Indian Cuisines and Recipes

INDIAN CUISINE
India is well known for its exotic spices – so it is but natural that Indian food is spicier and more exotic – when compared to the rest of the world. The degree of chillies and spices used – varies from region to region.

The evening meal, in most Indian homes is eaten together. Everyone sits together and exchanges views and news, whilst they enjoy a good spread. This meal is usually more elaborate.

Breakfast in Indian homes, is simple but nutritious, lunches are usually packed food for students and people who are working. Food packed is popularly rotis with dry vegetables, or seasoned rice.

Festivals – as anywhere else -have the main focus on food. An unbelievable variety of food and sweets are prepared and served. Some particular dishes are synonymous with the festivals- for example in Tamil Nadu; Pongal is celebrated and 3-4 varieties of Pongal is prepared.

Indian Cuisine can be broadly divided into 2 major categories – The North Indian and The South Indian cuisine.

In the north – wheat is more prevalent and so rotis or Indian bread is a must with every meal. All the snacks also revolve around food prepared with whole-wheat flour or refined flour. There an average meal consists of a vegetable, dal, curd, salad and rotis. Rice is optional. A dessert is for occasions.

In the south, rice is the staple diet of the people. An average meal has a serving of rice, with a sambar (a spicy dal with vegetables), a salad curd and vegetables. Sometimes rotis are served in the evening meal. All their snacks revolve around rice. Coconut is added to most of the dishes.
In Urban areas there is mix and match of food, which is more popular.

North Indian Cuisine 
Wheat can be considered as staple in a north Indian meal. Usually a north Indian meal consists of Roti or Paratha (Indian bread) and a sabji (gravy made with vegetables). 

But, on special occasions or when there is company a four course meal can be served.

South Indian Cuisine 
Rice can be considered as staple in a south Indian meal. Usually a south Indian meal consists of rice and sambar (curry). 

But, here again, on special occasions or when there is company, a four course meal can be served.