Low-Carb Indian-Style Recipes

Indian cuisine is famous for its rich sauces and spices, but it usually comes with a mountain of rice and naan. The good news? The best part (the curry) is often naturally low-carb if you skip the flour thickeners and sugar.

1. Palak Paneer (Spinach & Cheese)

This vegetarian classic is keto-gold. Cubes of paneer (a non-melting cheese) simmered in a pureed spinach sauce with cream, ginger, garlic, and garam masala. Serve it as a thick stew.

2. Butter Chicken (No Sugar)

Marinate chicken thighs in yogurt and spices. Grill or pan-fry. Simmer in a sauce made of tomato puree, heavy cream, butter, and fenugreek. Most restaurants add sugar, so making this at home is key to keeping it low-carb.

3. Cauliflower Biryani

Traditional biryani is all rice. Swap it for cauliflower rice! Sauté cauliflower rice with ghee, cumin seeds, cardamom, veggies, and meat. The cauliflower absorbs the spices beautifully.

4. Tandoori Chicken Legs

Score the chicken legs. Marinate overnight in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, chili powder, and cumin. Bake at high heat or grill until slightly charred. Serve with mint chutney.