Having diabetes does not mean you can not enjoy delicious meals. Here is a collection of tasty and healthy Diabetes friendly Indian recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, that the whole family can enjoy. They are all relatively low in carbs and taste amazing!
Table of contents
- What is Diabetes?
- What are the types of diabetes?
- Eat Well
- Indian Breakfast for Diabetics
- Vegetarian Diabetic Recipes
- Chicken and Fish Recipes
Note: I am not a doctor, and I am not sharing medical advice here. Whenever you make any changes to your diet, make sure to check with your doctor and monitor your blood sugar level.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes means that your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. Glucose comes from the food we eat. An organ called the pancreas (PAN-kree-as) makes insulin (IN-suh-lin). Insulin helps glucose get from your blood into your cells. Cells take the glucose and turn it into energy.
When you have diabetes, your body has a problem making or properly using insulin. As a result, glucose builds up in your blood and cannot get into your cells. If the blood glucose stays too high, it can damage your body.
Source: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes
What are the types of diabetes?
There are three main types of diabetes.
•Type 1 diabetes—In this type of diabetes, the body does not make insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day and do not have dietary restrictions.
•Type 2 diabetes—In this type of diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin or use insulin well. Some people with type 2 diabetes have to take diabetes pills, insulin, or both or need to watch their diet. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
•Gestational diabetes—This type of diabetes can occur when a woman is pregnant. It raises the risk that both she and her child might develop diabetes later in life.
How many Carbs should I eat?
Unfortunately, there’s no “one size fits all” answer—everyone is different because everyone’s body is different. The amount you can eat and stay in your target blood sugar range depends on your age, weight, activity level, and other factors. Your doctor will be the best person to suggest the right amount for you.
On average, people with diabetes should aim to get about half of their calories from carbs. That means if you normally eat about 1,800 calories a day to maintain a healthy weight, about 800 to 900 calories can come from carbs.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/diabetes-and-carbohydrates.html
Eat Well
Follow the routine of eating small and frequent meals to keep your blood sugar levels in control. Include foods in your diet that reduce the glycemic index. You can do that by mixing carbs with good fats. Limit your portions, choose wisely, and eat healthy!
Below, you will find recipes for an Indian Diabetic diet for Type 2 diabetes, including recipes for breakfast, snacks, and some vegetarian and meat diabetic recipes. Most of these recipes are relatively low in carbs, easy to make, and are super delicious.
I am also sharing some tips I got from my readers on Instagram:
- Replace wheat roti with bajra or jowar roti’s.
- Quinoa, amaranth, bulgur, barley, millets, and buckwheat are good alternatives grains to add to the diet.
- Some focus on Low Carb High Fat (LCHF) eating plan with a high protein diet.
- Bitter gourd juice is a great recipe for diabetes reversal. Cut bitter gourd, apply salt, and turmeric, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then juice it and enjoy. This can also be frozen in ice-cube trays.
- If you are social media savvy, check out @diabetes.rd on Instagram and Reversing Diabetes Type 2 Support Group on Facebook.
You might also find my post about low carb Indian food recipes useful.
Note: I am not a doctor, and I am not sharing any medical advice here. Whenever you make any changes to your diet, make sure to check with your doctor and monitor your blood sugar level.
Indian Breakfast for Diabetics
4.92 from 49 votes
Indian Masala Oats (Savory Oatmeal)
Masala Oats is a savory oatmeal breakfast porridge cooked with lots of vegetables and aromatic Indian spices. A healthy & delicious vegan breakfast recipe.
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5 from 8 votes
Instant Pot Perfect Boiled Eggs
These easy-peel Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs are going to be your new favorite. Once you try this 5-5-5 method to steam eggs in your instant pot, you will never cook them any other way. Eggs are boiled to perfection every single time!
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4.88 from 31 votes
Egg Bhurji
Egg bhurji is the Indian twist to scrambled eggs. Packed with the right amount of flavor and spice, these delicious Indian scrambled eggs are perfect for anymeal of the day!
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4.87 from 61 votes
Khaman Dhokla Recipe
Soft and fluffy Khaman Dhokla made in the Instant Pot and stovetop. These delicious steamed savory chickpea flour cakes are a popular Gujarati delicacy, perfect to enjoy for breakfast or snack!
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Vegetarian Diabetic Recipes
4.84 from 6 votes
Karela (Bitter Melon Stir Fry)
Karela, also called bitter melon, is a popular vegetable used in many Asian countries. Here is a delicious North Indian Karela recipe, where bitter melon is cooked with onions and spices, along with some jaggery to get a sweet, spicy and tangy stir fry!
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4.84 from 42 votes
Lauki / Bottle Gourd Curry – Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
A traditional North Indian curry, Lauki or Bottle Gourd Curry prepared in an onion-tomato base with ginger, garlic and spices.
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4.89 from 298 votes
Instant Pot Chana Masala / Punjabi Chole Masala Recipe in Pressure Cooker
Punjabi Chole Masala or Chana Masala is an Indian favorite chickpea curry. This one-pot recipe for the authentic Chana Masala can be made in the Instant Pot or stovetop Pressure Cooker. A healthy protein-rich vegan and gluten free chickpea recipe.
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4.79 from 52 votes
Quinoa & Vegetable Pilaf – Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Easy and healthy quinoa with veggies made as a one-pot meal in the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker.
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4.95 from 20 votes
Air Fryer Cauliflower with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
This Air Fryer Cauliflower seasoned with spices is easy to make and amazingly delicious topped with cilantro yogurt sauce. Enjoy as a wonderful low-carb side dish or appetizer.
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4.94 from 48 votes
Instant Pot Egg Curry (Pressure Cooker Anda Curry)
Egg curry made by adding boiled eggs to a curry sauce, along with coconut milk to give a flavorful protein-rich dish. In this Instant Pot Egg Curry, we will make the curry sauce and boil the eggs together, to make this delicious dish even quicker! Pair it with rice, naan or roti to make a complete meal.
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4.91 from 30 votes
Patta Gobi Matar (Indian Cabbage Subzi)
Patta Gobi Matar is a Cabbage & Peas Stir Fry made with cabbage, green peas, ginger, tomato, and spices. It's vegan, gluten-free, and can be made low-carb/keto-friendly by skipping the green peas. Make it in the instant pot or stovetop.
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4.88 from 74 votes
Mint Cilantro Chutney Recipe (Indian Green Chutney)
A cool, spicy and tangy green chutney. This no-cook mint cilantro chutney is a must try accompaniment to Indian food such as samosa, chaat, kebabs and sandwiches.
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4.95 from 38 votes
Instant Pot Chickpea Curry with Spinach (Chana Saag)
This easy one-pot Spinach Chickpea Curry, also known as Chana Saag is a healthy vegan and gluten-free curry. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or naan for a perfect weeknight dinner!
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4.75 from 8 votes
Sprouts Curry
Sprouted green lentils curry packed full of nutrition made in the instant pot or stovetop. Mung bean sprouts cooked in an onion-tomato sauce with ginger, garlic and aromatic spices. This curry goes perfectly with roti, paratha or rice.
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4.91 from 20 votes
Ridge Gourd Curry Recipe | Turai ki subzi – Pressure Cooker
Enjoy this easy and delicious Ridge Gourd Curry, also known as Turai ki subzi, made in the pressure cooker or instant pot. This is a simple, yet flavorful curry with many nutritional benefits of ridge gourd.
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4.83 from 89 votes
Instant Pot Dal Makhani (Madras Lentils with Brown Rice)
Authentic Punjabi Dal Makhani (Madras Lentils) made in Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot. This restaurant style Dal Makhani made in the pressure cooker is rich, creamy and flavorful.
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4.86 from 21 votes
Instant Pot Green Beans with Garlic & Lemon
These perfectly steamed Instant Pot Green Beans have a fresh, crunchy texture, and are so easy to make! Saute with butter and garlic, drizzle on some lemon juice, and they make a delicious side dish for any meal.
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4.85 from 57 votes
Instant Pot Bhindi Masala / Okra Stir Fry
A North Indian favorite Okra Stir Fry in the instant pot. Okra cooked with onions, tomato, garlic and spices.
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4.91 from 32 votes
Instant Pot Coconut Chickpea Curry
Instant PotCoconut Chickpea Curryis acreamy vegan curry, perfect for those busy weekdays. Made with staple pantry ingredients, thisone-pot meal with pot-in-pot brown rice will make up for a perfect wholesome meal.
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4.65 from 14 votes
Kale Chana Dal Stir Fry
A one-pot kale and split chickpeas stir fry, made in Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker.
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4.88 from 32 votes
Kala Chana Chaat Recipe (Black Chickpea Salad)
A nutrition packed Black Chickpea Salad made with black chickpeas, crunchy onions, tomatoes, avocado and spices. This refreshing salad has fresh and tangy flavors, andcan be enjoyed as a great protein rich breakfast or snack.
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4.93 from 28 votes
Gujarati Dal
Gujarati Dal is a sweet, spicy and tangy lentil soup, made with pigeon peas (tuvar dal),lots of warming spices and the sweetness of jaggery. This staple dal from the Gujarat region of India can be enjoyed with rice, roti or as a soup!
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4.89 from 26 votes
Instant Pot Bulgur Pilaf Recipe (Dalia Pulao)
A simple, healthy and delicious Bulgur or cracked wheat pilaf cooked with lots of veggies.
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4.92 from 24 votes
Instant Pot Pumpkin Curry Recipe (Pressure Cooker)
North Indian sweet and sour pumpkin curry made in a pressure cooker or instant pot. This is adelicious and healthy vegetable curry to add to your meal. Vegan & gluten free!
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4.82 from 48 votes
Punjabi Kala Chana / Black Chickpeas Curry
Kala Chana is a mildly spiced black chickpeas curry made in instant pot. This is a simple everyday Punjabi curry, made in a onion-tomato gravy with ginger and garlic.
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4.85 from 251 votes
Instant Pot Palak Paneer Recipe (Pressure Cooker)
A North Indian favorite with spinach and cottage cheese, Palak Paneer. Make this instant pot palak paneer as a one-pot dish, super easy and delicious!
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4.82 from 80 votes
Instant Pot Asparagus Soup
You won't believe how easy it is to make this asparagus soup in your Instant Pot! It's creamy and full of flavor, and you'll have it ready to serve in less than 30 minutes!
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4.92 from 180 votes
Green Moong Dal (Mung Bean Curry)
Wholesome Green Moong lentils simmered in onion-tomato gravy made in Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker). A protein rich mung bean curry, enjoy as a lentil soup along with a side of rice.
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4.88 from 165 votes
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
A delicious side dish of crispy air fryer brussels sprouts. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these are a perfect side dish.
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4.92 from 37 votes
Cream of Broccoli Soup (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Healthy Cream of Broccoli soup made in the Instant Pot or Stovetop in less than 30 minutes. This amazing comfort food can be enjoyed guilt free with this plant based vegan & gluten free recipe. Perfect for a quick satisfying lunch or dinner.
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4.91 from 276 votes
Instant Pot Dal Tadka / Dal Fry with Basmati Rice
A simple yet flavorful yellow dal tempered with cumin, curry leaves and spices. This is an everyday lentil enjoyed with rice.
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4.84 from 95 votes
Pressure Cooker Spinach Dal (Dal Palak Recipe)
Spinach Dal, also called Dal Palak, is a comforting lentil soup with added spinach made in the Pressure Cooker. It is so easy to make it in the pressure cooker. Enjoy it with basmati rice or as a soup. This is a vegetarian & gluten-free recipe.
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4.92 from 60 votes
Easy Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup is easy to make, flavorful, and nutritious. It is packed with nourishing veggies and tender brown lentils. Get cozy with this warming soup on a cold winter day!
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4.84 from 145 votes
Vegan Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
Vegan Cauliflower Soup made in the Instant Pot in less than 30 minutes. Packed with healing ingredients like turmeric, cauliflower and cashews, it is so creamy and full of flavor.
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4.93 from 14 votes
Air Fryer Stuffed Eggplant / Bharwan Baingan
Baby Eggplants stuffed with flavorful and aromatic spices cooked in very little oil in the Air Fryer. A quick and delicious way to enjoy eggplants!
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4.90 from 108 votes
Moong Dal Fry / Split Yellow Lentils Soup – Instant Pot
Moong Dal Tadka or Split Yellow Lentils Soup made in instant pot or stovetop pressure cooker.A simple yet flavorful yellow dal tempered with cumin, garlic and spices. This is a mild everyday lentil enjoyed with rice.
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4.80 from 64 votes
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup (Thai Curried)
This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup is filled with warm fall goodness. This vegan & gluten free Thai curried soup is so creamy, flavorful and healthy!
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4.90 from 137 votes
Instant Pot Vegetable Sambar (South Indian Lentils)
Sambar, a flavorful South Indian Lentil Stew made with lentils, vegetables, tamarind, curry leaves and spices prepared in the instant pot (pressure cooker).
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4.97 from 28 votes
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry with Spinach
This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry is a creamy vegan curry, filled with goodness of squash, coconut milk and spinach. This cozy and comforting curry is perfect for Fall dinners!
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4.67 from 9 votes
Bharwa Bhindi Recipe (Stuffed Okra)
Bharwa Bhindi, which means Stuffed Okra is a popular Indian side dish where the okra is stuffed with spicy & tangy masala filling. This vegan & gluten free dish is a perfect side with Indian roti or paratha, or even great to enjoy as an appetizer.
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4.83 from 46 votes
Tandoori Cauliflower (Gobi Tikka)
Tandoori Cauliflower is a wonderful gluten-free and low-carb appetizer. Tossed with a spiced yogurt marinade and roasted in the oven or air fryer, this Tandoori Gobi Tikka is so flavorful, golden and crispy. The whole family will love this easy and healthy cauliflower recipe!
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Chicken and Fish Recipes
4.93 from 52 votes
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
A flavor packed spicy dish from the Indian subcontinent popular all over the world. Chicken is marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, spices and lime juice, then grilled in the air fryer or oven. Low carb and keto friendly.
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4.73 from 62 votes
Chicken Vindaloo – Authentic Pressure Cooker Recipe
Authentic Goan Chicken Vindaloo made in the Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot. Enjoy this dairy-free and gluten-free Chicken Vindaloo with rice or naan for a satisfying dinner!
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4.87 from 38 votes
Chicken Tikka Kebab
Chicken Tikka Kebab is a delicious appetizer that is packed with flavor. It starts with chicken pieces marinated in yogurt along with lime juice and aromatic spices, then threaded onto skewers and cooked to create a delicious appetizer. Make it in the air fryer or oven to serve at the gathering, or include it intoyour meal prep for the week!
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4.71 from 115 votes
Chicken Saag (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Chicken Saag, also called Palak Chicken, is a chicken and spinach curry from North India. This flavorful and healthy Chicken Saag can be made in just 30 minutes on the stovetop or in the instant pot. With this well-tested and easy-to-follow recipe, you can make authentic Saag Chicken with perfect results!
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4.88 from 530 votes
Mom’s Chicken Curry – Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Mom’s authentic Chicken Curry made in a simple onion-tomato gravy with the aroma of whole spices.
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4.84 from 24 votes
Chicken Fajita Soup (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Try this delicious, healthy Chicken Fajita Soup made with tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and spices. A perfect meal for the cold weather made easily in the instant pot or stovetop!Gluten-free and low-carb.
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4.87 from 95 votes
Coconut Shrimp Curry (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Delicious and easy Coconut Shrimp Curry made in the Pressure Cooker in just 20 minutes. This is a simple Indian shrimp curry made with ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes along with flavorful spices, and finished with coconut milk.
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4.84 from 49 votes
Instant Pot Butter Chicken Recipe
A creamy and delicious Butter chicken or Murgh Makhani made in the Instant Pot. Chicken cooked in a mildly spiced tomato gravy with aromatic ginger, garlic and spices.
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I hope you have found your favorite and easy Indian diabetic recipes!Some of these can be made in the instant pot or air fryer, while others can be made on the stovetop. Let me know what you are most excited to make, and when you make it, don’t forget to tag #pipingpotcurry.
If you are looking for gluten-free recipes, here are 50+ Gluten-free Indian Food Recipes.
Categorized as: Indian
About Meeta
I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. My passion is to share easy, healthy, and wholesome recipes made using Instant Pot & Air Fryer, that are well tested, so you can cook with confidence.
Read More About Me
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