Whether you’re a young budding family attending a potluck, bringing a piece of your culture to a work potluck, or hosting a potluck-style weekend luncheon or dinner with friends there’s something for you. Here are my best recipes to add to your menu for an Indian Food Potluck that’s also appropriate for work and vegetarians! If you’re looking for more ideas, be sure to check out 20+ Authentic Indian Curry Recipes!
Appetizers
The best Indian potluck appetizers are, without a doubt, samosas! I’m including an approachable vegetarian option and chicken option for samosas as well as some of my other favorite appetizers for passing around.
Vegetarian Appetizers
Chicken Appetizers
Main Courses
Between Indo-Chinese over noodles and making vegan chickpea curry in an Instant Pot so that it’s easy to plug in and keep warm at the office… Your options for easy Indian vegetarian recipes for a potluck are going to be delicious. And don’t worry! I included a roast chicken if you’re hosting because that’s always a delicious and impressive option to have.
Sides
Saffron Rice or simple fluffy Basmati Rice are must-haves if you’re planning on serving a curry. I also recommend assigning 1-2 sabjis so that there are ample vegetable dishes to choose from.
Sauces
You’ll need a few sauces to pair with your appetizers and main dishes! Chutneys are a must, and should be placed at the beginning of the table with the appetizers. Raita is usually at the end of the tables along with the naan and other condiments.
Dessert
A potluck is nothing without the sweet treats to finish off an incredible meal! These options are easy to make a large amount of as well as transport if needed.
Drinks
Potlucks in Indian Culture
One thing I appreciate as a - now adult - first-generation Indo-American immigrant was the effort our elders put into building the Indian community we have around us. My late uncle built a wonderful community centered around their Hindu temple in Edmonton, Canada and my parents did the same thing when we left Canada for Arizona. I’m sure a lot of immigrants can relate to initially finding their community through places of worship. At the Hindu temple, lunch was usually served potluck style where each family was assigned a dish to bring the next Sunday. The families we met there became like extra siblings and second moms and dads. As young kids, we’d play together during the weekends while our parents put on food potluck-style so that one family wasn’t burdened with making a massive spread. Extra food was always sent home in tupperware. Even now, we still gather over food and celebrate each other’s accomplishments as adults. A huge part of desi culture is gathering around good food and simple cardamom chai for quality time with family and friends.
More Roundups to check out
