01 Most Loved Indian Foods
01 Most Loved Indian Foods
Home to over 1.2 billion people, it is no wonder that Indian cuisine has managed to get a top spot on the “Most Wanted” list of cuisines around the globe. Indian cuisine, on the whole, is a misnomer, considering that is not only one state, and the language, style & customs change every few hundred kilometers or less in whichever direction you go. Each region has its unique recipes for dishes that have been handed down through generations.
It is beyond any reasonable doubt, that this had to top the list. This fiery red, crisp-on-the-outside, soft and juicy on the inside dish has taken the world by storm ever since its inception. Next came, its gravy cousin, the Butter Chicken.Made in spicy gravy, heavily laced with loads of home-made butter, just the aroma of this dish can melt the toughest of the hearts!
This timeless Indian classic is a concoction of rice and meat has more variants than any other Indian dish! Traditionally, chicken or mutton is kept marinated in curd and fragrant spices overnight which is then mixed with rice and slow cooked for hours. Specific modifications in various regions kept the dish interesting.
The Mughals were the king of the kitchen when it came to meat. They brought with them the art of making kebabs to India and from India, it was spread all over the world. Finely minced meat combined with a variety of spices and then cooked in earthen ovens over a charcoal fire. The result is a slice of succulent and delicious meat infused with a host of flavors to take you to food paradise.
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani): Butter Chicken is a North Indian delicacy known for its rich and creamy tomato-based gravy. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked in a flavorful sauce. It’s often enjoyed with naan or rice.
Paneer Tikka: Paneer Tikka is a vegetarian delight that features chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices. The marinated paneer is skewered and grilled or roasted until it’s charred and smoky. It’s a popular appetizer or snack.
Rogan Josh: Rogan Josh is a fragrant Kashmiri curry made with tender pieces of meat, often lamb or goat. The dish is known for its deep red color, which comes from the use of Kashmiri red chili powder. It’s simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce made with yogurt and a blend of spices.
Tandoori Chicken: Tandoori Chicken is a popular dish made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, including tandoori masala, before cooking it in a tandoor (clay oven). This cooking method imparts a smoky flavor and a beautifully charred exterior.
Samosas: Samosas are savory pastries filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes ground meat. They are shaped like triangles, deep-fried until golden brown, and are commonly served as snacks or appetizers.
Gulab Jamun: Gulab Jamun is a beloved Indian dessert made from deep-fried milk solids, often shaped into small balls, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. These sweet, syrupy treats are a favorite at festivals and celebrations.
Malai Kofta: Malai Kofta is a creamy and indulgent vegetarian dish made from deep-fried vegetable or paneer (cottage cheese) balls served in a rich tomato-based gravy.
Jalebi: Jalebi is a sweet dessert made by deep-frying a wheat-flour batter into intricate, coiled shapes. Once fried, they are soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a sweet and syrupy treat.
Pani Puri/Golgappa: Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa in some regions, consists of hollow, crispy spheres filled with spicy tamarind water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas. It’s a popular and refreshing street food enjoyed all over India.
Vada Pav: Often referred to as the “Indian burger,” Vada Pav consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched inside a bun (pav). It’s a popular street food in Mumbai and is typically served with chutneys.
These are just a few examples of the diverse and beloved Indian foods that showcase the country’s culinary richness and regional flavors. Each dish has its own unique charm and has contributed to making Indian cuisine a global favorite.