Indian Cuisine

History of Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is not a single style of dishes, it reflects 5,000 years of interaction and diversification. It includes various cooking methods, styles and ingredients from different regions across the country.Indian food has also been greatly influenced by religious and cultural changes throughout history, and commerce with other countries has brought different elements into the mix.

Indian food has been influenced by Persian, Mongolian and Chinese cuisine, among others. Throughout history, colonial conquests and trade practices have been an important factor in shaping Indian cuisine as it is known today.

Diversities of Regional Cookery

Food choice varies north, south, east and west. Indians from the north have a preference for flat breads such as chapati and naan in their cuisine, while those from the south tend to consume more rice and make use of coconut in various forms. The coconut is a versatile ingredient, used to thicken stews, make a chewy snack, and as an ingredient or garnish in many sweet southern dishes.

Western India is known for its cosmopolitan cuisine, but also holds traditional spicy curries in high regard. The food of East India heavily incorporates rice, milk, and vegetables, prepared in simple ways such as with yogurt, seeds, and spices that are steamed and curried. East Indians are particularly fond of sweets, and make use of milk and other dairy products in abundance in their desserts.

Regions vary in their topography and proximity to water, which changes the seasonal availability of fruits and vegetables. Areas close to the sea include a lot of seafood in their dishes, while those further away consume very little seafood or meat.

Popular Indian Cuisine

Mughlai, One of the most popular cuisines, its origins can be traced back to the Mughal Empire. Mughal cuisine consists of dishes prepared in the kitchens of the royal Mughal emperors.
Punjabi cuisine has mouth-watering vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The spice content ranges from minimal to fine to high.

Punjabi food is generally liked by people of all communities. Rajasthani cuisine is primarily vegetarian and offers a mouth-watering variety of dishes. The use of spices is particularly prominent in this Indian cuisine, more so than in other regional Indian cuisines. Rajasthani’s use ghee to cook most dishes. Rajasthani cuisine is renowned for its flavorful and spicy curries, as well as its delectable sweets.

South Indian cuisine is known for its light and low-calorie appetizers. Traditional food in South India is mainly rice. This cuisine is famous for mixing rice and lentils to prepare delicious lip-smacking dosas, vadas, and idlis.

Indian food is as diverse as its culture and is very popular all over the world. Indian food is a blend of diverse herbs and spices that make each dish unique and special. Although most countries love Indian food, it is considered very spicy compared to other cuisines.