Indian cuisine is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself, and it keeps on changing with every state and sometimes even different cities within the same state. For instance, eastern Indian cuisine and western Indian cuisine is as diverse as chalk and cheese. North Indian cuisine is predominantly wheat based whereas south Indian cuisine makes use of rice extensively. However, the commonality emerges with the use of spices which are very specific to Indian sub-continent. Indian people take their food seriously, and they inherit recipes within families for generations, and the food is typically made using fresh local ingredients.
There are several regional Indian cuisines. Among the most popular ones are the following:
• Bengali Food – The local cuisine gets influenced by both the Bangladeshis and the West Bengal populations. This type of cuisine often consists of fish, dals, and egg dishes together with vegetable curry. Bengali food has a distinct flavor, as they use different spices like coriander, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom and a mixture of garam masala. Another spice commonly used by Bengalis is mustard seeds.
• Goan Food – The Goan dishes are from the Western India, Goa. These foods have a particular mixture of Portuguese and Southern Indian cuisines. In Goa, eating beef and pork is permissible, unlike in the rest of the Indian states. Vegetable dishes are also a typical Goan food. Their recipes often include coconut milk and spices.
• Punjabi Food – Some of the popular Punjabi dishes are naan, tandoori chicken, parathas, makke di Roti, Aloo Tikki and the Sarson ka Saag. Punjab is known as the “land of milk and honey.” Their cuisine often includes tomatoes, onions, turmeric, cumin, mustard, garlic, ginger, cow ghee, and yogurt.
• Rajasthani Food – Another favorite regional food in India is Rajasthani food. The dishes usually consist of ghee, milk, and yogurt, mixed with staple ingredients such as berries, cluster beans, and millet.
• South Indian cuisine – This is known as Tamil Nadu cuisine. The South Indians offer one of the most popular regional cuisines in the country. Their dishes are known for their strong flavor and aroma because of the spices they use such as cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, and nutmegs. The South Indians also use coconut milk, root tubers and fish in their cooking. They often add pickles, dry chutney powders, and papads in their daily dishes.
The distinct flavor and taste of Indian cuisine make it a much-sought after choice for avid food lovers.
Well-known Indian Regional Cuisines
Posted in Health & Food, Indian food, South Indian Food
Indian cuisine is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself, and it keeps on changing with every state and sometimes even different cities within the same state. For instance, eastern Indian cuisine and western Indian cuisine is as diverse as chalk and cheese. North Indian cuisine is predominantly wheat based whereas south Indian cuisine makes use of rice extensively. However, the commonality emerges with the use of spices which are very specific to Indian sub-continent. Indian people take their food seriously, and they inherit recipes within families for generations, and the food is typically made using fresh local ingredients.
There are several regional Indian cuisines. Among the most popular ones are the following:
• Bengali Food – The local cuisine gets influenced by both the Bangladeshis and the West Bengal populations. This type of cuisine often consists of fish, dals, and egg dishes together with vegetable curry. Bengali food has a distinct flavor, as they use different spices like coriander, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom and a mixture of garam masala. Another spice commonly used by Bengalis is mustard seeds.
• Goan Food – The Goan dishes are from the Western India, Goa. These foods have a particular mixture of Portuguese and Southern Indian cuisines. In Goa, eating beef and pork is permissible, unlike in the rest of the Indian states. Vegetable dishes are also a typical Goan food. Their recipes often include coconut milk and spices.
• Punjabi Food – Some of the popular Punjabi dishes are naan, tandoori chicken, parathas, makke di Roti, Aloo Tikki and the Sarson ka Saag. Punjab is known as the “land of milk and honey.” Their cuisine often includes tomatoes, onions, turmeric, cumin, mustard, garlic, ginger, cow ghee, and yogurt.
• Rajasthani Food – Another favorite regional food in India is Rajasthani food. The dishes usually consist of ghee, milk, and yogurt, mixed with staple ingredients such as berries, cluster beans, and millet.
• South Indian cuisine – This is known as Tamil Nadu cuisine. The South Indians offer one of the most popular regional cuisines in the country. Their dishes are known for their strong flavor and aroma because of the spices they use such as cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, and nutmegs. The South Indians also use coconut milk, root tubers and fish in their cooking. They often add pickles, dry chutney powders, and papads in their daily dishes.
The distinct flavor and taste of Indian cuisine make it a much-sought after choice for avid food lovers.