If you’re looking for intense and robust flavors, look no further than Indian food. The populous region is known for its exotic ingredients and characteristic dishes. Indian food is known to excite the senses. From the rich colors to the intense aromas, the cuisine is meant to be enjoyed on multiple levels.
The region’s food is heavily influenced by cultural and religious traditions. Based on the areas predominate Hindu population, many dishes don’t include beef since the cow is believed to be sacred. Some Indian states have even banned the consumption of the animal. The vegetarian population in Indian is based around the oldest Indian religion known as Jainism, Jain religion, resulting in a variety of vegetarian cuisine options.
The presence or absence of meat doesn’t prevent Indian food from being rich and flavorful. Some of the most complex flavor combinations come from the area, caused by the abundance of spices grown in the various climates of the region.
Signature Indian Food Ingredients and Flavors
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Indian cuisine is known for an intense blend of spices that are native to the region. There are 20 to 30 spices that are used on a regular basis including coriander, ginger, turmeric, curry, and mint. These spices are almost never used exclusively with dishes typically containing at least five spices.
The unique blends of spices produce their signature sauces. These spices are combined to create the dishes, but many vary by region. In fact, some chefs even have their own blends of the spices that they have cultivated on their own.
Staples in Indian cuisine include rice, red lentils, chickpeas, and mung beans. To achieve a creamier consistency, ingredients are combined with yogurt. Indian dishes are cooked in a light oil such as coconut, sesame, peanut, or vegetable oil.
When meat is incorporated into dishes, it is most often chicken or mutton, although many meats can be used. Some regions also focus on fish because of their proximity to bodies of water.
Popular Indian Food Dishes
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Traditional Indian dishes are known for their tantalizing flavors brought on by a rich combination of regional spices. With over 37 regions of Indian, the flavors and varieties are plentiful.
Samosa: This snack or appetizer is baked or fried and filled with potatoes, onions, and peas. It’s typically served with a flavorful mint chutney.
Beef Vindaloo: Beef vindaloo is a curry based dish known for its fiery spice. The beef is marinated in the red curry sauce and served with potatoes.
Palak Paneer: Palak paneer is a vegetarian dish made with puréed spinach, paneer cheese, and a rich blend of spices to create a thick sauce. It’s often served with bits of paneer and a side of rice and naan.
Lamb Kebabs: Lamb kebabs are made of marinated and flavorful pieces of lamb skewered and grilled. Kebabs will likely be served with a side of rice or naan.
Tandoori Chicken: Tandoori chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices and traditionally roasted in a clay oven.
Galab Jaamun: These small balls of dried milk are boiled in a sweet syrup. The result is a light dessert.
Dhokla: Dhokla is a light breakfast or snack cake created from fermented rice and chickpeas. The combined spices create a light but flavorful treat.
Notable Indian Food Chefs
Indian cuisine is well established in the culinary world but is growing with even more recognition thanks to some of its most notable chefs. Vikas Khanna found his start in his grandma’s kitchen but has grown to be an award-winning chef in New York. Madhur Jaffrey is known as the “Queen of Curries” and has written over 15 books on the cuisine since 1973. Sanjeev Kapoor hosts the longest running cooking show in Asia, sharing his love of Indian cuisine with his fans.
Indian cuisine is meant to entice the palette with a rich blend of colors, smells, and flavors. The combination of spices are enjoyed by over one billion Indian residents and the world over.
