Voice of Commonwealth

The Cuisine Column Ft. Indian Food

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Indian cuisine is a diverse and delicious culinary tradition that is beloved around the world. It is famous for using a wide range of ingredients, delivering food that is flavorful and is made using aromatic spices. Let’s take a closer look at Indian food and discover what makes it so unique.

First, it’s important to note that Indian cuisine varies greatly depending on the region. Northern India is known for its tandoori dishes, which are cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor. These recipes, which are famous for their smoky flavour, sometimes include meats marinated in yogurt and spices. Meanwhile, Dosa, a sort of fermented crepe, and idli (a steamed rice cake) are two of the most well-known foods from Southern India, which is recognized for its usage of coconut, curry leaves, and tamarind. While fish and mustard oil are popular ingredients in Eastern India, several types of lentils and peanuts are popular ingredients in Western India. This showcases the variety in range of flavours and dishes that are all Indian, but are unique to their region.

One of the most iconic ingredients in Indian cuisine is the spice. Indian cuisine is famous for its intricate and flavorful spice mixtures, which frequently combine cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and chilli pepper. These spices are used to give food a rich flavour and warmth. The food in India is also loved immensely for its usage of herbs including curry leaves, cilantro, and mint, which add a refreshing touch to the food.

The usage of lentils, beans, and other legumes is a staple in Indian cuisine. These ingredients are frequently used in recipes like chana masala (a dish made with chickpeas) and dal, a sort of lentil stew. Not only are these dishes delightful, but they are also incredibly nourishing and a significant source of protein for vegans and vegetarians.

Indian cuisine is also known for its use of various types of bread, such as naan, chapati, and paratha. Numerous curries, stews, and lentil dishes are frequently accompanied by these breads. They are often cooked on a griddle or in a clay oven and made using a range of flours, including whole wheat.

Biryani is another popular dish well-loved in not just India, but South India as a whole. It is a sort of rice dish that is prepared with meat or vegetables and a range of spices. It is one of the most well-known Indian dishes. It is commonly served with raita, a palate-cooling sauce made of yogurt. Another well-liked meal is tikka masala, a creamy curry with a tomato base that is frequently cooked with chicken or paneer.

A wide range of vegetarian alternatives are available in Indian cuisine, including sabji (a mixed vegetable curry), aloo gobi (a dish made with potatoes and cauliflower), and paneer dishes like paneer makhani, palak paneer, etc.

However, Indian food isn’t only limited to the beautiful, aromatic spices. Indian desserts are a whole different ball game, and a range of freshly prepared sweets which will have you crave them for life. Some of the popular Indian desserts include kulfi (an Indian saffron and pistachio infused ice cream), gulab jamun (a fried dough ball drenched in sweet syrup), and rasgulla (a type of spongy dumpling). These desserts are very unique, but are made using traditional recipes that incite authentic flavour. Most Indian desserts call for a lot of naturally sourced ingredients such as milk, rose, saffron and dry fruit.

To sum it all up, Indian cuisine is not only delicious but also very nutritious and is packed with protein. With its wide range of flavours and ingredients, Indian cuisine has something for everyone, making it a great choice for any food lover.

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