Indian food, one of my favorite things in the world.
The staple of my days, the way I retrieve happiness every day, and the way I embrace my culture. Indian food does not only consist of the basic curry as it conveys variety. Indian food is the way the Indian religion and the entire Indian community is represented. Some dishes exceed the boundary of good food and have to be defined as "extra".
Here are some dishes that will make your mind explode of envy and hunger instantly;
1. Paneer Tikka Masala
Paneer tikka masala, an Indian dish consisting of marinated cheese served in a spiced gravy, is truly exquisite. Sometimes it can be considered an alternative to chicken tikka masala and is very popular among the vegetarians. You just want a bite now, don't you?
2. Chicken Dum Biriyani
Chicken dum biriyani, another very popular Indian dish, is mostly rice and chicken. However, there are many spices and flavors that go into making the dish a true success. Chicken dum biriyani is mostly originated from Hyderabad, a city in the South portion of India. Dum biriyani is different than regular biriyani because the chicken or meat is marinated and cooked along with the rice. Then, it is left on a slow fire or dum for a fragrant and aromatic flavor. The dish is served along with an Indian yogurt called raita and you will never want to stop eating it!
3. Shahi Murgh Korma
Shahi murgh korma is typically a chicken dish which has crunchy cashews, plump raisins, some spicy chicken, and a creamy sauce which is finger-licking good. It's so SPI-SAY it'll make you say "AH"!
4. Punjabi Yellow Tadka Dal
Punjabi yellow tadka dal is one of the most exotic foods in the Punjabi cuisine. Although there are many simple curries and dals in the cuisine, nothing beats the authenticity and appeal of dal tadka, a yellow dal which is garnished with tadka (tempering) of garlic, dry red chili and cumin seeds. It has a rich and appetizing flavor that is promised to leave you pleased at the end of a meal!
5. Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar ka halwa is a sweet dessert pudding originating from the country of India, associated with mainly Bangladesh, Pakistan, and North India. It is created by placing the grated carrot in a pot containing a specific amount of water, milk and sugar. Then, it is cooked while stirring regularly. It is also often served with a garnish of almonds/pistachios. The dessert is a favorite over all of North India and I'm sure it'll be one of yours too once you take a bite!
6. Kachori Chaat
Kachori chaat is an Indian dish originating in Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan. Although kachori itself is a spicy Indian snack, you can make it a meal by having it as a chaat. Kachori's main ingredients include gram flour and moong dal, and are usually round flattened balls made of flour, which is then stuffed with the moong dal. It also has ingredients in it, such as besan (crushed and washed gram flour), black pepper, red chili powder, salt and other spices. There are many different kinds of kachoris, but my definite favorite is the chaat version, originating from Delhi. I promise you, when you eat the chaat, your life will be fulfilled forever.
7. Chicken Malai Kebab
Chicken malai kebab is a type of kebab in which the chicken is usually grilled on a skewer, served with fresh green chutney on the side. Furthermore, there is also onions and a lemon for flavor. Kebabs are pieces of meat or other food that is mostly grilled on a charcoal fire and the marinade that is used to make these kebabs is usually very unique. The marinade also lends to the great taste of the soft and tender chunks of the grilled chicken. Additionally, in a chicken malai kebab, malai or fresh cream is used, which is why it's called chicken malai kebab. I assure you that when you taste the chicken malai kebab, it will not let you down!
8. Ras Malai
Ras malai is another one of our dessert dishes, originating from South Asia. The meaning of ras malai is actually two things because the word must be split up. "Ras" means juice while "malai" means cream. Many people describe it as rich cheesecake without a crust. Ras malai consists of sugary white cream balls of channa, which are soaked in malai (clotted cream). Then, it is cooked in sugar syrup and milk with saffron, pistachios, and kheer as stuffing for the balls of sugar. This tasty sweet may give you a sweet tooth, but I promise you it is so worth it!
