India is a vast, complex country and its cuisine has many different influences. This is reflected in its diverse foods, which are often based on locally available ingredients and are enriched by foreign dishes.

Almost every meal is accompanied by an assortment of snacks and chutneys that can add more flavour to the meal. These can include sweet desserts, savory curries and condiments, or even rice dishes and Indian flatbreads.

The savory food of India includes a large range of spices and vegetables that are seasoned in different ways. These dishes are typically eaten in a variety of ways, including on top of rice or as a side dish.

One of the best examples is a vegetarian dish called chana masala, which is a mixture of chickpeas and curry that has been infused with a range of Indian spices. Served with naan, this dish can be a great source of protein.

Another popular dish from northern India is korma, a stew of braised meat (often chicken or beef) that has been cooked in a sauce of yogurt, cream, coconut milk and sometimes almonds. It’s delicately spiced with ginger, cardamom and black peppercorn.

This is one of the most popular dishes in India and can be found in restaurants around the world. It’s a hearty dish that is usually served with naan bread or roti.

In addition to being a traditional meal, the cuisine of India also serves as an excellent source of protein, especially when made with beans and lentils. In addition to dal, many other types of legumes and grains are used in Indian cooking.

For example, gram flour is a major ingredient in many curries and has been used for centuries. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways, such as to thicken a sauce, to make a dal or a salad, and for flavouring a soup.

Other common vegetables in Indian dishes are peas, potatoes, carrots and cauliflower. These are all rich sources of fiber and protein, which makes them an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

These dishes are often eaten in a variety of ways, such as with naan, roti, or with rice and dal. They can also be a great snack or part of a breakfast meal.

The sweeter side of Indian food includes a number of traditional cakes that have been mentioned in ancient texts. These recipes are still commonly served in restaurants, and are usually paired with a variety of condiments such as ghee or honey.

Apupa or malpua is a delicious Indian cake that dates back to the Vedas and was originally made with barley flour. The batter is spread into flat cakes that are fried and then dipped in ghee or honey before serving.

In other regions, the cakes are soaked in sugar syrup. This version of apupa is called gulgula, and it is served during festivals such as Holi or Diwali.

Besides dal, other staples in the Indian diet are bhajiya, chana, idli, uttapam and chaat. These are all easy to prepare and can be made with a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and herbs.