What is Indian Traditional Food? Indian cuisine has always been known for its diversity and variety. From vegetarian to non-vegetarian dishes, from sweet to spicy, from savory to tangy, Indian food offers something for everyone. The country boasts of some of the finest cuisines in the world. And no wonder why. India is home to over 500 languages and over 4000 distinct ethnic groups. Each group has its unique way of cooking and preparing foods.
In recent years, the popularity of Indian food has increased tremendously. People across the globe now love to eat Indian food. This is because of the wide range of flavors and spices that are used in these recipes. There are several types of Indian food such as North Indian, South Indian, Mughlai, Gujarati, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Bengali, etc. These cuisines differ from each other in terms of ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation.
What is Indian Traditional Food?
Masala Dosa
Masala dosa is arguably one of South India’s greatest culinary exports. They’re known the world over for being light, fluffy and crispy, and are often stuffed with potato, vegetables, paneer or even chicken.
The term masala refers to spices, while ‘dosai’ means a flatbread. So what exactly makes a masala dosa different from others? Well, there are many variations to this recipe, but one thing is certain – the traditional version uses a thick batter made out of rice and lentil flour.
In fact, making dosas requires a lot of patience and practice. To begin with, the batter needs to be soaked overnight. Then, it must be cooked on a hot griddle pan. Finally, once it’s done, it needs to be carefully flipped over and filled with whatever ingredients you want.
Chaat
Chaat is one of India’s most delicious savoury snack dishes. Its origins are rooted in the Indian subcontinent, although it is now enjoyed across the world.
The name derives from three Hindi phrases meaning ‘delicacy’, ‘fingers licking’ and ‘devouring with relish’. This dish really lives up to its heritage. There are many types of chaat – some are sweet while others are savory. However, the original chaat consists of diced potatoes, crisp fried bread and chickpea flour mixed together with chopped green chilies, onions and herbs such as coriander and cumin. It is served with yoghurt and a tangy dry seasoning called tamarind sauce. It is eaten with the hands and often accompanied with tea or coffee.
In modern times, chaats are sold in stalls and shops throughout the streets of cities and towns. These stalls usually sell a wide range of chaats, including sweets, pakoras, samosas, kachoris, papdi chaat, aloo tikki chaat, chana masala chaat, paneer chaat, etc. They are popular among people of all ages and income groups.
Stuffed Paratha
The history of stuffed paratha goes back centuries. In fact, it dates back to ancient times when people used to make flatbreads called ‘paratha’ and use them to wrap around meat dishes like kebabs. These days, parathas are often served as a starter or snack. They’re usually filled with vegetables, spices, cheese, breadcrumbs, lentils, potato, paneer, etc.
Vada Pav
The streets of Mumbai are incomplete without the presence of vendors selling vada pav, a vegetarian fusion of potato patties, chilli and other ingredients wrapped in a bread roll called a pav. What began as a simple, inexpensive snack has become one of the most popular street foods in India.
In recent decades, vada pav has been embraced by families across the country, especially during festivals like Holi and Diwali. In fact, it’s now considered a national dish in many parts of India.
Beef Roast and Parotta
The people of Kerala in India love beef. In fact, it’s one of the most popular foods there. And while you might think that beef roast is just another dish, it actually holds special significance in the state’s culinary history. Beef roast is considered to be the perfect accompaniment to parotta, a flatbread that originated in the region.
Parotta is usually served alongside a beef roast, and both the food and the accompanying beverage are enjoyed together. This particular recipe calls for mutton, but you could use beef too.
Hyderabadi Biryani
The dish originates from Hyderabad, India, where it is traditionally cooked in clay pots over charcoal fire. This gives the biryani its characteristic smoky aroma and taste. In fact, the word “hyderabadi” literally translates into “smoke eater”.
In the 19th century, the British colonized the region and brought along their culinary traditions. They adapted biryani to suit their tastes, adding vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and replacing lamb with mutton.
Today, biryani is eaten across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
Indian cuisine has been around for thousands of years. Its roots go back to ancient times when India was ruled by different dynasties. Today, many of its dishes have evolved into their own unique styles. There are also regional variations.
