indian dishes

Indian dishes are special because of the typical Indian herbs and spices used in them. Indian masala dishes especially the Indian curry is famous all over the world. Indian Hindus and Jains are predominantly vegetarian. Vegetarianism has also served to mould the character of Indian cuisine. 31% of Indians are vegetarians according to a new survey.

Food is an integral part of Indian culture. Choice of food and techniques of cooking vary with communities, states and religions in India. Indian cooking is unique due to its huge variety, special ingredients and numerous cooking styles.

Many recipes for Indian rice dishes, and Indian side dishes emerged during the Vedic times. These were regularly made by Vedic Hindus. Indian masala dishes and the all prevalent Indian curry was given to India by the Mughals.

Indian food is intimately connected with culture, religion, region and festivities. Any cooking classes that are conducted to teach one to prepare Indian food would consist of recipes made from rice, whole-wheat flour, pulses, bengal gram, pigeon pea, black gram and green gram.

Groundnut oil in popularly used for cooking in North India while Mustard oil is the traditional medium of cooking is the eastern parts of the country. Indian curries are mostly prepared with vegetable oil. The use of vanaspati ghee is popularly used to make sweets in India.

Turmeric, ginger powder, asafetida, coriander, cumin seeds, red chilly powder and black mustard seeds are the main spices used to make most Indian side dishes and dishes. Garam masala is also indispensable to Indian food.

Dry spices like clove, cinnamon and cardamom are popularly added to Indian dishes to give them a special flavor and aroma. Malabathrum, coriander, bay leaf and mint leaf are some herbs commonly used to cook Indian food. Curry leaves are mostly used for South Indian cooking. Nutmeg, rose petal essence, saffron, cinnamon and cardamom are added to Indian sweet dishes for essence..