Are you a low-carb lover who craves the flavors of India? Look no further! The world of Indian cuisine is incredibly rich and diverse, with countless dishes to explore. And now, we’re excited to share 20 delicious keto Indian recipes that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you within your daily carb limit.
From classic curries like Chicken Tikka Masala to innovative twists on traditional dishes like Cauliflower Rice Biryani, our collection of keto Indian recipes is sure to delight both the taste buds and the dietary conscience. With a focus on low-carb ingredients and creative substitutions, these mouthwatering dishes will transport you to the bustling streets of India without compromising your keto lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 delectable keto Indian recipes that are perfect for a low-carb diet. From savory main courses to sweet treats, each recipe has been carefully crafted to ensure that it’s not only delicious but also meets the strict guidelines of a ketogenic diet.
Stay tuned as we dive into the world of keto Indian cuisine and discover new flavors and inspiration!
Butter Chicken with Coconut Cream
This recipe combines the traditional flavors of Butter Chicken with the creaminess of coconut cream, resulting in a rich and indulgent dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Stir in diced tomatoes and coconut cream. Bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and let cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve over basmati rice.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Keto Palak Paneer
Experience the creamy, cheesy goodness of Indian cuisine while staying keto-friendly with this low-carb take on the classic Palak Paneer recipe. Spinach and paneer cheese come together in a rich, velvety sauce that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated paneer cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine spinach, cream, and butter. Blend until smooth.
2. Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens slightly.
3. Add paneer cheese, garam masala powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
4. Serve Palak Paneer hot, garnished with additional spinach leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cauliflower Rice Biryani
This innovative recipe replaces traditional rice with cauliflower “rice” to create a low-carb, gluten-free version of the popular Indian dish. The result is a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthier alternative.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, corn)
– 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, mixed vegetables, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cauliflower “rice” to the pan and stir well. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, stir in plain yogurt for extra creaminess.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tandoori Chicken with Greek Yogurt Marinade
This classic Indian-inspired recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy Greek yogurt marinade and spices, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and vibrant colors, this Tandoori Chicken is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons garam masala powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Add the chicken and mix until coated evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Keto Aloo Gobi with Turnips
This recipe puts a spin on the classic Indian dish, substituting cauliflower and potatoes with turnip and keeping it keto-friendly. The result is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for any low-carb meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large turnip, peeled and diced
– 2 medium-sized turnips, peeled and diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the ghee or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced turnips and stir to combine with the onion mixture.
5. Sprinkle cumin and coriander powder over the turnips and season with salt.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the turnips are tender, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cheesy Keto Naan Bread
Satisfy your cravings with this creamy, cheesy, and crispy keto naan bread recipe that’s surprisingly low-carb!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup coconut flour
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp work well)
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, and salt.
3. Add grated cheese, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
5. Place naan breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Enjoy your cheesy keto naan bread with your favorite dips and toppings!
Spicy Keto Egg Curry
This spicy keto egg curry recipe is a game-changer for those looking for a flavorful and nutritious meal that fits within their low-carb diet. With the richness of eggs, the spiciness of chilies, and the creaminess of coconut milk, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, seeded and chopped
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the coconut milk over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chopped chilies, garlic, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Crack in the eggs and scramble them into the mixture.
5. Stir constantly until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto Chicken Tikka Masala
This recipe is a low-carb take on the popular Indian dish, swapping traditional wheat-based naan for cauliflower “rice” and using a rich and creamy sauce made with coconut milk and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 tbsp ghee or clarified butter
– 2 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
– 1/4 cup cauliflower “rice” (see note)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, ghee, garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, prepare cauliflower “rice” according to package instructions (or make your own by pulsing raw cauliflower florets in a food processor).
6. In a large skillet, heat coconut milk over medium heat. Add cooked chicken and stir to coat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Serve chicken with cauliflower “rice” and spoon some of the creamy sauce on top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Low-Carb Paneer Bhurji
Start your day with a flavorful and protein-packed breakfast that’s low on carbs! This paneer bhurji recipe is a twist on the classic Indian scrambled eggs, using paneer instead for a creamy and delicious start to your morning.
Ingredients:
– 250g paneer, crumbled
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat butter or ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add crumbled paneer and cook until it starts to brown, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
5. Push the paneer mixture to one side of the pan.
6. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
7. Mix the eggs with the paneer mixture and season with cumin powder and salt.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto Coconut Flour Roti
This recipe offers a delicious and unique take on traditional roti, substituting wheat flour with coconut flour to make it keto-friendly. Perfect for those following a low-carb diet, these flavorful flatbreads are great for wrapping around your favorite fillings or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coconut flour
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together coconut flour and eggs until smooth.
2. Add salt, coconut oil, and baking soda; mix well.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it forms a ball.
4. Divide into 6-8 equal portions and shape each into a thin circle (about 1/8 inch thick).
5. Cook in a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat for 30-45 seconds per side, or until lightly browned and crispy.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes per batch
Keto Lamb Rogan Josh
This rich and flavorful Keto Lamb Rogan Josh recipe is a twist on the classic Indian dish, adapted to fit a ketogenic lifestyle. The result is a tender and aromatic lamb curry that’s perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp coconut oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained and crushed
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the lamb and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the onion. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return the lamb to the skillet and cook until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Keto Saag with Cream and Ghee
This creamy saag recipe is a rich and indulgent twist on the traditional Indian spinach curry, perfect for a low-carb keto diet. With the addition of heavy cream and ghee, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the ghee in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne (if using) and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the spinach leaves and stir until wilted.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto Masala Omelette
Elevate your breakfast game with this flavorful Keto Masala Omelette, packed with Indian spices and creamy cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (Keto-friendly)
– 1 tablespoon ghee or clarified butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Heat the ghee in a medium-sized non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the edges start to set, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the chopped onion, curry powder, and cumin over the eggs.
5. Fold the omelette in half and cook for an additional 30 seconds to a minute, until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked through.
6. Slide the omelette onto a plate and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Keto Coconut Chutney
This rich and creamy chutney is a perfect accompaniment to your favorite keto dishes, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. With its subtle coconut flavor and tangy kick, you’ll be hooked on this recipe in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine coconut milk, unsweetened shredded coconut, mayonnaise, lime juice, Dijon mustard, and grated ginger.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe requires no cooking, just blending and chilling.
Keto Fish Curry with Coconut Milk
This rich and aromatic fish curry is a perfect representation of Indian cuisine’s love for bold flavors. With the addition of coconut milk, it becomes an indulgent treat that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fish fillets (any white fish works well), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger; cook until onions are translucent.
3. Add fish pieces, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using); cook 2-3 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
4. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot over cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Keto Baingan Bharta
A creamy and flavorful eggplant dish, Keto Baingan Bharta is a low-carb take on the traditional Indian recipe. With a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy this tasty and nutritious dish while staying within your keto diet guidelines.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 1/4 cup ghee or clarified butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Roast the eggplants in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they’re tender and charred.
4. Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Scoop out the flesh of the eggplants and place it in a blender or food processor with the remaining ingredients.
6. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Keto Mushroom Masala
Elevate your keto diet with this flavorful and aromatic Indian-inspired dish that combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with the warmth of spices. This recipe is a perfect blend of rich flavors and textures, sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 1 minute.
4. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves; serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto Gobi Paratha with Almond Flour
Elevate your low-carb lifestyle with this innovative recipe that replaces traditional wheat flour with almond flour, making it perfect for keto dieters. This flavorful and flaky flatbread is filled with the classic combination of cauliflower (gobi) and spices.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup grated cauliflower (gobi)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together almond flour, coconut oil, salt, and baking soda.
2. Add the grated cauliflower, cilantro, garam masala powder, and red chili powder to the mixture.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it forms a smooth ball.
4. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions.
5. Roll out each portion into a thin circle (about 1/8 inch thick).
6. Cook the parathas on a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat for 30 seconds per side.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes per batch
Keto Mutton Kheema
This recipe puts a ketogenic spin on the traditional Indian mutton kheema dish, replacing high-carb breadcrumbs with crispy bacon and adding a rich tomato-based sauce. The result is a flavorful and satisfying keto-friendly meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mutton mince (ground meat)
– 4 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of tomato puree
– 1/2 cup of chicken broth
– 1 tsp garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the mutton mince in a pan over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato puree, chicken broth, garam masala powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Keto Coconut Ladoo
Coconut ladoo is a traditional Indian sweet treat that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on the keto diet. This recipe replaces traditional sugar with coconut sugar and uses low-carb ingredients to keep the carbs in check.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup coconut cream
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded coconut, coconut cream, and coconut sugar. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the salt, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until smooth.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the ladoo on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Discover 20 mouth-watering keto Indian recipes that are perfect for low-carb lovers. From classic dishes like Butter Chicken with Coconut Cream and Keto Palak Paneer, to creative twists like Cauliflower Rice Biryani and Cheesy Keto Naan Bread, there’s something for everyone. These recipes use innovative ingredients and techniques to create delicious, low-carb versions of traditional Indian dishes. Whether you’re a keto enthusiast or just looking for new ideas, this collection is sure to inspire your next meal.