India for any given night: eight recipes to understand why its cuisine is so seductive
Indian cuisine is not "curry" and that's it. It is a huge map where each area cooks with what it has nearby (rice or wheat, coconut or mustard, fish or lamb) and, from there, adjusts the flavor with the typical precision of what is done almost every day: a touch more cumin, a brief hit of ginger, a pinch more turmeric...
That's why, when you taste India, you don't taste one thing: you taste many Indias. In the south, there are light dumplings, such as dosas, and spicy broths with tamarind and curry leaf. In the north, stews become creamier, with yogurt, nuts and spice blends that are roasted to enliven. On the coast, coconut and fish set the pace.
Many of these dishes, which seem so exotic to us, are born of the same logic as good everyday cooking. Legumes that become silky, breads that serve as a batter, chicken that is transformed by a marinade and a well-managed cooking process. You don't need an impossible pantry; you need to have the intention to approach your way of cooking.
That's why this selection works so well for starters. They're familiar recipes, yes, but with just the right amount of "this doesn't taste like the usual": creamy sauces, spicy roasts, crunchy bites, a cold yogurt to balance. Pick one, work up an appetite... and let the rest come on its own. Here are 8 recipes to enjoy Indian food.
Butter chicken
The classic that converted half the world: tender chicken, warm spices and a tomato sauce with butter and cream that is velvety smooth. One of those dishes that calls for basmati rice or bread to leave no trace on the plate.
Today, head to India without leaving your kitchen with this delicious, super comforting sauce dish : Butter chicken ! Very tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy sauce made with tomatoes, cream, butter and a whole bunch of spices that will take...
Tandoori chicken
Chicken with character and perfume: it is marinated with yogurt, ginger and tandoori spices and comes out juicy, with that recognizable roasted point, ideal when India is desired without getting into a long sauce.
Travel to India with your taste buds with our Tandoori chicken recipe! A dish that is as quick to make as it is easy (as long as you remember to marinate the chicken, of course ;-) ). Just 5 minutes is all you need to prepare your yogurt-based sauce...
Naan bread stuffed with cheese in a frying pan
The most grateful naan: it is made quickly, without oven, and the melted cheese inside turns it into an accompaniment and a treat at the same time. Perfect for topping sauces or eating freshly made, as is.
For an appetizer or simply during your meal, try our quick cheese naans with "Laughing Cow" cheese! A crispy and soft result that stands on its own ;-) Step by step, we explain how we achieved this result with our illustrated written instructions and...
Chickpea curry - chana masala
Creamy, spicy and very everyday: chickpeas that remain tender in a sauce that smells like real cooking. A vegetable recipe that solves a complete meal with few ingredients and good background.
In the list of comforting dishes , we gladly ask for a chickpea curry ! Served with rice, this fragrant recipe will warm your stomach :-) You'll see how easy this recipe is with the steps explained below ↓
Red lentil dahl
A spoon dish with magic: red lentils that melt, spices that perfume and a creamy base with coconut milk. It comforts, nourishes and has that point that invites to repeat.
In the category of comforting and original recipes, we love this red lentil dahl! Not only does it introduce this legume to the whole family, but this dish is also vegetarian. A great way to diversify your menus while enjoying yourself :-) Enhanced...
Curry samosas
Small, crunchy bites, with creamy and spicy filling. One of those appetizers that disappear on the table without you noticing, ideal to start an "Indian" dinner without complications.
To accompany your appetizer, opt for spicy flavors straight from India with these curry samosas! An incredibly easy recipe that your guests will devour. Unique, these samosas will allow you to change from the classic chips and peanuts. Follow the...
Malai kofta vegan
Chickpea and spinach meatballs, well spiced, with a creamy tomato sauce that wraps it all up. A rounded way to eat legumes without looking like a "must-order" dish.
Today we bring you a vegan version of one of the most popular dishes in India: Malai Kofta (balls in sauce). Since we sometimes struggle to eat legumes, at Petitchef we try to cook them in every possible way. These chickpea and spinach balls served...
Express Mango Lassi
Yogurt, mango, a touch of sweetness and that's it: creamy, fresh and perfect to tone down the spiciness or simply to end the meal with something mild. It also works as a snack.
Travel to India with this mango lassi! An ultra-creamy drink traditionally enjoyed throughout meals there. Easily recreate our quick recipe to bring a bit of sunshine to your dessert or snack ;-)
Patricia González
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