How to make Indian-inspired meals in minutes

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The key to making great Indian food is creating layers of flavour that develop even more depth over time. On a busy weeknight? No chance. Or so you think... Woolworths’ amazing new range of Indian-inspired ingredients means you can enjoy your favourite Indian dishes without defaulting to takeaways. Choose from time-saving cook-in sauces, or add a spicy kick to any dish with spice blends, chutneys, pickles and ketchups. No time to cook? Heat up a lentil or bean curry and serve with rice. There’s even a genius semolina-and-coconut cake mix that makes a perfectly moist sponge, flavoured with warm Indian spices. Your passage to India awaits!

Feeling unsure about where to begin? Look for the eye-catching green packaging that features snip-and-pour 400 g packs, jars, box mixes, snacks and spice blend containers. Here's what you can expect:

Cook-in sauces

Rogan josh: A rich tomato curry with roasted coriander and fennel, inspired by Kashmiri cuisine.
Tikka masala: A classic takeaway dish with tomato gravy, intense spices, and fenugreek.
Goan sauce: Aromatic spicy tomatoes with green chilli and fenugreek, inspired by Goa’s coastal flavours.
Korma: A creamy, mild sauce with coconut and spices, originally prepared for Mughal royalty.
Butter chicken: A creamy, savoury tomato sauce with warm spices, known for its rich texture.

Sauces with garam masala spice blend

Saag: An aromatic spinach sauce perfect with paneer, served with basmati rice or naan.
Vindaloo: A spicy, tangy sauce with roots in Portuguese cuisine, now a beloved Indian dish.
Jalfrezi: A vibrant dish featuring peppers, tamarind and spices, ready in just 10 minutes.

Chutneys and pickles

These vibrant condiments are essential to Indian cuisine, adding bursts of flavour to every meal. Enjoy:

Chilli pickle: Made with pickled jalapeño chillies and mustard seeds in vegetable oil, adding a spicy kick.
Green mango chutney: A fruity, tangy blend made using locally sourced Limpopo mangoes for a unique twist.
Tamarind-and-date chutney: A sweet-and-sour condiment that pairs perfectly with snacks and chaat dishes.
Coriander, green chilli and mint chutney: A refreshing blend of fresh coriander and mint, adding a burst of freshness to meals.

Each chutney and pickle is crafted using unique spice blends and is vegan-friendly, making them perfect for any lifestyle.

Snacking

You’ll love the gluten-free poppadoms, which can be air-fried or microwaved to achieve that crispy texture we all crave. Try the mini versions as a snack, or serve the new coriander-and-garlic flavour alongside your favourite curries. And don't forget the dipping sauces! The chutney range adds a splash of tang, heat, or sweetness to your dishes – will you dive into coriander, green chilli and mint, tamarind and date, or green mango first?

When it comes to Indian-inspired snacks, the chilli bite mix is a must. These popular Indian snacks combine spiced lentils with vibrant seasonings for a truly mouthwatering treat. Crisp on the outside and bursting with flavour, they’re perfect alongside your favourite curry or as a delightful nibble on their own. Enjoy them with a tangy chutney, or try the chilli pickle or Bombay ketchup for an extra kick!

Inspired by pani puri, the popular Indian street food, these crispy, bite-sized shells puff up in seconds, making them ideal for creating your own home-made pani puri experience. Fill them with zesty tamarind water and your choice of fillings for a fun and interactive snack!

Heat-and-eat curries

The range features super-convenient vegetarian heat-and-eat curries in bean and lentil varieties, serving two. Simply microwave for two minutes and enjoy a hassle-free meal with basmati rice, naan, or roti, topped with a dollop of yoghurt or curd.

Curry pastes

If making curry pastes from scratch feels daunting, jarred pastes in flavours such as saag and Bombay potato offer an excellent base. Simply add stock or coconut milk and your choice of protein and veggies. (Available in stores from April 2025).

Something sweet

If you have a sweet tooth, the spiced semolina-and coconut cake mix makes baking a breeze!

There's more...

And no Indian-inspired range would be complete without a selection of spice blends to make exploring Indian cuisine easier and more exciting than ever. Declutter your old spices and herbs – Woolworths spice range is all you need. For homecooks who prefer to make their favourite Indian dishes from scratch, the spice blends are made using whole spices and dried herbs and blended to achieve the right balance of flavours for all your cooking needs. If you're still finding your footing when it comes to Indian cooking, scan the handy QR code on the packaging for foolproof step-by-step recipes and handy ways to use up your spice blends. 

Wondering what we’re cooking with this range? Here are some recipes to get you started:

Leek and onion pakoras

Up your snacking game with these crispy fritters made using Woolies' chilli bite mix! Combining the sharpness of spring onions with the sweetness of red onions and the subtle earthiness of leeks, these pakoras are enveloped in a spiced lentil batter. Perfectly golden and crunchy, they’re an ideal snack or starter, especially when served with tangy mango pickle for dipping. Each bite bursts with flavour and warmth, making them a fantastic addition to any gathering.

chilli bites here

Tamarind-and-date cocktail

Elevate summer gatherings with these refreshing cocktails that showcase the unexpected use of tamarind-and-date chutney. Easy to whip up, they combine zesty lime juice and aromatic lemongrass, perfectly complementing the sweet-and-tangy flavours. Serve over ice, topped with soda water for a vibrant beverage that will impress your friends. Want to add a little something extra? Feel free to mix in your spirit of choice – gin, vodka or tequila works wonderfully – or keep it non-alcoholic for a refreshing mocktail that everyone can enjoy.

tamarind and date cocktail here

Photography: Shavan Rahim
Videography: Kaylene Sauls
Recipes and production: Brita du Plessis
Food assistant: Josh van Zyl

Find more Indian-inspired recipes here. 

Whether you want to expand your repertoire or just add a spicy kick, you’ll find what you need when you shop Woolworths’ new range of Indian-inspired sauces, condiments, pickles, spice blends and pantry basics. Now you can enjoy your favourites, from butter chicken and korma to poppadoms and chutneys, without shelling out for takeaways – or travel.

Shop at Woolworths.