Being an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) comes with the joy of new experiences and the challenge of staying connected to your roots. One of the most essential and emotional connections to home is food. Craving mom’s dal, grandma’s pickles, or your favorite street food is common. But with limited time, unfamiliar ingredients, and tight schedules, cooking Indian meals abroad can be tricky. Thankfully, a few smart food hacks can go a long way in keeping your kitchen efficient, your meals authentic, and your heart full.
Here are 8 Indian food hacks every NRI should know that will make cooking easier, faster, and more satisfying.
1. Freeze Curry Bases in Batches
Preparing fresh curries every day can be time-consuming. Instead, make a large batch of curry base using onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger, and store it in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. These curry cubes can be thawed and used instantly to create a variety of dishes from rajma to butter chicken. You save both time and effort while maintaining authentic taste.
Bonus Tip: Label and date your containers to avoid mixing up spicy and mild bases.
2. Preserve Spices Correctly
Indian cooking uses a wide variety of spices, and improper storage can lead to spoilage or loss of flavor. Always store your spices in airtight glass jars and keep them in a dark, cool cabinet. Avoid plastic containers and exposure to direct sunlight.
Pro Tip: Buy whole spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom and grind them in small quantities — this ensures they remain fresh longer and retain maximum flavor.
3. Use Ready-to-Cook Mixes for Busy Days
While nothing beats fresh homemade food, having a few ready-to-cook mixes like dosa batter, idli mix, or paratha dough on hand can be a lifesaver. You can make these from scratch and refrigerate or freeze them, or buy high-quality ones from trusted Indian stores.
Quick Fix: Freeze parathas with butter paper between each one easy to reheat and just like fresh!
4. Invest in a Good Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker is the heartbeat of an Indian kitchen. From cooking dal to biryani, rajma to sambar everything is faster in a pressure cooker. If you haven’t already brought one from India, invest in a multi-use pressure cooker like an Instant Pot that’s compatible with Western kitchens.
Why It Works: Saves time, gas, and keeps nutrients intact all while giving that “ghar ka khana” feel.
5. Make and Freeze Masalas
We all know that fresh masalas take time roasting, grinding, mixing. Instead, prepare key masalas like garam masala, sambar powder, chaat masala, and store them in airtight containers. For wet masalas like onion-tomato or green chutney, freeze them in small silicone trays for quick use.
Efficiency Tip: Add dates of preparation and expiry to ensure you're using fresh mixes.
6. Smart Grocery Shopping
Indian groceries can be expensive abroad. Save time and money by shopping in bulk at wholesale stores or planning monthly Indian grocery trips. Use apps or set reminders for items like ghee, rice, and lentils.
Hack: Buy bulk lentils and divide them into weekly portions. Vacuum sealing can extend shelf life.
7. Use Frozen Vegetables and Herbs Wisely
Frozen vegetables like okra, drumsticks, and spinach are great time savers. They cut prep time and reduce waste. Similarly, freeze fresh coriander, curry leaves, and mint in zip-lock bags or ice trays with water or oil.
Storage Tip: Store herbs flat and stacked to maximize freezer space.
8. Master One-Pot Indian Meals
Learn a few one-pot Indian dishes like khichdi, pulao, or bisibele bath that can be made quickly and are nutritious. These are great for weeknights or lazy weekends and often don’t require multiple dishes or long prep times.
Pro Move: Add chopped vegetables and proteins like paneer or tofu to make them well-rounded meals.
🔖 Explore More
6 Indian Foods to Impress Your American Friends: Delicious Dishes to Try at Home
Top 10 Indian Fusion Foods Taking Over America
Pickle Flavor Frenzy: America’s Pickle Era and Its Impact on Food Culture
Discover Best Food Deals for NRIs in the USA - Food & Restaurant
