Indian cuisine is world-renowned. It is one of the richest and most diverse cuisines you can enjoy. With its emphasis on vegetables and the use of many spices, it will appeal to vegetarians and other international gourmets.

As a queer Indian kid who grew up in the Bronx and whose parents immigrated from Chennai, food was a way for me to connect to my roots and my parents. As one of the best and most diverse cuisines in the world. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog, and we invite you to discover the top 5 iconic dishes of Indian gastronomic cuisine.

1. Dhal

Dhal is a classic of Indian gastronomy. There is no doubt that the presence of turmeric, cumin, and coriander confirms the origin of Indian Dhal. It is made from lentils or beans and seasoned with curry. This classic and very aromatic red lentil dish is fascinating to the nostrils and taste buds. It is a great recipe when you want to eat vegetarian food.

The good news is that this meatless dish is rich in protein. So it is a complete dish and can be eaten in a unique way. Dhal can be used as a soup, main dish, or as a condiment for curried meat. Usually accompanied by rice, you can combine this iconic dish of Indian cuisine with bread, and you will get a typical Indian dish with a slightly smoky flavor.

2. Samosas

Samosas is the most representative dish of Indian cuisine. Since its introduction in India in the 13th or 14th century, it has become a popular dish all over the world. Samosas is a doughnut in Central Asia and the Middle East, also from southern Europe. It is triangular in shape and made from a thin wheat dough covered with a filling of vegetables or meat, peppers, and spices, then oiled before cooking.

There are several types of samosas. What they have in common in Indian cuisine is that you will have to use the same spices for cooking them. The advantage of samosas is that you can make many modifications to change the filling.

3. Chicken Tikka Masala

To prepare it, you need to cook the chicken in a curry and tomato-based sauce until it is tender. The secret of tikka masala is to marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for several hours. This makes the dish particularly mild. It can be eaten with white rice or other types of starch.

There is no standard recipe for chicken tikka masala. The sauce or chicken (or both) is usually dyed orange or red with food coloring. The sauce usually contains tomato, pure cream or coconut cream, and several spices.

4. The Raita

Raita is made from fresh yogurt, usually made from milk, vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, or fruits [pineapple, papaya], possibly green peppers, minced onions, and tomatoes. It is seasoned with cumin, black mustard seeds, and sometimes grated ginger and garlic are added.

It has a very fresh taste that softens the taste of spicy dishes. This is how it is used to sweeten the spiciest dishes of Indian cuisine. It is the perfect accompaniment to very spicy dishes. Many variations must be selected according to the dishes that accompany them. Raita and Biryani are two dishes of Indian gastronomy that go very well together.

5. Palak Paneer

This Indian vegetarian dish is based on soy cheese, which is very typical in India. It is a very healthy dish and is often eaten as a side dish. Its surprising green color can be disturbing, but it is delicious. It is a very healthy, low-fat treat that is easy to cook at home. In fact, it uses common ingredients. Add it to spinach and green peppers. The secret is to put enough spices in the cupboard! It would be a shame if there weren’t any with so many assets.

Looking for help?

Are you looking for a new coffee place or a vegetarian restaurant? Are you in Hawthorn? Then look no further than Le Clec Café & Restaurant. They not only offer tasty food that bursts with French and Asian flavors, but it is also very aesthetically pleasing.

This is the place for all the foodies out there and has a varied menu that will satisfy the taste of anyone out there. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a visit now and satiate all your french and Asian food cravings thanks to their delicious and gourmet cuisine.