Indian cuisine is a diverse and flavorful combination of regional and traditional dishes that have been influenced by various cultures throughout history. It is characterized by the use of aromatic spices, herbs, and vegetables that create a unique blend of flavors and textures. The cuisine is divided into four main categories based on the geographical regions of India: North Indian, South Indian, East Indian, and West Indian. Each region has its unique flavors and cooking styles.
Here is a list of 10 popular Indian dishes to increase your appetite:
- Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that originated in Delhi. It is a creamy, tomato-based curry that is usually made with boneless chicken that has been marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices before being grilled or roasted.
The curry sauce is made by simmering together tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices including garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The chicken is then added to the sauce along with cream, butter, and sometimes cashew paste, to give the dish its signature richness and creaminess.
- Biryani
Biryani is a popular South Asian rice dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is made with long-grain rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), vegetables, and a blend of spices.
The dish is typically made by cooking the meat and spices separately, then layering them with the partially cooked rice in a large pot. The pot is then sealed with a tight-fitting lid and cooked over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb the aromas and flavors of the spices and meat.
- Dosas
Dosas are a popular South Indian dish that is made with fermented batter made from rice and urad dal (a type of lentil). The batter is spread thinly on a hot griddle or pan and cooked until crisp and golden brown.
Dosas are typically served with a variety of accompaniments, including chutneys, sambar (a spicy lentil soup), and potato masala. They can be eaten as a breakfast dish, a snack, or as a main course.
- Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is a popular dish that originated in the Punjab region of India. It is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices, including cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and garam masala.
The marinated chicken is then cooked in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven that is heated with charcoal. The intense heat of the tandoor gives the chicken a smoky and charred flavor while keeping it moist and tender. Tandoori chicken is often served with mint chutney and sliced onions.
- Chole Bhature
Chole bhature is a popular North Indian dish that consists of spicy chickpeas (chole) and fluffy fried bread (bhature). The chickpeas are cooked in a flavorful gravy made with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.
The bhature is made by mixing flour, yogurt, and a leavening agent, such as baking powder or yeast, and kneading it into a soft dough. The dough is then rolled into circles and fried until golden brown and puffed up. Chole bhature is often served with pickled onions, green chutney, and a side of yogurt.
- Rogan Josh
Rogan josh is a popular dish in Kashmiri cuisine, which is known for its rich and aromatic flavors. It is a slow-cooked meat dish that is made with a blend of spices and herbs, including Kashmiri red chili, ginger, garlic, fennel, and cardamom.
- Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a popular vegetarian dish in Indian cuisine that originated in North India. It is made with spinach (palak) and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a creamy tomato-based sauce.
The spinach and paneer are cooked with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and finished with a splash of cream or yogurt. The dish is often served with naan or rice.
- Vada Pav
Vada Pav is a popular street food from Mumbai, also known as the “Indian Burger”. It is a simple but delicious sandwich made with a deep-fried potato fritter (vada) served in a bread roll (pav) with a variety of chutneys and spices.
The vada is made with mashed boiled potatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The pav is usually toasted and served with spicy green chutney, tamarind chutney, and a sprinkle of garlic and red chili powder.
- Chaat
Chaat is a popular snack in Indian cuisine that originated in Northern India. It is a mix of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, with a crispy and crunchy texture. Chaat is made with a base of fried dough or boiled potatoes, topped with a variety of ingredients such as yogurt, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and a sprinkle of spices.
Some of the most popular chaat varieties include Aloo Chaat (potato chaat), Papdi Chaat (crispy fried dough chaat), and Bhel Puri (puffed rice chaat). Chaat is often served as a street food and is a favorite among people of all ages.
10. Pani-Puri
Pani Puri is a popular street food from India, also known as Gol Gappa, Puchka, or Pani Batasha in different parts of the country. It is a small, hollow, crispy fried dough ball filled with spiced mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind chutney, and then dipped into a tangy and spicy mint water (pani) just before eating.
The combination of the crispy shell and the spicy-tangy filling creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Pani Puri is often served as a snack or appetizer and is a favorite among people of all ages.
