Thanks to its colorful dishes, succulent ingredients and an original mix of spices and seasonings, Indian cuisine has become one of the most popular in the world. Indian cuisine combines in a unique way a whole palette of flavors -sweet, sour, spicy and acid- at the same time in its different dishes, offering a unique gastronomic experience that has led to the opening of more and more Indian restaurants throughout the world. world.
Due to its cultural and linguistic diversity, the culinary style in India varies from place to place. Some dishes can be spicy, others sweeter, but all are colorful and equally delicious . Whether you are lucky enough to go on vacation to New Delhi or if you want to travel with your senses without leaving home ordering food at home, here we present you the traditional dishes of Indian cuisine that you cannot miss.
The 6 most popular and tasty dishes of Indian gastronomy
Tandoori chicken
It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t fall in love with tandoori chicken once they try it. The characteristic flavor comes from the tandoor masala, a mixture of spices that includes coriander, ginger and turmeric seeds , among others. It is served over basmati rice accompanied by vegetables such as onion or bell pepper, with lemon wedges on the side.
This famous roast chicken recipe from Indian cuisine is traditionally cooked in a clay oven, but if you want to try doing it at home it can also be done on the grill or in the conventional oven. In any case, you need to plan your preparation in advance, as yogurt marinated chicken and tandoor masala should be in the refrigerator for 12 to 14 hours.
Rogan Josh
Those who have been lucky enough to travel to India know that rogan josh is one of the best dishes to try there. The literal translation of Rogan Josh is “red lamb”, due to the color that it acquires when cooked with a sauce with garlic, ginger and a spicy aromatic curry. Although the name may sound somewhat fiery, the spiciness of the dish is tempered by the cream that is added at the end.
The list of spices used in this recipe may seem long, but if you want to encourage yourself to prepare it, you can easily do so by purchasing them in the international food section of the supermarket. The spices it contains are cardamom, cumin, bay leaves, cinnamon and hot red pepper.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is another of the most popular Indian dishes outside the country. It consists of a delicious grilled chicken dish with a thick and creamy tomato sauce and yogurt that is flavored with chili, garlic, ginger and garlic masala , the ubiquitous blend of spices from India.
The chicken is marinated overnight, then grilled and then simmered over this lightly smoked sauce that has an unforgettable flavor (and that, when you taste it, will make you want to repeat). This dish is served over basmati rice and accompanied by hot naan to soak up the sauce.
Naan
Naan is the typical bread of Indian gastronomy, a flat, tender and puffed bread that constitutes a basic element of this cuisine. In fact, in India it is used to eat directly from the plate, as it is not typically eaten with a knife and fork, and with this bread it is easy to hold the food. Naan can be served as a side to any dish or eaten on its own (in fact, it can be made into flavors, such as cheese).
Although naan is traditionally cooked in a tandoor or clay oven, it can be done in a conventional one. The ingredient list for naan bread includes yeast, flour, sugar, and water, as well as yogurt and ghee .
Chickpea curry “Chole”
This curry is a favorite in North India and has become a worldwide sensation. It is perfect for eating in crowded gatherings, especially if served hot alongside yeast-fried Indian bread such as poori or bhatura . It is prepared by cooking chickpeas, onions and tomatoes, with garlic and ginger paste, and with curry spices for flavoring.
Biryani
Biryani is a mixed rice dish typical of Indian cuisine that can include any type of meat, eggs or vegetables. It is a tasty mix of spices, saffron, rice, meat, and vegetables . Each place in India is known for its own Biryani, typical of each region. Although originally brought to India from Persia by Mughals, biryani is now synonymous with Indian cuisine throughout the world due to its extensive consumption and evolution by Hindus.
