RecepieplanningPakistani cooking for real weeks
Spice-led comfort that feeds a table. 100 pakistani recipes ready to browse below.
About this cuisine
Pakistani cooking builds big flavor from onions, tomatoes, yogurt, and warm spices — then slows down just enough for rice, roti, and shared plates. It is weeknight-friendly when you keep the protein simple and let the masala do the work.
Weeknight tip: Batch a basic onion-tomato base once, then remix it into curry, keema, or chickpeas across the week.
Where you'll find it
- Pakistan
- diaspora kitchens worldwide
Pantry staples
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Garam masala
- Ginger-garlic
- Yogurt
- Basmati
From this kitchen
Browse dishes tagged pakistani in the Recepieplanning library, then download the app to fold them into a personalized week.
MediumChicken Karahi
Chicken pieces sear in hot oil, then cook down with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and green chilies until the sauce thickens and the oil separates to the edges — the classic sign of a proper karahi. Bold, garlicky, and just spicy enough, it's best served with naan to mop up the sauce.
HardBeef Nihari
Beef shank simmers low and slow with caramelized onions, ginger, garlic, and nihari masala until it's fall-apart tender, then gets thickened with a simple flour slurry into a rich, glossy stew. Finished with lemon, cilantro, and green chili, it's a slow-cooked classic worth the wait.
MediumAloo Keema
Ground beef browns alongside softened onion, then simmers with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and warm spices until saucy. Diced potatoes cook right in the same pan until tender, soaking up all that flavor for a comforting weeknight curry.
MediumAnda Paratha Breakfast
Flaky whole-wheat paratha layered with a savory spiced egg, onion, and green chili filling, griddled in ghee until golden and crisp. A filling South Asian breakfast best eaten hot with chutney or ketchup.
HardPakistani Chicken Biryani
Layers of fragrant basmati rice and richly spiced chicken curry, slow-steamed together with saffron milk, crispy fried onions, and fresh herbs. A show-stopping, aromatic centerpiece for a special dinner.
MediumMasala Aloo Paratha Breakfast
Whole-wheat flatbreads stuffed with a spiced mashed potato filling, then griddled with ghee until golden and blistered. A hearty, comforting South Asian breakfast served with yogurt, pickle, or butter.
HardHalwa Poori Chana Breakfast
A festive weekend breakfast trio of sweet semolina halwa, puffy deep-fried poori, and a spiced chickpea curry. It is indulgent, generous, and a beloved staple of South Asian brunch tables.
MediumSpiced Semolina Halwa Breakfast
A warm, glossy semolina pudding roasted in ghee and perfumed with cardamom, then studded with nuts and raisins. A traditional South Asian breakfast sweet, especially loved on weekends and festivals.
HardVegetable Biryani Lunch Bowl
Fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced mixed vegetables, caramelized onions, and fresh herbs, then steamed together so every grain is perfumed. A vibrant vegetarian take on the classic biryani served as a hearty lunch bowl.
HardFragrant Chicken Pulao Lunch
Basmati rice cooked directly in a spiced chicken stock (yakhni) so each grain absorbs deep, savory flavor. Lighter and subtler than biryani, this one-pot pulao is a comforting everyday lunch.
MediumWhite Chicken Karahi Lunch
A creamy, chili-free variation of chicken karahi built on yogurt, cream, and black pepper instead of tomatoes. Rich and mildly spiced, it is a restaurant favorite that pairs beautifully with naan.
MediumDaal Chawal Lunch Bowl
Comforting yellow lentils simmered soft and finished with a sizzling garlic-cumin tempering, served over fluffy steamed rice. A humble, nourishing everyday lunch that is naturally vegan.
HardSlow-Cooked Beef Haleem
A rich, slow-cooked stew of beef, wheat, barley, and lentils pounded into a thick, savory porridge and layered with warm spices. Traditionally topped with fried onions, ginger, and lemon, it is a labor-of-love dish for special occasions.
HardMutton Karahi
Tender mutton cooked in a wok with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and freshly crushed spices until the sauce turns thick and glossy. A robust, deeply flavored dish best mopped up with hot naan.
HardCreamy Chicken Handi
Chicken simmered in a luscious sauce of tomatoes, yogurt, cream, and cashews, traditionally cooked in a clay pot (handi). Mildly spiced and rich, it is a restaurant-style dinner that pairs perfectly with naan or rice.
HardCrispy Potato Samosa Side
Golden, flaky pastry triangles stuffed with a spiced potato and pea filling and deep-fried until shatteringly crisp. A classic South Asian snack and party side served with tangy chutney.
MediumMixed Vegetable Pakora Side
Crispy fritters of onion, potato, and spinach bound in a spiced chickpea-flour batter and fried until golden. A rainy-day favorite and popular tea-time side, especially during Ramadan.
MediumChapli Kebab Side
Flat, spiced beef patties from the Peshawar region, studded with tomato, coriander seeds, and green chili, then shallow-fried until crisp-edged. A bold, aromatic side or snack served with naan and chutney.
MediumSeekh Kebab Side
Spiced minced beef molded onto skewers and grilled until smoky and juicy. A barbecue classic served as a side or starter with mint chutney and sliced onions.
HardClassic Rice Kheer Dessert
A slow-simmered rice pudding in which soft grains melt into creamy, cardamom-scented milk, finished with nuts and raisins. A beloved South Asian dessert served warm or chilled.
HardSoft Gulab Jamun Dessert
Golden fried dumplings of milk solids soaked in a fragrant cardamom-rose sugar syrup until soft and syrup-soaked. A festive South Asian sweet that melts in your mouth.
MediumCrispy Jalebi Dessert
Coils of fermented batter fried until crisp and instantly soaked in fragrant saffron sugar syrup. Crunchy on the outside and juicy within, jalebi is a vibrant, festive street sweet.
HardRas Malai Dessert
Soft, spongy cheese discs simmered in syrup, then soaked in thickened, cardamom-and-saffron-scented milk. A delicate, melt-in-the-mouth dessert crowned with slivered nuts.
HardGajar Ka Halwa Dessert
Grated carrots slow-cooked in milk, ghee, and sugar until rich, glossy, and fudgy, then finished with cardamom and nuts. A classic winter dessert that is pure comfort.
MediumShahi Tukray Dessert
Fried bread slices soaked in sugar syrup and topped with thickened, cardamom-scented milk and nuts. A regal South Asian bread pudding often made for weddings and Eid.
MediumEgg Halwa (Anday Ka Halwa)
Egg Halwa (Anday Ka Halwa) is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. In a pan, add whole milk powder, ghee or oil, and cardamom powder (if using).
HardHow To Make Perfect Basmati Rice
How To Make Perfect Basmati Rice is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Wash the basmati rice well, until the water runs clear.
HardMutton Yakhni Pulao
A divinely aromatic, tender rice and mutton pilaf that's perfect for big celebrations as well as everyday meals. Cooked using Veetee Mega's premium long basmati rice for the fluffiest grain and the true authentic flavour.
HardMutton Pulao Recipe
This classic Mutton Pulao recipe is great for a homely meal and also good enough for Eids, dinner parties and bigger events. A family favourite.
HardChicken Salan Recipe
This classic, comforting chicken curry is one of those dishes a Pakistani kitchen is incomplete without. This is a versatile and forgiving dish. Use minimal ingredients and whatever spices you have access to to create this hug in a bowl
MediumAloo Palak - Spinach & Potato Curry
A delicious vegetarian Pakistani meal. It's quick, it's easy, it's delicious - and there's not much else to say! You have to try it to understand just how tasty it is! :-)
MediumSweet and Sour Chilli Paneer
Sweer and Sour Chilli Paneer is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce and set aside
MediumPalak Chicken - Spinach & Chicken Curry
Palak Chicken - Spinach & Chicken Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. In a pot, heat the ghee and once hot, add the onions, garlic and ginger and fry till brown
HardDal Gosht (Meat & Lentils)
This comforting, hearty Dal Gosht is a classic Pakistani and North Indian dish with a bit of a more-ish touch. The list of instructions may seem long, but cooking this is a relatively straight forward process
HardPakistani Karahi Keema
This is a beautiful and flavoursome curry that is perfect to serve guests or or as a special treat for yourself and your family. For optimal results, use chunky hand-made mince as opposed to machine-made mince. For this particular recipe, I used lamb. Chicken will cook much quicker than lamb, beef or goat mince. Adjust cooking times accordingly. Serve with roti or naan.
MediumAloo Tikki
These potato cutlets are bursting with flavour, thanks to the array of spices and fresh coriander. You can play around with the spices if you so wish - use the following spices and their amounts as a guideline and get creative in the kitchen! This is a great recipe to have on hand when you are short on ingredients but still want to make something more than a standard meal.
HardPakistani Chicken Pilau
This is a classic Pakistani dish that is often served at dinner parties. It is a delicious meal which uses no chilli, making this a great dish to serve at dinners where you aren't sure of how much spice your guests can take! The lack of chilli also makes it a good option to serve kids. People will just keep coming back for more with this delectable recipe!
HardBhuna Gosht Masala - Lamb Bhuna
This delicious curry is a keeper! Throw everything into a pot and allow it to simmer for 1 hr and when the times up, add in some oil and saute the curry till it's at a consistency you like! So simple and such little effort required for a really tasty dish!
HardBhuna Chicken Masala - Chicken Curry
I love the simpicity of this recipe. It's so easy to make but packs in such flavour! This curry is on the spicy side so adjust the red chilli accordingly if you so wish. Don't miss out the paprika as it is for the red colour.
HardRamadan Recipe: Hot Cumin Spiced Potato Filling for Samosas, Pastries, etc.
Potato-filled samosas are a favourite loved by everyone and make a regular appearance at South-East Asian Iftar tables. This filling is distincly flavoured with cumin, both powdered and whole and coriander, fresh, whole and powdered. This filling isn't limited to samosas, you can use it for spring rolls, parathas or cutlets too!
HardRamadan Recipe: Keema Filling for Samosas, Spring Rolls, Parathas etc
This is my favourite filling! Use this for samosas, spring rolls, parathas. You can even use it for pasta, salads, sandwiches - the list is never ending!
HardAloo Chana Salan
Aloo Chana Salan is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Firstly, chop the potatoes and soak them in cold water till needed.
MediumPunjabi Prawn Masala Curry
Punjabi Prawn Masala Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Heat the oil in a pan.
HardPlum Chutney - Aloo Bukhara Ki Chatni
Plum Chutney - Aloo Bukhara Ki Chatni is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. In a pan, add all the ingredients except the vinegar and enough water to cover by 2-3 inches
HardAloo Gosht
Comfort food at its finest. A family favourite worthy of both a quiet night in and for guests at a dinner party. Serve with chapattis or basmati rice (my favourite is rice!)
MediumZarda
Zarda is a sweet Pakistani rice dish that is super simple to make and is an exceptionally delicious treat!
HardChicken Dopiaza - Indian Restaurant Curry
Chicken Dopiaza - Indian Restaurant Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Heat the oil in a pot.
HardBaingan Gosht - Aubergine and Lamb Curry
Baingan Gosht - Aubergine and Lamb Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Heat some oil in a pot and add the sliced onions, garlic and ginger.
HardMaash Ki Daal - Urad Lentils
A delicious, creamy daal cooked in a typical onion and tomato masala and served with lashings of butter
MediumPabda Fish 'Bhuna'
Pabda Fish 'Bhuna' is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. First, we take off the head of this fish.
HardTadka Dal
Tadka Dal is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Wash your lentils well, then add 4-5 cups of water and all the powdered spices.
HardLeftover Curry Biryani - Transform Last Night's Curry Into a Fancy Dinner!
Leftover Curry Biryani - Transform Last Night's Curry Into a Fancy Dinner! is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Prepare the rice by first soaking it in water for at least half an hour.
HardPhali Gosht - Green Bean and Meat Curry
Phali Gosht - Green Bean and Meat Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Quite simply place all your ingredients into a pot (excluding the green beans, oil and garnishing ingredients), add 1/2 cup of water and then cover.
HardMatar Pilau
Matar Pilau is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. In a pot, heat up the oil and add the sliced onions.
HardKhichdi - A Simple Pakistani Dal Khichdi
Khichdi - A Simple Pakistani Dal Khichdi is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Wash and soak the rice and lentils in the same bowl for at least 30 minutes. Drain before using.
HardNargisi Kofta
Nargisi Kofta is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. First, you need your eggs prepped.
MediumCheats Aloo Paratha - Probably The Easiest Aloo Paratha You'll Make
Save on time, effort and dishes! This Cheats Aloo Paratha cheekily uses mashed potato powder and you would be pressed to tell the difference!
MediumTimatar Aloo Ki Bhujia
Timatar Aloo Ki Bhujia is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. In a pot, heat up the oil and add the kalonji and cumin seeds.
HardMatar Gosht Shorba - Meat & Pea Curry
Comfort food at its finest. This broth-based Pakistani curry is a traditional family favourite and one which is well suited to day-to-day family meals as well as for guests.
HardSweet Coconut Samosas - Khopra / Nariyal Ka Samosa
Sweet Coconut Samosas - Khopra / Nariyal Ka Samosa is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Begin with making the pastry.
HardHow To Make Chocolate Chip Cake Rusks
I've gone and made the chocolate chip cookie Desi! The classic cake rusk everyone and their Mother loves with a modern twist. You can't miss this!
MediumAloo Anday Ka Salan
A delicious, simple and traditional Pakistani lunch - this Aloo Anday recipe is a pure comfort food. Serve with plain white basmati rice
HardMutanjan - Meethe Chawal
Mutanjan - Meethe Chawal is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Cook the presoaked basmati rice till 75% done with a spoonful of ghee or unsalted butter. Drain and set aside
EasyPrawn Karahi Masala
Prawn Karahi is a delicious prawn curry cooked in an aromatic tomato, ginger and garlic based gravy. This quick and easy recipe is a godsend of a weeknight dinner!
HardLobia Masala
Comforting, easy and nutritious lobia masala is a hug-in-a-bowl kind of simple. We all need a go-to recipe like that! Enjoy
HardBhindi Gosht Recipe - Okra with Lamb / Mutton Curry
Bhindi Gosht Recipe - Okra with Lamb / Mutton Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. In a deep pot, heat up the oil.
HardPeshwari Naan Recipe
Peshwari Naan Recipe is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. In a large mixing bowl, add the warm milk and proceed to add the yeast.
HardDal Chicken Recipe - Chicken & Lentil Curry - Daal Murgh
This Dal Chicken recipe is an absolutely delicious, finger-licking good curry that you'll love to cook over and over again!
HardEasy Keema Naan Recipe - In The Oven + Tawa
This stuffed Keema Naan recipe is an absolute treat - just like the Naans served at the restaurants!
HardShaljam Gosht Recipe - Turnip and Meat Curry
Shaljam Gosht Recipe - Turnip and Meat Curry is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Add all the ingredients aside from the turnips, green chilli, coriander and oil into a pot.
MediumAloo Baingan - Potato And Aubergine Curry
Just some classic, wholesome comfort food - Aloo Baingan was a huge favourite of ours growing up and I'm certain you will enjoy it just as much as we did!
HardThe Best Chicken Jalfrezi!
Chicken Jalfrezi is a popular chicken curry recipe made using boneless chicken pieces and capsicum. This easy and delicious recipe will surprise you with it's flavour!
HardChicken Pulao - The BEST One Pot Recipe
Chicken Pulao is one of the most popular Pakistani recipes and this method makes it a super quick and easy affair, using just one pot and a convenient spice cloth,
HardKeema Curry
This classic Keema is something many Pakistanis will have grown up eating. It's super, easy, delicious and so so versatile!
MediumSheer Khurma
Creamy vermicelli dessert simmered in milk with dates and nuts — a festive Pakistani classic for Eid and special occasions.
HardPaneer Jalfrezi
A delicious, easy vegetarian curry made using a traditional Indian/Pakistani onion and tomato base
HardLahori Chargha
Whole chicken marinated in traditional Pakistani spices, steamed and then fried for a delicious and crispy masala coating. Absolutely divine!
EasyGreen Chicken
A super quick and easy green chicken/Hariyali chicken recipe. This recipe is tangy, fresh-tasting and goes so well with a simple salad and naan! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner
HardAloo Gobi
A super easy and simple vegetarian dish, an Aloo Gobi is a classic many of us will remember our Mums making.
EasyChicken Pakora Recipe
These delicious Chicken Pakoras are oozing with flavour and that perfect, crisp texture! Made using a variety of spices and ingredients, these are sure to be a new favourite!
HardPunjabi Kadhi Pakora
Punjabi Kadhi Pakora is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. (Kadhi sauce) Start by blending the onions, ginger and garlic alongside the oil until smooth (doesn't need to be perfect).
EasyKhatte Aloo
Tangy Pakistani potatoes cooked with spices in about 25 minutes — a quick vegetarian side or light dinner with roti or rice.
HardPakistani Chicken Korma (Authentic)
An authentic, rich and luxurious korma is perfect to serve on a special occasion or get-together. This recipe is the real deal, with lots of warming spices and deep flavour. Pairs perfectly with some naan, sheermaal or taftaan.
HardShami Kebab (Chicken, Lamb, Mutton & Beef)
This authentic Pakistani Shami kebab recipe is a delicious and crowd-pleasing item that goes well served at chai time and also as part of a proper meal. The texture is meaty yet tender and I urge you to try this recipe!
HardChicken Kali Mirch
This tasty and easy recipe comes together using such simple ingredients but it packs such a delicious punch!
HardRoghni Naan - SUPER Soft Recipe!
Roghni Naan - SUPER Soft Recipe! is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Take a large bowl and add warm milk into it, followed by a packet of fast-action yeast.
HardMethi Chicken
Methi Chicken is a wholesome and easy recipe made with fresh fenugreek and bone-in chicken. This goes beautifully with some hot buttered roti!
HardMutton Korma Recipe
A classic korma recipe that's perfect for special events such as Eid and weddings!
HardAchari Chicken
An easy, tangy, pickle flavoured chicken curry made using a special achar spice mix you can make at home yourself!
MediumKaleji Masala
Spiced kaleji (liver) masala browned with onions and aromatics — a bold Pakistani main that cooks in about 45 minutes.
Medium15 Minute Pakistani Courgette Curry (Zucchini)
15 Minute Pakistani Courgette Curry (Zucchini) is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Heat the oil or ghee in a pan.
MediumGreen Bean and Potato Curry
This delicious green bean and potato curry comes together SO quickly you'll be surprised! Goes perfect as an easy weeknight meal, as a main or a side.
EasyMinced Fish Curry/Machli ka Keema
Minced fish curry (machli ka keema) simmered with spices — a quick Pakistani seafood dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
HardKarela Gosht
Karela Gosht is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Using a sharp knife, peel away the skin of the bitter gourd, cut them into thin slices and deseed them, as shown in the picture.
MediumPrawn Pilau Biryani Rice
Have a delicious dinner ready on the table in no time with quick-cooking prawns and basmati rice. This is one of my favourites!
HardAghani Kabuli Pulao (Easy Recipe)
Aghani Kabuli Pulao (Easy Recipe) is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Add all the ingredients for the yakhni to a pot and cover with enough water to submerge all the meat.
HardChana Pulao / Pilau
Chana Pulao / Pilau is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. In a deep pot, heat the oil and add the sliced onions.
HardPakistani Lamb Pulao
A family favourite - My Lamb Pulao is one of my most frequently cooked meals at home and happens to be one I never mess up. Try it out - I'm certain it'll become a firm favourite for your house too!
MediumPanjeeri
A delicious, healing and warming nut and seed medley traditionally made for post partum recovery, general health and in the winter seasons.
MediumBadam Halwa
Badam Halwa is a Pakistani recipe adapted from Fatima Cooks. Add ghee or oil to a pan over a medium heat.
Plan a pakistani-leaning week.
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