Have you gone to a restaurant that serves Indian food? If your answer is yes, then you would agree when I say that once you enter the place, you encounter those delicious smelling spices, which in one way or another seems to touch the roof of your mouth, creating an urge to taste the food. Do you want to try having them on your home? Well, if you do, you must first learn the basics of what an Indian recipe usually is.
First of all, what are the essentials when you want to follow an Indian recipe? One is cardamom pods. This is a ginger root which brings good aroma and adds a spicy-sweet flavor taste to the food you are going to prepare. Chili peppers are another. There are a variety of chilies out there and you’ll have to learn what exactly is used in Indian food. Nevertheless, you can go with the most commonly used type of chili, which is called the bird’s eye, to be safe. Third are cumin seeds. Similar with the first ones mentioned, these seeds are used as spices that adds a warm flavor and a pungent aroma. Garam masala, the fourth one, is a mixture of ground spices.
Usually, cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper and cinnamon are the contents of this mixture. Fifth is mustard seeds which has three varieties: black mustard (spicy and hot), brown mustard (less hot), and yellow or white mustard (least piquant but more pungent). Last is turmeric. It is a spice that comes from a ginger root and is usually sold in powder form. This Indian recipe essential brings a lot of health benefits such as improving your heart condition, preventing and healing heart damages, reduce joint swelling, and reduce your chances of having Alzheimer’s disease.
Now, from the essentials of Indian cooking, let us go to the each region. An Indian recipe from the north will most likely use flatbreads such as parathas and chappatis. Lentils, vegetables, and yogurt-based marinades are also common. For West recipes, pickles and preserves are common. In the East, combinations of rice and fish are considered as staple food.
As for the key ingredients, here are a few of the things you would be encountering when following an Indian recipe:
* Ghee. This is a form of butter that is used as “cooking oil” but this is not a very healthy option. If you want something healthier, you can go with vegetable oil.
* Coconut. Grated or ground, coconut is commonly used specially in Southern Indian dishes.
* Atta. This is used as a base in making breads.
So there you have it. The different essentials and key ingredients used in Indian recipes have been given. Remember, to make the most out of the Indian recipe you have, follow the procedure properly and use the best ingredients you can find.