Taste the Bold Seasonings of Indian Cuisine

account_circle Eunike Yosefin

event 23 July 2024

category Food, Travel, Food and Beverages

Indian cuisines are world-famous for a reason. Did you know that India is often called the land of spices? This is because India produces more varieties of spices than any other country. You may have seen Mukbang videos on YouTube where people eat large amounts of food, including Indian dishes. You might think that the food is all spicy due to its vibrant red or orange color, and you’re guessing it right! Most Indian foods are prepared with spices that not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to their health benefits. This has led to a significant increase in the demand for Indian cuisine in recent years. Additionally, India does not have a single cuisine; its diverse range of foods is influenced by its varied climates, soil types, cultures, religions, and international influences. Indian cuisine has roots that date back to prehistoric times and can be found around the world wherever there is a significant Indian diaspora. And as you can see, with its wide variety, you might wonder which Indian foods you should try. In this article, I'll highlight the must-try Indian dishes for beginners.

1. Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala

Source : https://tasty.co/recipe/easy-butter-chicken

Butter chicken is a delicious, tender dish made with chicken cooked in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. The sauce is prepared by simmering tomatoes, garlic, onions, chiles, and other seasonings until it turns a vibrant red. Don’t be afraid of its red colour because Butter Chicken is typically sweeter, aromatic, and slightly tangy, with a creamier texture compared to Tikka Masala. On the other hand, if you love spicy food, you can try Tikka Masala because it usually includes chiles, giving it more spice and peppery flavors. The chicken in tikka masala is also marinated in yogurt and half-and-half, resulting in tangier pieces of chicken.

2. Biryani

Source : https://slurrp.club/indian-recipes/vegetable-biryani/

Biryani is a special rice and meat dish loved in the Indian subcontinent. It is made with fluffy basmati rice layered over tender meat, filled with the wonderful aromas of spices, herbs, and caramelized onions. The Mughal Empire brought biryani to India from Persia, and now there are many versions, including those with mutton, lamb, chicken, vegetables, or prawns.

While biryani might taste similar to a curry due to the presence of spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon, it doesn't qualify as one. Unlike curry, biryani has a much higher ratio of rice to sauce, making it more of a curried rice dish than a traditional curry.

3. Samosa

Source : https://therecipecritic.com/samosas/

Samosa is a popular South Asian fried pastry with a savory filling, which can include vegetables like spiced potatoes, onions, and peas, as well as non-vegetarian options like meat or fish. Samosas come in various shapes, such as triangular, cone, or crescent, depending on the region. They are typically deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior that complements the hot and soft filling inside. The fillings range widely, from potato with ginger and garlic to spiced lamb, fish, or chicken, and can vary from mild to intensely spicy. The pastry coating of a Samosa should be crisp and flaky, without bubbles or blisters, which is achieved by maintaining the right flour-to-oil/ghee ratio. Too little oil makes the crust hard, while too much can cause it to break.

4. Matar Paneer

Source : https://www.connoisseurusveg.com/vegan-matar-paneer/

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with peas (matar) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a rich, tomato-based curry. The recipe includes green peas, paneer, onions, tomatoes, cashews, spices, and herbs, offering various delicious variations from Northern Indian cuisine. This stew, featuring a spicy and slightly sweet sauce, is especially popular in northern India and is often garnished with fresh cilantro. Paneer, with its mild, milky flavor and dense, crumbly texture, pairs beautifully with the strong, spicy flavors of classic Indian dishes.

5. Masala Dosa

Source : https://www.cookwithmanali.com/crispy-masala-dosa/

Masala dosa tastes like a crisp crepe or pancake with a slight tanginess from fermentation and is savory rather than sweet. Without the filling, it's known as 'plain dosa,' which can be enjoyed with various vegetable curries, depending on the state. These dosa are made from a gluten-free and dairy-free batter of rice and lentils, resulting in crispy yet soft crepes perfect for holding a hearty potato filling. The batter is prepared by soaking lentils and rice for several hours, blending them into a creamy mixture, and fermenting it overnight to achieve the ideal tangy flavor and light texture. The batter is quickly cooked on a hot griddle with oil, butter, or ghee, then filled with a spiced potato and onion mixture, and typically served with Sambar and Coconut Chutney.