Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for new recipes, trying Indian dishes is a delicious and nutritious way to expand your culinary repertoire. India is home to a variety of unique flavors and spice-forward preparations that are as vibrant as the country itself. Many of these dishes are also super easy to make at home, making them perfect for busy cooks who want a wholesome meal without spending much time in the kitchen.
Indian cuisine is one of the most flavorful, complex and versatile on the planet. The fusion of contrasting spices, herbs and vegetables offers an unforgettable taste experience. Often, whole spices are cooked together to release their intense aromas before they are ground or powdered for use in cooking, resulting in a unique, balanced and nuanced flavor profile. While some Indian dishes are mild, others are spicy and packed with flavor that can only be described as savory perfection.
Some of the most popular indian food recipes are comforting, warming and easy to prepare. These include aloo gobi, a hearty vegetable dish consisting of cauliflower and potatoes that are spiced with a mix of warm spices and fresh ginger, as well as butter chicken, which features deeply flavored tandoori-style roasted chicken served over creamy tomato sauce.
Another must-try indian food recipe is korma, which originated in northern India and consists of braised meat (maybe beef or lamb) that is slowly simmered with vegetables in a thick curry sauce. The word korma is derived from the Urdu word for braise, which gives this dish a slow, rich flavor that will melt in your mouth. Korma is often served with a traditional flatbread such as chapati or naan.
For a quick, on-the-go meal, try pani puri, which are hollow deep fried balls made from wheat or semolina that are filled with spicy potatoes and chickpeas along with sweet tamarind water. Known as gol guppa in Hindi, this delicious street snack is beloved nationwide.
Masala kheema is another north Indian favorite that can be enjoyed with a side of roti or rice. This savory stew is made from minced meat of your choice (typically chicken, lamb or beef) that is cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger and garlic with the addition of wonderful whole spices. Masala kheema can be eaten as is or stuffed into a bread such as a paratha to make a masala kheema paratha, which is especially tasty.
A scrumptious Indian dessert is gulab jamun, which is a type of halwa that combines milk solids with sugar and cardamom-flavored paneer cheese called chhana. The combination is then rolled into small balls and dunked in sugar syrup until it becomes soft and juicy.
When it comes to indian food, it’s all about the balance of contrasting flavors, textures and the use of deliciously fragrant whole spices. Fortunately, most Indian dishes contain only healthy ingredients that are low in fat and cholesterol while being high in nutrients and fiber.