You'll find a lot of choices for appetizers on the menu at an Indian restaurant. Many feature potatoes, and all include flavorful spices. Because these appetizers are often light, they stimulate the appetite rather than filling you up so you don't want your main meal.
While many people have the perception of Indian cuisine as primarily vegetarian, this isn't really the case. The truth is that many Indian dishes are based around meat, although in India, people's religious beliefs may dictate when and what type of meat they consume.
Kulfis is Indian ice cream that is made of frozen sweetened milk and cream which is served frozen. Cold, milky and sweet, Kulfis is often served as a summertime sweet and is considered part of traditional Indian cuisine.
Indian food is extremely popular in the UK, where there is said to be around 10,000 restaurants across the country. According to the Indianfoodguide, there are around 4,400 Indian restaurants in America and close to 2,600 Indian grocery stores.
Fennel is a popular spice in Indian cuisine that is often dry roasted and then used in sweets. Since fennel is known for its digestive qualities, the spice is also sometimes included in tiny sugar candies for use as a mouth freshener after meals.
In Indian cuisine, samosas are thick or thin crispy triangular shells, stuffed with potatoes, chicken, or a mixture of vegetables. In India, this is a popular tea-time snack, but it also makes a great appetizer.
Throughout history, there have been times when spices and aromatics have been more valuable than gold or precious stones. The spice trade has a rich and fascinating history, one which has dramatically influenced culinary traditions across the globe.
Rather than being served in courses, Indian dishes are meant to be served together and eaten in a group. The menu is designed to cover the food spectrum of flavors: from spicy and creamy to salty, pungent, and sweet.
Did you know that one of the main ingredients in Indian food has been shown to heal patients suffering from serious illness and disease? In fact, tumeric is a proven anti-inflammatory that has helped many people make speedier recoveries from illness.
Tandoori Chicken is one of the most popular of all Indian chicken dishes and is traditionally cooked in a Tandoor (or clay) oven. Before cooking, the chicken is marinated in yogurt and heavily seasoned with tandoori masala.
Many Indian restaurants have choices on the menu that are a complete meal all in one dish. Biryanis, for example, are made by cooking vegetables and meat, like chicken or fish, together in a sauce that may be very spicy or medium. The meat and veggies are then layered with rice and then slow-cooked to draw out the juices.
When eating Indian cuisine, it's always handy to have naan around. Sometimes spelled "nan," this flat bread is almost universal to Indian cuisine. Yogurt is sometimes added to the mix to give it a distinct taste, but no matter what, it's a tasty addition to a meal and a great way to counter spicy food.
Aachar are Indian pickles that are made with vegetables and fruits as diverse as mangoes, limes, and green chilies. The resulting pickled condiment has a strong flavor and makes a delightful and spicy addition to any Indian meal.
Traditionally, the spices used in many Indian dishes had practical functions. For instance, chili peppers and garlic help the body sweat and cool down during the hot season, whereas in colder weather spices such as cloves, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, cardamom, and nutmeg help warm the body.
If you're not familiar with Indian cuisine, your first visit to an Indian restaurant can sometimes be overwhelming. Samosas (vegetables or meat inside a pastry shell) are a good place to start. These tasty appetizers appeal to just about everyone.
Looking for a unique, memorable restaurant experience for your crew's next birthday or get-together? An Indian restaurant is an excellent choice for gatherings because the menu is so varied that everyone is sure to find something they like and that fits any dietary restrictions.
Animal fat is never used in Indian cooking. Instead, Indian cooks use coconut oil, mustard oil, sunflower oil, and other vegetable oils. This makes Indian food a popular choice among vegetarians and vegans.
Indian food is prepared in a variety of vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil, coconut oil, groundnut oil, and mustard oil. Animal fat is never used in authentic Indian dishes.
One of the main differences in North and South Indian food lies in the preferred accompaniment. While North Indians tend to gravitate toward bread, rice is a virtual essential in any South Indian meal.
Did you know that, even if only two people are sharing a meal at a restaurant, it is customary in India etiquette to order two different dishes and share the dishes between the two diners? Sharing food is an important part of Indian culture and traditions.
Rasam is a soup-like South Indian dish that’s famous for its health benefits. Made of tomatoes, tamarind, and dal, Rasam has an enticing aroma and is beneficial to the health due to the digestive qualities it offers.
One of the best parts of Indian food is its range of cuisines that stem from its many regions, offering a variety of exotic tastes and textures, as well as aromas.
In the Indian cooking tradition, food is categorized into six tastes: sour, salty, sweet, bitter, spicy, and astringent. Cooks strive to include all of these tastes in a meal, and if they manage it, the meal is considered well balanced.
So what exactly is tamarind? This is an edible pod-like fruit that comes from the Tamarind tree that’s used extensively in Indian cuisine, as well as in many other cuisines around the world.
Did you know that turmeric is considered a natural antiseptic, antibacterial, a natural liver detoxifier, and an anti-inflammatory? This wonder spice is widely used in Indian cuisine, which is just one of the many reasons why it is such a healthy diet.
Ever wonder what gives curry dishes their distinctive yellow color? Turmeric, a spice that's related to ginger, is responsible (and is sometimes called "the Indian saffron"). In addition to its flavorful taste, turmeric also helps reduce inflammation and is an antioxidant.
A common and very popular Indian dish is biryani. This dish is rice-based, usually basmati rice, mixed with spices, chicken, mutton, fish, eggs, or vegetables. Many different regions have their own unique take on it, so even if you've had one biryani, it's worth trying another one.
Did you know that a diet rich in spices may offer protection against certain diseases? Not only is eating Indian food delicious, but it’s also part of a healthy diet.
When invited to an Indian family’s home, proper etiquette indicates that you should arrive 15 to 30 minutes late. Before you enter the house, take off your shoes or sandals, and leave them outside: wearing shoes indoors is considered a serious breach of etiquette.
Did you know that traditional Indian spices have been used since ancient times? These were even mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures (the Vedas), as well as ancient Egyptian papyruses and the Old Testament.
Did you know that, according to Indian food theory, there are six different tastes: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter, and astringent? An average Indian meal is a well-balanced combination of all the six tastes.
Most Indian spices are grown across the sub-continent, adapting to the diversity of climate and weather conditions. Spices are used in many different forms - whole, chopped, ground, roasted, sauteed, fried and as a topping.
In Indian cuisine, the term “korma” refers to a rich sauce that’s been thickened with yogurt, nuts, or poppy seeds, and then fragrantly seasoned with aromatic spices. Korma sauces can be used interchangeably in vegetarian and meat-based dishes.
Vindaloo is an Indian curry dish that has become quite popular outside of India. Its name actually comes from the Portuguese "Carne de Vinha d' Alhos," which means "meat with wine and garlic."
Cayenne pepper, a spice from the seeds of capsicum plants like sweet pepper and chili, is used to add heat to many spicy Indian dishes. The bright red color of cayenne pepper is a sign of its high content of beta-carotene, or pro-vitamin A.
Since ancient times, spices have been thought to have healing powers. Some even believed that spices had magical qualities. They have been used as incense in religious rituals, as aphrodisiacs, as part of beauty rituals, and have also been used in casting spells.
North Indian cuisine focuses on delicious bread, like naan and paratha, while south Indian food tends to favor dishes built around rice. If you prefer one over the other, you're in luck, because most Indian restaurants offer both options.
The most popular spices in Indian cuisine are chili pepper, cumin, turmeric, black mustard seed, ginger, coriander, asafetida, fenugreek, and garlic. Garam masala is a popular spice mix consisting of five or more dried spices (such as cloves, cinnamon, or cardamom).
Indian food places more emphasis on vegetables than on meat, fish, or chicken. Many Indians are traditionally vegetarian because they practice the Hindu faith.
Chilies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, ranging from tiny, pointed, extremely hot birdseye chili to large, mild, and fleshy peppers like the anaheim. Measured in scoville units, pure capsaicin is the hottest, while a bell pepper is the mildest.
Did you know that the spice coriander and the herb cilantro come from the same plant? The seeds are sold whole or ground and generally known as coriander, while the fresh leaves are cilantro. Both are delicious and used extensively in Indian cuisine.
Indians chefs typically rely on two broad categories of spices: powdered spices that have been freshly ground and whole spices (including cloves, cardamom, mustard seeds, and nutmeg).
Did you know that red chilies, commonly used in Indian cuisine, are very good for the body? The amazing health benefits from red chilies come from the chemical compound capsaicin, which offers anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, and anti-diabetic properties.
Did you know that ghee is not only a staple of Indian cooking but is believed to have healing properties as well? Kumbhiighrta (ghee aged between 10 to 100 years) and Mahaghrta (aged over 100 years) are thought to be powerful tonics.
Indian cuisine is perhaps one of the most varied and diverse food cultures in the world. Each region has its own unique flavor and style, and each of these have been further influenced by other cultures.
Did you know that fish dishes, although not popular all over India, are a staple of certain Indian states like West Bengal, Kerela, and Goa? Most Indians are traditionally vegetarian and consume very little meat, fish, or chicken.
One of the many benefits of eating Indian food is that it is really good for you. In fact, Indian food is considered to be one of the 10 healthiest ethnic cuisines in the world! It is ranked #4, after Greek, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisine.
Mithai is an Indian dessert that can be incredibly varied. It's actually a Hindustani word meaning "sweet." They're made with sugar, and milk or condensed milk, then fried, but the details change by region. Sometimes, they're based on milk, but they're also based on peanuts or cashews.
Each region of Indian cuisine is known for its use of particular spice combinations. For instance, in North India, important spices include coriander, cumin, dry red chilies, turmeric, chili power, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and Garam Masala.
Side dishes and condiments are just as important as the main dishes in Indian cuisine. You'll find a whole range of accompaniments on the menu at an Indian restaurant. Your waiter can suggest complementary main dishes and sides for a well-balance meal.
Did you know that onions, widely used in Indian cuisine, are believed to contain a health-beneficial compound called "quercetin?" This powerful antioxidant has been found to be beneficial in the fight against prostrate, colon, and breast cancers.
While Indian food has become beloved for its rich blend of flavors and textures, the earliest Indians (the Harappans) most likely ate much more simply. It’s believed that central ingredients in their cuisine included wheat, rick, chickpeas, and lentils, as well as the occasional meat (such as sheep and goats).
Each region of Indian cuisine is known for its use of particular spice combinations. For instance, in North India, important spices include coriander, cumin, dry red chilies, turmeric, chili power, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and Garam Masala.
Side dishes and condiments are just as important as the main dishes in Indian cuisine. You'll find a whole range of accompaniments on the menu at an Indian restaurant. Your waiter can suggest complementary main dishes and sides for a well-balance meal.
The thick, hearty, rich vegetable stew called "sambar" is a popular favorite of Southern India. The base is a broth made with tamarind and pigeon peas. Ground coconut can be added, but the key is vegetables. These often include okra, carrost, radish, pumpkin, tomatoes, and potatoes.
Did you know that onions, widely used in Indian cuisine, are believed to contain a health-beneficial compound called "quercetin?" This powerful antioxidant has been found to be beneficial in the fight against prostrate, colon, and breast cancers.
While Indian food has become beloved for its rich blend of flavors and textures, the earliest Indians (the Harappans) most likely ate much more simply. It’s believed that central ingredients in their cuisine included wheat, rick, chickpeas, and lentils, as well as the occasional meat (such as sheep and goats).
Each region of Indian cuisine is known for its use of particular spice combinations. For instance, in North India, important spices include coriander, cumin, dry red chilies, turmeric, chili power, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and Garam Masala.
Side dishes and condiments are just as important as the main dishes in Indian cuisine. You'll find a whole range of accompaniments on the menu at an Indian restaurant. Your waiter can suggest complementary main dishes and sides for a well-balance meal.
One of the most popular dishes in Western Indian restaurants is Chicken Tikka Masala. This is an Indian curry sauce dish that features grilled skewered chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce.
You may encounter some unfamiliar terms on the menu at an Indian restaurant. Aloo (also sometimes spelled Alu or Aaloo) refers to potatoes, while paneer is a type of Indian cheese that's similar to cottage cheese or queso fresco. Tikka (as in chicken tikka masala) means "large dice," so it indicates bigger chunks of meat.
The thick, hearty, rich vegetable stew called "sambar" is a popular favorite of Southern India. The base is a broth made with tamarind and pigeon peas. Ground coconut can be added, but the key is vegetables. These often include okra, carrost, radish, pumpkin, tomatoes, and potatoes.
Did you know that onions, widely used in Indian cuisine, are believed to contain a health-beneficial compound called "quercetin?" This powerful antioxidant has been found to be beneficial in the fight against prostrate, colon, and breast cancers.
While Indian food has become beloved for its rich blend of flavors and textures, the earliest Indians (the Harappans) most likely ate much more simply. It’s believed that central ingredients in their cuisine included wheat, rick, chickpeas, and lentils, as well as the occasional meat (such as sheep and goats).
Each region of Indian cuisine is known for its use of particular spice combinations. For instance, in North India, important spices include coriander, cumin, dry red chilies, turmeric, chili power, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and Garam Masala.
