If you want to learn about India's diverse culture and traditions that reside within it, all you need to do is have a glimpse at an Indian meal. From Kolkata's fish fry to Gujarat's beloved Dhokla. From Karnataka famous food item Sambar to Lucknow ki Biriyani, recipes from across borders come together to form meals in India. The broadened terrains and a multitude of languages may be a barrier for many. But what binds the people of India together more than anything is the diverse food. Indian food is also the center of all the attractions for many holidaymakers and tourists across the globe.
So, what are some of the most common ingredients you can find in an Indian platter? Something you should try.
Daal
Daal is one of the most common forms of food items one can find in any Indian platter. The ingredients that make up this flavorsome dish include lentils, peas, and beans. From Karnataka famous food Thuvaram Paruppu (Toor Dal) to Dal Dhokli, a side dish in Gujarat or Katachi Amti (Chana Dal) of Maharashtra and Dal Makhni of Punjab, the list goes on. In short, every state of India has its variation of this favorite side dish. So, it doesn't matter in which corner of the world you are going to enjoy your next meal Daal will most likely make it to your plate.
Rice
Where there is Daal there is rice. Harvested across India, Rice is a popular dish in every Indian meal. In its simplest form, boiled rice is best enjoyed with some kind of stew or gravy. However, there are a variety of variations and manipulations that can turn simple rice into a wholesome meal. From Tahi (a dish composed of a variety of vegetables mixed with rice and topped with spices), a famous dish in the Northern States of India to Biryani (a wholesome dish composed of veggies, meat, spices, a hint of saffron and rice), a cuisine of the northern, southern and western regions of the country. There are a variety of delicious ways rice is enjoyed.
Vegetable Mix
A vegetable mix of any kind like potato and beans, cauliflower, and onion, among others are a common part of an Indian meal. The veggies are either fried in spices and herbs or cooked with a thick stew. Either way, they provide a good source of protein and carbs to the body. For some simple daal, rice and some mixed vegetables on the side can a complete meal.
Roti
Also known as Chapati, Roti is mainly made from wheat flour (Aata) and looks circular. Additionally, making a perfect Roti is also one of the most difficult tasks of all. An ideal process of making the Roti requires preparing spheres of Aata using dry Aata with a hint of water, flattening it into a perfect circle, and baking it until it puffs. From Rumali Roti to Puri, Lucchi, Maharashtrian Roti, Bhakri, Mughlai Roti, and more, there is no limit to types of Roti cooked across the country.
Chicken Stew/Curry
If you're an Indian Non- veg lover, chicken is one of the dishes you could in your meal. From simple Chicken Curry to Butter Chicken, Spicy Chicken, different meals have varied versions with the main ingredient, Chicken, remaining the same. Chicken cuisines can very much be enjoyed with either Roti or Rice depending on your preference.
A sweet dish made Primarily of Milk
It can be a simple bowl of curd with a hint of sugar, Kheer ( a sweet dessert made from rice, milk, and sugar), Sevaiya (Vermicelli noodles made with sugar and milk) or many other desserts that complete a dish. The most common elements among all are the use of milk.
Paneer Dish
Paneer (a soft cheese made from curdling milk) is also a widespread entry in an Indian platter. It is best relished, cooked in a blend of spices and vegetables. Some of the most usual dishes made with Paneer include Kadai Paneer, Butter Paneer, and Chana Paneer.
Chai/Tea
While not exactly in the dish Chai has always been a subsequent either enjoyed with breakfast or after lunch. While other counties may prefer coffee, Indian people are ones that have had a fascination for a good cup of Tea.
Papadam
A side dish that blends in with any and every kind of meal, Papad is one of the hot favorites of many Indians. A crispy thin bread that makes a cracking sound when eaten is made by frying flour in cooking oil.
Chutney
Narial (coconut) chutney, Tomato chutney, Pudina (Mint) chutney, or any other form of Chutney is a side addition in the Indian thali. Consumed widely as an appetizer, these thick pastes are delighted with meals in small quantities.
That's it. Now, it's your turn to let you know about your favorite Indian dish in the comments below.