Indian food is made from a variety of different ingredients. It includes a wide range of snacks and foods, including samosas, dal, chapati, keema, chutneys and many other treats. While it is a very vegetarian cuisine, it is also characterized by its use of spices. As such, it is not just rich in flavor, but also in nutrients and health benefits.
Samosas are triangle-shaped deep-fried pastry snacks that usually contain lentils, peas, onions, and spices. These are typically served with a spicy chutney. In some areas, samosas are filled with ground meat or other fillings. They are also sometimes served with rice and yogurt.
Dal is a popular Indian food that is a stew of lentils. There are several versions of dal, but a common version is dal makhani. This is made from black lentils that are cooked in a tomato and cream-based sauce. A variant of dal makhani is called butter dal, which is made with a mix of red kidney beans and chili.
Usually, these dishes are accompanied by a bread or papadam. Papadam is similar to a tortilla, and it can be fried or steamed. However, it is most often eaten as a snack. Another popular variation is aloo chaat, which is a potato-based version of chaat.
Similarly, Idli is a type of Indian rice cake that is commonly seasoned with a variety of spices. It is usually eaten hot, but it can also be consumed cold. Many South Indian households make idlis for breakfast.
Other popular Indian snacks include masala dosa and aloo paratha. Aloo paratha can be filled with a variety of fillings. You can also eat aloo paratha with dal or curries. For a vegetarian option, you can try chana aloo curry. All these meals are very popular in India, especially in the Northern part of the country.
The dish chaat is also a very popular choice in India. Chaat is usually served as an appetizer, and it can be topped with fried items, such as chickpeas. If you are looking for a sweet treat, you can go for gulab jamun, which is a small plum-shaped dessert. Most of the dishes are served in a round thali, which is a large tray that can hold all of the food. Traditionally, thalis are meant to be shared, and they are used to serve all of the food at once.
When it comes to street foods, you will most likely find samosas and chaat in Mumbai, the largest city in India. In other regions, you might find vada pav, which is a burger-like dish.
While Indian food is largely vegetable-based, there are a few examples of meaty dishes. Biriyani, a dish that dates back to the Mughal Empire, is one example. Also, a popular snack is a deep-fried noodle called vada pav. Alternatively, you can find steamed momos. Both of these dishes are often accompanied by chutneys and salads.
You can also try a lassi. Lassi is a yogurt-based drink that is usually sweetened. To add a bit of spice to your meal, you can also try raita, which is a creamy vegetable dip. Lastly, you can enjoy a snack based on barfi, which is a saffron-flavored pastry. Barfi is usually made with nuts and other ingredients.