Discovering Indian food

No country has a wider range of spices in its cuisine than India. These spices give Indian food its characteristically complex and delicious fragrance and flavor.

Traditional Indian food has long been prized for its fabulous use of herbs and spices. Indian food is known for its great variety of dishes. The cooking style varies from region to region and is mainly divided into South Indian and North Indian cuisine. India is quite famous for its varied multi cuisine available in a large number of restaurants and hotel complexes, which is reminiscent of unity in diversity. The staple food in India includes wheat, rice, and legumes, the chana (Bengal gram) being one of the most important. In modern times, the Indian palette has undergone many changes. In recent years, as a result of globalization, many Indians have traveled to different parts of the world and vice versa there has been a massive influx of people of different nationalities in India. This has led to the Indianization of several international cuisines. Nowadays, in large metropolitan cities you can find specialized food places of international cuisines.

What are the Most Popular Indian Dishes?

Traditional Indian food is built from the same flavor foundations. However, dishes vary widely between North Indian and South Indian cuisine. If you’re familiar with Indian restaurants in the U.S., you’ll likely know these popular (and tasty!) Indian dishes:

• Aloo gobi. Crisp golden potatoes and cauliflower.
• Butter chicken. Learn how to make the perfect Indian butter chicken with this recipe.
• Chana masala. Chickpea stew.
• Palak paneer. Spinach curry with fresh cheese.
• Chicken tikka masala. Chicken in a creamy masala sauce.
• Doughy, butter-brushed naan. The popular Indian baked flatbread.
• Crisp papadum. A very thin, North Indian flatbread with a satisfying shatter that’s fully dried before getting a quick dunk in hot oil until blistered and golden.
• Fish curry. Try this easy and quick South Indian fish curry recipe at home. (This curry from Goa is traditionally served with idli steamed rice cakes or dosa lentil and rice crepes.)
• Lamb vindaloo. A quick and easy, spicy curry featuring meat marinated in a tangy vinegar sauce.
• Dal makhani. A stew made with whole black or yellow lentils.
• Pakora. A fried snack typically featuring cauliflower or potato coated in a light batter.
• Kofta. Indian meatballs are usually made with minced lamb or pork, onions, and spices.
• Korma. A thick, savory curry consisting of meat or vegetables braised with yogurt, cream, and spices.
• Biryani. A meat-and-rice mixed dish that’s a popular staple food in Kashmiri cuisine.
• Kebab. Popular in Punjabi cuisine.

Difference Between Original Indian Food  and American Indian Food

In India, spice it is the best ; the hotter the spice, the better. Indian food in America, however, although spice is used, is used to a much lesser degree in both quantity and spiciness.

Favorite Indian spices include turmeric, cardamom, cayenne pepper, cloves, saffron, nutmeg, mace, fenugreek seeds, black mustard seeds, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Fresh spices like garlic and ginger are also frequently used to increase the heat factor in many Indian dishes.

As in the United States, the cuisine and the type of spices used vary considerably according to the state of India. Most of the American Indian food is inspired by the state of Punjab, in the north of India; Popular Punjabi cuisine includes palak paneer (spinach and cottage cheese in a curry sauce), butter chicken, naan (Indian flatbread), chicken tikka masala (chicken pieces in spicy curry) and samosas (deep-fried stuffed patties that serve as apps). But you won’t find these dishes as spicy as you would in North India.