Each region has dish recipes that have been passed down through generations. Each cuisine holds its own ground with its unique blend of spices, herbs and other products that reflect not only geographical specialties but also distinct local preferences.
In the 1800s, Indian Cuisine made its first foray into the international picture when the British took their adopted practices back to England. It is said that the Queen of England with the Indian curries was so impressed that she ordered curries to be made in the royal kitchen every day.
In the 1800s, Indian Cuisine made its first foray into the international picture when the British took their adopted practices back to England. It is said that the Queen of England with the Indian curries was so impressed that she ordered curries to be made in the royal kitchen every day.
Today there are more than 10,000 establishments in England serving Indian dishes and in 2001, Chicken Tikka Masala became England's national dish along with Fish and Chips! In the run-up to World Ethnic Day, here's a slice of India that the whole world is looking for:
This undoubtedly had to top the list. When Kundan Lal Gujral first innovated this delicious charcoal burnt, clay oven cooked chicken in Lahore, little did he know he had just created history. Since then, this fiery red, crispy-on-the-outside, succulent-on- the-inside dish has taken the world by storm. Next came the Tandoori Chicken's gravy cousins the Butter Chicken and the Chicken Tikka Masala. Cooked in spicy gravy, heavily laced with home-made butter, only the aroma of this dish can melt the heart of the toughest of souls! Although most restaurants outside India do not make the original version of this dish, they still retain the elementary flavor that makes it what it is.
1. Chicken Tikka Masala
2. Biryani
This classic Indian concoction of rice and chicken has more variations than any other dish! Traditionally, chicken or moth marinated in curd and fragrant spices is mixed with rice and cooked slowly for hours. Modifications specific to different regions are what keeps this dish interesting. While some keep it classic, many restaurants resort to mixing the rice with the pre-cooked gravy.
3. Chaat
Who thought this simple evening street fair would rob hearts all over the world? A mixture of yogurt, fried bread, potatoes, spices and herbs, this dish pops up periodically in nooks and corners all over the world, especially in Britain. Its simplicity and versatility make it a roaring success. Panipuri or Golgappa is another extremely popular snack.
4. Samosa
The samosa is another popular Indian snack that has made its way into gourmet gatherings. This humble fare of crispy fried dough stuffed with flavored mashed potatoes has gone international with its versatility. These little flour pockets can be stuffed with practically anything that suits your taste buds and can be made in both savory and sweet forms. Dip them in a tangy tamarind chutney or spicy coriander and green chili chutney and you're ready to transcend food heaven.
5. South Indian Food
South Indian fare has established firm roots all over the world. While many places exclusively serve South Indian food, the basic rice flour idli and dosa are served by most Indian restaurants abroad. Soft, steamed idlis are not only extremely healthy but are absolutely delicious with coconut chutney and sambhar. Crispy fried doses are favorite breakfast and can be made to accompany virtually any gravy. Although traditionally made with coconut, the chutney can also be made with onions, tomatoes, chilies, and coriander!
6. Kebabs
The Mughals were the kitchen's absolute masters when it came to meat. They introduced the art of making kebabs to India and from here it was taken from all over the world. A great favorite in Britain, kebabs are loved by patrons all over. Minced meat is combined with a variety of spices and then cooked over a charcoal fire in skewers. What results are succulent, delicious meat infused with a host of flavors that can be enjoyed as snacks or with flatbreads such as roomali rotis or naan? Most commonly made with moth or beef, it can also be made with fish or chicken.
7. Naan
Best was known as Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala accompaniments, the naan deserves a special mention. Cooked in the same clay oven as the chicken, this is how the naan gets its distinct burnt, charcoal flavor that sets it apart from other flatbreads. The flour can be kneaded with a variety of spices and herbs such as garlic, coriander, etc. One of the most popular versions is the butter naan, which is not only kneaded with butter but has a generous slathering on top when served. The stuffed ones are kulcha.
8. Malai Kofta
The vegetarian version of meatballs can be made with a gourd (lauki) or unripe bananas. They can vary from mild to very spicy. Cooked in a gravy of tomato, cream, and spices, the balls soak in the flavors and can be eaten with bread or rice. Originally a Punjabi dish, many restaurateurs around the globe have adopted its flavorful appeal.
9. Palak Paneer
If you need your main course to be healthy, delicious and innovative, Palak Paneer is the right way to go! Made essentially with spinach and farmer's cottage cheese (paneer), this is almost always the star of the table when it comes to vegetarian fare. Add a few naans or rotis to it and you have a full meal full of flavor and nutrients.
10. Dal Makhni
This Punjabi dish originated as a butter chicken vegetarian variant. A mixture of lentils with tomato puree and butter is slow-cooked and just yummy. This has given the chicken curry strong competition all over the world and has slowly, but definitely made a place for itself.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the popular Indian dishes around the globe. Indian cuisine has created a niche for itself in the hearts of millions around the globe and is here to stay.
So what's your favorite?
Tell in the comment box.