An Indian Feast: Butter Chicken, Chana Masala, Dal Tadka, Kerala Masala Egg Roast, Jeera Rice and House-Made Naan (includes complimentary surprise dessert)

This week, the table travels to India, where food is a celebration of color, spice, and balance. The menu brings together rich curries, fragrant rice, warming lentils, and house-made naan — a comforting, nourishing meal designed to be shared. My husband loves Indian food so much that he requested it for his birthday party last year, so I’m especially delighted to share these flavors again at Ragna’s Table.

The meal begins with Butter Chicken, tender pieces of chicken slow-simmered in a velvety sauce of tomatoes, cream, and butter, infused with ginger, garlic, and garam masala. Beloved worldwide, this dish is known for its balance of warmth and richness. The tomatoes bring heart-healthy lycopene, while ginger and garlic support immunity and digestion, making it as nourishing as it is satisfying.

To balance that richness, there is Chana Masala, a vegetarian favorite where chickpeas are stewed with onions, tomatoes, cumin, and coriander until they soak up layers of spice. Packed with plant protein and fiber, chickpeas keep the meal hearty and energizing. A squeeze of lemon and a handful of cilantro brighten the dish, adding freshness and lift.

Dal Tadka brings the soul of Indian home cooking to the table: golden lentils cooked until creamy, then finished with a sizzling drizzle of garlic, cumin, and curry leaves. Lentils are rich in iron, folate, and plant-based protein, making this dish both nourishing and deeply comforting — the kind of food that warms from the inside out.

Also included is Kerala Masala Egg Roast, a dish from India’s lush southern coast. Hard-boiled eggs are gently simmered in a spiced onion-tomato masala until coated with a glossy, deeply flavored sauce. This dish is both simple and striking, highlighting how everyday ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. Eggs bring high-quality protein, B vitamins, and healthy fats, while the masala is rich with antioxidants from onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Everything will be served with Jeera Rice, fluffy basmati gently steamed with cumin seeds and a touch of ghee, and house-made naan, soft and pillowy, perfect for soaking up the rich sauces and spices of the meal.

This spread captures the heart of Indian cooking: a balance of richness, comfort, spice, and freshness, designed to be eaten together and savored slowly. Vegetarian portions are available upon request, with generous servings of chana masala, dal, masala eggs, rice, and naan.