¿Do you want to know what are the typical Indian dishes and why are they so valued worldwide? So, you are in the ideal place, since we present you a list of the most representative preparations that you should know when visiting an Indian restaurant and looking like an expert.
This gastronomy has exotic flavors obtained with unusual spices and ingredients that will blow your senses. So continue with us to know the best of a kitchen full of infinite aromas and colors. ¿Are you ready? ¡Let’s start!
Discover typical Indian dishes
In this list of 27 dishes we have gathered the most representative recipes of Indian cuisine. This gastronomy is characterized by its the forcefulness of its stews and by the richness of its spices. If you have the opportunity to try these elaborations in the Indian restaurants of your city, do not think twice:
1. Samosa
It is usually served as a starter, and is common to find it in Indian food businesses around the world. These are fried empanadas, filled with aromatic species, vegetables and fresh potatoes. The result is a crispy cover, with a juicy interior that when tested will an explosion of flavors on your palate.
Keep in mind that there are different types of samosas, which usually vary according to the selected vegetables. Without a doubt, one of the typical dishes of Indian gastronomy that you should not miss.
2. Idlis and sambar
If you want to try one of the most typical dishes of Indian gastronomy you should know the Idlis and Sambar. It is a cake made with black steamed lentils and rice, accompanied by an exquisite vegetable stew. Due to its combination of flavors, it is recognized as one of the most representative preparations in the south of the country.
On the other hand, the World Health Organization has indicated that it is a very nutritious and recommended food. And it is highly rich in vegetable protein and free of fats. ¡Try it for breakfast or lunch and your journey fills with energy!
3. Chicken tikka masala
It is widely known in Indian restaurants located in the west, for its intense aroma and exotic flavor. But you should know that if you want to eat an original tikka masala chicken, it will be best to go directly to the Bengali region.
To achieve this preparation, you must ensure that the chicken rests in a yogurt marinate and Indian spices. Then you cook it in the oven with coconut milk and tomato. By trying it, its flavor will make you travel through the beautiful landscapes of this exotic country.
For these reasons, the chicken tikka masala stands out among the typical Indian dishes.
4. Tandoori chicken
Tandoori chicken is considered by many to be the most typical dish from India. And to this we must add the most appreciated, and that is, it is difficult to hear someone who, after trying it, does not fall in love with this recipe.
The tandoori is a traditional clay oven highly valued in the Indian region for hundreds of years. In it, the chicken, previously marinated for 6 hours, is cooked in a mixture of spices. And although it can vary according to the area, the most common is to choose coriander, cardamom, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, cloves and pepper.
5. Mogol
An interesting fact that you should know is that the most outstanding of Hindu food is born from Mughal emperors. In this sense, mughlai cuisine is usually common among the inhabitants of localities in the north of the country.
The Mughal is made through flavored sauces, with a touch of butter curry. And very important, some mughlai preparations have names taken from Muslim culture such as biryiani, kofta, kebabs, and pulao.
The above places this preparation as a true banner of the Indian gastronomy.
6. Canela lamb curry
This recipe has traditional flavors of Indian culture, and is born in the kitchens of the bustling Delhi region. And although the most common is to prepare it with lamb, there are other versions that can be made from other meats.
When cooking this typical dish, coconut milk, onions, tomato and a pleasant mixture of various spices are used. Without a doubt, cinnamon lamb curry is one of the typical Indian dishes that you should not miss.
7. Kati roll
In India, there is a great diversity of cultures such as Hindu and Muslim, with an important historical journey. This is evident in the great influence of the Persians and Arab countries within the most predominant flavors. And certainly, it includes one of the most outstanding flavors kebabs in the world, known by the name of kati roll.
In India they prepare it with paratha bread and inside they place chicken, lamb meat, vegetables and sauces. Of the latter, the most traditional is chaat masala, which combines a group of spices with powdered mango.
8. Masala dosa
Masala dosa has an interesting aspect, since looks like other gastronomies as distant as the Mexican or French. In fact, it has similarities to the well-known burrito and other similar dishes such as the galette.
However, testing it dispels any doubts or coincidences due to its exotic curry flavor, coriander, onion, turmeric and lentils. In addition, it is served with coconut chutney and stands out among the vegetarian alternatives of typical Indian cuisine.
9. Aloo paratha
It is a delicious flat wheat bread stuffed with potatoes that is very traditional in Indian gastronomy. In fact, it is one of the favorite foods of the punjabis. The original paratha is prepared from ghee desi with a high fat content.
There are various types of parathas, highlighting gobhi and onion, which are often eaten at breakfast. In this way, you will have a way to start your day full of flavor and energy.
10. Murgh makhani
It is a chicken prepared with a special butter, which is usually accompanied with black lentils and traditional naan bread. It is highly sought after worldwide, due to its subtle and familiar flavor.
It is prepared with foods that you can have in your pantry like ginger, olive oil, tomato puree, garlic, and onion. From here, you only have to add the kasuri metí, which is undoubtedly the star ingredient of the dish.
eleven. Vindaloo chicken curry
The traditional flavor of vindaloo curry stands out for its highly spicy taste, which is one of the characteristics of Indian gastronomy. To prepare it, you should use a special spice mixture that ends in a warm plate of deep odors.
And most importantly, respect marinated time to the letter to ensure its intense flavors.
12. Aloo dum
This is another vegetarian preparation which includes the inevitable potatoes, very traditional in the border area of Kashmir. It consists of a variant of the curry, which is prepared with a spicy taste and a somewhat rustic appearance.
Among the most popular, you will find the aloo dum of Bengal, the one of Punjabi and Vanarasi. On the other hand, the traditional ones include a combination of spices from the area, some dried spices, onion and lots of tomato. And if you decide to try Kashmir, you will notice that it contains red curry, potatoes and yogurt.
And finally, ginger, coriander seeds, red chillies, black pepper, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds complete its flavor.
13. Rogan Josh
This is another typical Kashmir dish, which translates as red lamb for the color that gives dehydrated chili peppers. Consequently, the meat has a spicy touch that is softened a bit by the accompanying cream.
Like other dishes on this list, the spices necessary for its preparation are very varied. However, most are very common ingredients that you can find in any local market.
Among them, cumin, cardamom, garam masala and turmeric stand out. And something very important, if you are not a lover of spicy it is a good idea to decrease it previously for chili.
14. Paneer
It is a type of cheese that can be found throughout India, especially in the northwest of the country. Has a semi-solid texture and intense flavor, product of the spices that are added when cooking.
Paneer specifically means cheese in Hindi, and is widely used to accompany Indian desserts such as rasmalai, rasgulla and sandesh. Likewise, it is used in traditional curry dishes such as Indian kebabs, palak paneer and mutter paneer.
fifteen. Malai kofta
It is a version of the vegetable meatballs, accompanied by thick and aromatic sauce. These are made by mixing carrots, peas, potatoes, beans and sweet corn until you get a thick puree. Then you add very traditional paneer, spices and Indian cheese that is used to accompany various vegetarian foods.
When you accompany it with naan bread or jeera rice, you will have a very nutritious preparation, in addition to being delicious.
16. Palak paneer
It is one of the most famous bread recipes of this gastronomy, made with cheese and spinach that give it a subtle flavor. Also, a set of traditional spices is placed to obtain that characteristic Indian flavor.
The fenugreek leaves they give it an intense green color and a fresh aroma that will blow your imagination. Finally, it is chopped into cubes to fry over high heat in a pan and obtain a pleasant texture.
17. Chole (barbanzos curry)
Another classic of traditional Indian cuisine, which does not require too many ingredients or a complicated technique. Indeed, the chickpea curry has won the hearts of the inhabitants of northern India. In addition, it is a permanent option on the menus of many restaurants in the West for the well-deserved fame it has earned.
And although the list of ingredients is extensive, you should know that making it is easier than it seems. It’s just a matter of buying chickpeas, garlic, onions, ginger and making aromatic pasta for the whole family.
18. Mutter paneer
You are in front of another typical Indian dish with a delicate flavor and whose main ingredient is paneer cheese. Has a quite exotic taste that combines a hot sauce from the area and fresh peas.
Indeed, the mutter paneer is perhaps the vegetarian preparation most requested in Indian catering businesses.
19. Kaali daal (black lentils)
There are various dishes that complement each other perfectly with the kaali daal or black lentils from India. For example, buttered chicken contains a juicy texture that combines with this dish and will not leave you indifferent.
In this regard, kaali daal in some regions of India is known as ma ki daal. This literally means mom’s lentils, since it is very nutritious and has a comforting and delicious flavor.
For these reasons, it is considered a preparation recommended for any age which can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Cook it by adding onions, asafetids and green chili until you get the desired consistency. And finally, it serves with a sauce seasoned with more species from the region, cumin seeds and fresh cream.
twenty. Jeera rice (rice with cumin)
Now, we present you a variant of boiled rice, which is usually prepared through a technique that completely absorbs water. It is accompanied with cumin seeds, onions and coriander. It can also be done by draining the water, which removes the starch residues to achieve a lighter dish.
The jeera rice is the Indian gastronomy base to achieve traditional dishes and other more avant-garde ones.
twenty-one. Basmati rice
It is a very important meal in the diet of the inhabitants of Southeast Asia. This rice has a thin grain and longer than usual, and has detoxifying and refreshing properties.
It is basically the most widely used companion in the region, and has become very popular for its excellent aroma and flavor.
22. Pan naan
It is a flat bread that at first glance resembles the Mexican omelette, very aromatic and soft in texture. The naam bread is a fundamental meal in the Indian kitchen and is capable of accompanying practically any dish. Highlighting among them, different types of kebabs and other popular alternatives such as tandoori chicken.
The most common is bake this bread in the tandoor, However, it can be cooked over low heat in a frying pan. Furthermore, most of its variants include ghee, natural yogurt, yeast, sugar and flour.
2. 3. Daal soup – palak ka shorba
This dish is highly recommended if you are a lover of healthy vegetarian meals, and that fill your body with energy. It is the combination of moong daal and arhar daal lentils, prepared with spinach and other traditional ingredients.
It is then accompanied with a mashed cumin, red chili, ghee, asafetida and lots of garlic. And to conclude your preparation, just present with fresh cream and a touch of lime.
24. Rajma dal
Rajma dal is a very popular food in the north of the country, and consists of preparing curry with red beans. But it is usually enjoyed in all the Indian restaurants in the world. Includes a spicy masala sauce with garlic, ginger, chili peppers, and tomatoes.
It is a great option if you like them vegetarian dishes, strong character and aromas with deep tradition. By testing it, it will be impossible for you to remain indifferent to its powerful flavor.
25. Ilish
The ilish beds is a highly sought after dish in the Indian food businesses on different continents. It is made with cooked hilsha fish inside a banana leaf and accompanied by mixed spices.
This is one of the most recognized flavors of the coast in Bengali gastronomy. In this regard, his followers are inclined towards spicy food and various types of fish in colorful and flavorful dishes.
26. Kheer
One of the favorite desserts of Hindu food, the kheer is a species of rice pudding that continues to gain popularity. It can be enjoyed on any day of the year, it is very creamy and has a subtle taste of cardamom nuts.
You can find it in the southern part of the country, where it is called a clown. In addition, in the east they call it paysesh and it is common to see children and adults enjoy them at traditional parties.
27. Amritsari
It is a fried fish that bears the name of the region that first prepared it. Can be crafted with various types of fish, taking care that its meat is white and firm. And the most common thing is to accompany it with an abundant garnish to serve as the main preparation.
In the Bengal kitchen there is a great diversity of fish, among which the popular salmon, carp and hilsha stand out. Without a doubt, it is a typical food that you can not miss if you visit India.
Certainly the typical Indian dishes they have won the hearts of millions of diners around the world. Don’t forget to have your hand ready to fully enjoy your culinary experience when you book at an Indian cuisine restaurant.