Indian cuisine in London - Ingredients

History of Indian food

As in America, food and special cuisine are very significant in the Indian lifestyle. Families pride themselves on offering the best food when they visit with friends and family. There is also a broad selection of dishes and cooking techniques when making Indian food. Different spices are often utilized, so the food is packed with flavour.

Types of food

In a traditional meal, there are usually two or three main courses with several side dishes (such as chutneys or roti) and desserts. Indian food is frequently divided into four sections by the region in which they are utilized: Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western.

The history of Indian cuisine goes back to 7000 BCE when sesame, eggplant and cattle were introduced. In about 3000 BCE the spices turmeric, cardamom, pepper and mustard were first used. These spices remain especially prevalent in Indian cooking today. When invasions and new immigrants arrived, tomatoes, chilies, and potatoes became staples in the Indians’ diet.

The most vital parts of the Indian cuisine are rice, flour (also called atta), and an element called pulses. Pulses are masoor (red lentils), chana (Bengal ram), toor (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), and mung (green gram.) Curries are also extremely important and are often fried in vegetable oil. In the Indian language, curries are often believed to mean ‘gravy’ because it accompanies other foods in the dishes.

Popularity

Once considered the shining jewel in the British Empire’s crown, India can today be easily considered the huge, 60-carat diamond in the World’s flavored cuisine ring. The large variety of dishes, appetizers, snacks, side dishes and desserts have found many fans on an international scale, as Indian restaurants spread at an incredible rate, with a huge success in every possible culture and in every possible corner of the World. Combining all tastes possible, the Indian cuisine is likely to satisfy spice-lovers, “salty” people and persons with a sweet tooth alike (although the latter will feel right at home, since India is a “sweet” country).