Indian cuisine is the result of a long history of blending and experimenting with spices, herbs and other ingredients. The resulting dishes are often quite varied and complex, but most are built on the same basic flavor foundations.
Indian food is a fusion of foods that has influenced the cuisines of many countries around the world. The country has a diverse range of ethnic groups, and each region has its own distinct food style.
The north of India, especially in Kashmir, has a unique cuisine centered around meat dishes. Rogan Josh, a yogurt-based lamb curry with chilies, is an especially popular dish in this area.
Northern Indians also enjoy eating roasted meat dishes cooked in a tandoor oven, as well as rice dishes such as biryani and flatbreads like chapati and poori. They also like to add dairy products to their curries, which thicken them and make them more flavorful.
A typical North Indian meal is served on a plate called a thali, which consists of different dishes that are eaten in sequence. These can include dal, a lentil soup; rice, a grain; and various vegetable dishes, such as cauliflower and potatoes.
Some savory breads are common in this cuisine, including idli, which is made with a batter of fermented lentils and rice. It is usually a breakfast item and can be served on its own, dipped into sambar or chutney, or stuffed with a variety of fillings.
There are a number of other savory Indian cakes, as well. These are typically steamed, but can also be eaten raw or with a range of condiments.
Other popular Indian snacks are samosas, which are spiced turnovers filled with potatoes and peas; kabobs, which are small meatballs; tandoori (clay-baked) chicken; and a puffy rice, yogurt, tamarind blend snack called bhel puri.
Sweets are also a big part of Indian culture. Most people eat sweets at least once a day, and some are considered to be sacred. Some desserts are offered to gods in temple ritual, and prasad is the word used to describe these offerings.
For example, a sweet that is traditionally offered to Ganesha is modak, which is a rice flour dumpling. In some places, a sweet that is offered to Shiva is halwa.
A favorite drink is chai, which is made with milk and black cardamom pods. This is an excellent way to start the day, and it can also be drunk before and after meals.
Another popular drink is the sweet lassi, which is made by adding milk to a fruit smoothie, such as mango or guava. These are often served at weddings and festivals. There are also many types of tea, such as ginger and lemon tea. These are great to help alleviate indigestion and stomach discomfort.