30 Crockpot Indian Recipes for Effortless Home-Cooked Meals

Cooking Indian food at home doesn't have to be laborious or time-consuming. With a trusty crockpot, you can enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. Welcome to my compilation of "30 Crockpot Indian Recipes for Effortless Home-Cooked Meals!"

You'll discover easy-to-follow recipes for everything from flavorful curries to succulent kebabs and even mouth-watering desserts. Whether you're a culinary novice or a kitchen pro, these crockpot recipes are perfect for anyone looking to savor delicious home-cooked Indian meals with minimal effort.

1. Chicken Tikka Masala

This creamy and spiced favorite can be easily made in a crockpot for a delightful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, and paprika.
2. Add the chicken cubes and marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Place the marinated chicken, onions, and tomato sauce in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Stir in the heavy cream 30 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over steamed rice or with naan.

2. Beef Rogan Josh

A hearty and flavorful dish, Beef Rogan Josh offers deep flavor without much fuss.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 2 onions, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh mint, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place beef cubes, onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, tomato paste, and beef broth in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Stir in yogurt and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Garnish with fresh mint and serve with basmati rice or naan.

3. Lentil Dal

A simple yet nutritious dish, perfect for those who love hearty, comforting meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lentils (red or yellow)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of one lemon

Instructions:

1. Rinse lentils thoroughly.
2. Add lentils, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and vegetable broth to the crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Adjust seasoning with salt and stir in lemon juice.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or flatbread.

4. Butter Chicken

Rich, creamy, and flavorful, Butter Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for the crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken, cubed
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, tomato puree, onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place mixture in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Stir in heavy cream and yogurt 30 minutes before serving.
4. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
5. Serve with basmati rice or naan.

5. Paneer Tikka Masala

This vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka masala is deliciously creamy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb paneer, cubed
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Marinate paneer cubes in yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, and paprika for at least 1 hour.
2. Place paneer mixture and onions in the crockpot along with tomato sauce.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Stir in heavy cream 30 minutes before serving.
5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

6. Chana Masala

A hearty and spicy chickpea curry that comes together beautifully in the crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse soaked chickpeas.
2. Place chickpeas, onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth in the crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours.
4. Adjust seasoning with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
5. Serve hot with rice or roti.

7. Aloo Gobi

A classic Indian dish combining potatoes and cauliflower with aromatic spices.

Ingredients:

• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes, cauliflower, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander powder, cayenne pepper, and vegetable broth to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until potatoes are tender.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve hot with roti or naan.

8. Saag Paneer

A delightful mix of spinach and paneer that’s satisfying and rich.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb paneer, cubed
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place paneer, spinach, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, and garam masala into the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Stir in the heavy cream 30 minutes before serving and adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice.
4. Serve hot with rice or naan.

9. Lamb Vindaloo

A spicy and tangy Goan dish that's perfect for lamb lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs lamb, cubed
• 2 onions, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place lamb, onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, paprika, white vinegar, and tomato sauce into the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Season to taste with salt.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice.

10. Baingan Bharta

A smoky eggplant dish that's full of flavor and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Roast eggplants until soft, then peel and mash.
2. Add mashed eggplants, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, coriander powder, tomato sauce, green chilies, and salt to the crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with roti or rice.

11. Dal Makhani

A rich and creamy dal dish made with black lentils and kidney beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup black lentils
• 1/2 cup kidney beans
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse black lentils and kidney beans, then add to the crockpot with onions, garlic, ginger, tomato puree, and garam masala.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

12. Chicken Korma

A mildly spiced and creamy chicken curry that's perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, yogurt, coconut milk, garam masala, turmeric, and ground coriander in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with basmati rice or naan.

13. Tandoori Chicken

Enjoy the bold flavors of tandoori chicken with minimal effort thanks to the crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger, garlic, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, ground cumin, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Marinate the chicken drumsticks in this mixture for at least 1 hour.
3. Place chicken and marinade in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Serve with naan, rice, or a side salad.

14. Vegetable Biryani

A fragrant and colorful rice dish loaded with vegetables and aromatic spices.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, beans)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse basmati rice and add to the crockpot with onions, garlic, ginger, mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, garam masala, turmeric, cumin seeds, and vegetable broth.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until rice is tender.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve hot with raita or a chutney.

15. Palak Paneer

A healthy and flavorful dish of spinach and paneer that's easy to make in the crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb paneer, cubed
• 4 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place paneer, spinach, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, and garam masala in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice.
4. Serve with rice or naan.

16. Shahi Paneer

A royal dish, Shahi Paneer is rich and creamy, making it perfect for a special meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb paneer, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup cashew paste
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add paneer, onions, garlic, ginger, yogurt, heavy cream, cashew paste, and garam masala to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve hot with rice or naan.

17. Prawn Curry

A delightful seafood delight, this prawn curry is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb prawns, deveined
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add prawns, onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, garam masala, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until prawns are cooked through.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with basmati rice or naan.

18. Mutton Curry

This rich and hearty mutton curry is perfect for a cozy meal at home.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs mutton, cubed
• 2 onions, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix mutton with onions, garlic, ginger, yogurt, tomato puree, garam masala, turmeric, and ground cumin.
2. Place in the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with rice or naan.

19. Egg Curry

Simple yet flavorful, egg curry is a great way to enjoy protein in a new way.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4 hours.
3. Add hard-boiled eggs and cook for another 30 minutes.
4. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
5. Serve with rice or naan.

20. Coconut Fish Curry

A fragrant fish curry that's easy to make and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish fillets, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add fish, onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until fish is cooked through.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with rice.

21. Rajma

A flavorful kidney bean curry that's hearty and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse kidney beans and add to the crockpot with onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours until beans are tender.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with rice.

22. Mushroom Masala

A savory mushroom curry that's quick to put together and very satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine mushrooms, onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, tomato sauce, and coconut milk in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with rice or naan.

23. Chicken Vindaloo

A fiery and tangy dish that's perfect for spice lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken, cubed
• 2 onions, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp paprika
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, white vinegar, diced tomatoes, garam masala, and paprika to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with rice or naan.

24. Fish Molee

A mild and creamy fish curry from Kerala that's easy to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb white fish fillets, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 green chilies, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh curry leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add fish, onion, green chilies, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and coconut milk to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until fish is cooked through.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh curry leaves.
4. Serve with rice.

25. Bhindi Masala

A simple and delicious okra dish that's perfect for a weekday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb okra, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add okra, onions, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala, and diced tomatoes to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with roti or rice.

26. Kheema

A savory ground meat dish that can be served with bread or rice.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup peas
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add ground meat, onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, ground coriander, diced tomatoes, and peas to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with naan or rice.

27. Malai Kofta

A rich and creamy dish with fried paneer and potato balls in a spiced gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb paneer, grated
• 2 potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/4 cup chickpea flour
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix paneer, mashed potatoes, and chickpea flour to form small balls (koftas).
2. Fry koftas until golden brown and set aside.
3. Add onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, and tomato sauce to the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
5. Stir in heavy cream 30 minutes before serving.
6. Add koftas just before serving, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
7. Serve hot with rice or naan.

28. Sambar

A flavorful lentil and vegetable stew that's a staple in South Indian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas), rinsed
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, brinjal)
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp sambar powder
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add toor dal, mixed vegetables, onions, garlic, ginger, sambar powder, and water to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve hot with rice or idli.

29. Methi Chicken

An aromatic dish featuring fenugreek leaves and tender chicken pieces.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken, cubed
• 2 cups fenugreek leaves (methi), chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine chicken, fenugreek leaves, onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, yogurt, and heavy cream in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with basmati rice or naan.

30. Coconut Cardamom Rice Pudding

A sweet and fragrant dessert to round off your Indian meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice and add to the crockpot with coconut milk, sugar, cardamom, and raisins.
2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until rice is tender and creamy.
3. Stir in sliced almonds and vanilla extract.
4. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with extra almonds if desired.

Conclusion

These 30 Crockpot Indian recipes provide a myriad of flavors and textures, perfect for effortless home-cooked meals any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, these recipes bring the rich culinary traditions of India right to your kitchen with minimal fuss. Enjoy the journey and savor each bite!