3 Indian Curries Under $3 Per Serving (Better Than Takeout)

By Savannah Ryan, Cookbook Author

Indian takeout costs $15+ per meal. These 3 curries cost $2-3 per serving and taste better.

1. Chickpea Curry ($2.20/serving)

Cheapest curry on this list.

Ingredients:

• 3 cans chickpeas ($2.40)

• 1 can tomatoes ($1)

• Onion, garlic, curry powder ($1)

Method: Sauté onion, add curry powder, add tomatoes and chickpeas. Simmer 15 min. Mash some chickpeas to thicken.

Protein: 15g per servingTotal cost: $4.40 for 2 servings = $2.20 each

Serve with: Rice ($0.50/serving) = $2.70 total

2. Red Lentil Dal ($1.80/serving)

Fastest, easiest, cheapest.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups red lentils ($1.60)

• 1 can coconut milk ($2)

• Curry powder, onion ($0.50)

Method: Cook lentils 15 min. Sauté onion with curry powder, add to lentils with coconut milk. Simmer 5 min.

Why red lentils: Cook in 15 minutes (no soaking), break down into creamy texture.

Total cost: $3.60 for 2 servings = $1.80 each

3. Coconut Chicken Curry ($3.80/serving)

Best value for chicken curry.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs ($4)

• 2 cans coconut milk ($4)

• Curry powder, onion, ginger

Method: Brown chicken, add curry powder and coconut milk. Simmer 25 min.

Total cost: $7.60 for 2 servings = $3.80 each

vs. Takeout: $3.80 homemade vs $15-18 restaurant = save $11 per meal

The Budget Curry Formula

Start with these pantry staples:

• Curry powder ($4, lasts 20+ meals)

• Canned tomatoes (buy 6 cans)

• Coconut milk (buy 6 cans)

• Dried lentils (buy in bulk)

• Canned chickpeas (stock 12 cans when on sale)

After initial investment ($25): Each curry costs $2-5

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Money-Saving Tips

1. Buy spices at Indian grocery storesWhole Foods curry powder: $8 for 2 ozIndian store: $4 for 8 oz

2. Cook dried lentils, not cannedDried: $1.50/lb (8 servings)Canned: $1.20/can (2 servings)Save: $3.80 per batch

3. Chicken thighs, not breastsThighs: $2/lb, more flavorBreasts: $4/lb, dry easily

4. Double every batch, freeze halfCurry freezes perfectly for 3 months.

Get More Budget Recipes

Full guide: 15 Budget Indian Curry Recipes Under $5

Cookbook: Savor India - 40+ recipes with exact costs

More budget meals:

• Quick dinners under $5

• Vegan Indian options

• All top recipes

Tags: Budget Indian Recipes, Cheap Curry, Budget Curry, Indian Food Under $5