From curries to chutneys, chaats to sweets, idlys to rotis, Indian food is known for its diverse and wide-ranging choices thanks to its number of states, languages, customs and religions.
With its assortment of ingredients and mind-boggling aromas, Indian food is considered to be one of the most popular and preferred cuisines in the world.
Just like Europe’s food history, India’s food history stretches back centuries. India is anything but homogenous. The diversity of food in the country is as diverse as its people. In a traditional meal, there are at least two to three main course dishes and one dessert.
The first thing that comes to our mind when we think of Indian food is ‘curry’. Derived from the Tamil word ‘kari’, curry basically means sauce. This mixture of herbs and spices changes from state to state.
Wheat dominates in the North Indian diet, whilst rice is the key cereal in South India. Rotis, the North Indian staple, is a simple dough that is rolled out in a circle, and is cooked on a hot griddle. If they are stuffed with cauliflower or paneer before it’s cooked, they are called paratas. They are used as a wrap or are simply served on the side of a plate of curry or dhal.
Dosa is the next most popular dish in India. Made from fermented rice and lentils, this South Indian staple is usually accompanied with sides such as sambar or chutney.
When someone talks about dosa, they cannot not talk about idly. This quintessential South Indian food has made its way through generations. This breakfast dish is not only easy to make, but is also known for its innumerable health benefits.
They say, ‘the magic of biryani lies in the way rice is transformed into something ambrosial’. This evergreen classic was first introduced to us by the Mughals during their reign. Biriyani is nothing but a hearty combination of spices, meat and rice, studded with kewra. Although it is a little time consuming to prepare, if made right, no dish in this world can compete against it.
Are you ready to try making some of these Indian dishes at home? Then here are the list of utensils and kitchenware you would need to get started.
Kadai: Whether it is for sauteing or deep frying, no cook can do without a kadai. These Chinese wok look-alike come in a number of materials. Pick the one that would go best with your need.
Pressure Cooker: From steaming rice to boiling veges, you will need a pressure cooker. They not only work faster than an electric cooker, they also give you tastier results.
Tawa: To make rotis and dosas you will need a tawa. If you are super hungry and want to cook in a jiffy, this would come to your rescue.
Grinder: Indian dishes are all about spices and to mix them right, you need this God sent kitchenware. You can use this to grind anything from whole spices to coffee powder.
Ladles: You will need this utensil to stir your food while cooking. To mix the ingredients well and to serve them to your guests, this is important. Choose the right ladle for the right cookware.
Knives: This may seem redundant, but with all the chopping that goes in Indian food, this cannot be forgotten. Based on the dish that you are preparing, the veges are cut differently. So buy knives of different sizes to make your cooking easier.
Idly Racks: If you have a pressure cooker, invest in idly racks. They are easy to use and easy to wash. For all those who are on a diet or are health conscious, this would be super helpful.
Turn your kitchen into a versatile cooking hot spot with these kitchen appliances from Poppat Jamal. Whether its just for you or the guests that you have invited over for dinner, you can become an instant hit with these appliances. Don’t forget, Poppat Jamal now has everything you will need from easy-to-use food processors to state-of-the-art microwave, and all at affordable prices. Cooking Indian food never sounded this easy to you, did it?
