras Curry

Credit: Timmi59
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"Melt in your mouth" describes this lamb dish. You'll make your own curry paste for this recipe instead of relying on store-bought, a difference you can tell with every delicious bite. 

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Coconut Chutney

Credit: Chell Cohen
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An especially nice addition if you're serving a spicy main dish, this creamy coconut chutney will become your new go-to Indian condiment. 

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Indian Shrimp Curry

Credit: catherine.drew
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Ready in just 30 minutes, this shrimp curry is perfect for when you're in a hurry. "I am so happy to have found this recipe because it really is authentic tasting," says Cindy K. 

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State of Home Cooking: Appetite for Adventure and Cultural Heritage

We're serving up and celebrating the biggest home-cooking trends from the most enthusiastic cooks we know: our community. We crunched the data from 1.2 billion annual Allrecipes.com visits and 2.5 billion annual page views. Then we dug even further, surveying Allrecipes cooks about what's in their carts and fridges, on their stovetops and tables, and on their minds. Appetite for Adventure and Cultural Heritage is just one of the topics they're most curious about. See more of the "State of Home Cooking" special report.

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By Hayley Sugg