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Helping Londoners Understand Indian Cuisine

Helping Londoners Understand Indian Cuisine, Why Indian Food Isn’t Just Curry. “Curry” may be the first word that springs to mind when you think about Indian cuisine. Many people associate it with a certain kind of food that is flavourful, spicy, and saucy. Indian food is much more complex than this simplistic view, though. In order to provide each visitor a genuine taste of India, we at Paro Indian Covent Garden appreciate the richness, diversity, and complexity of Indian cuisine.

Helping Londoners Understand Indian Cuisine: What Is

The Indian culinary lexicon does not contain the word “curry.” It is a Western take on a number of Indian foods. Recipes in India are frequently called after their main components, methods of cooking, or geographical locations. For instance, tikka masala, vindaloo, and korma are all separate foods with distinctive flavours, but they are sometimes grouped together under the umbrella term “curry” in other countries.

What Is Curry? 

It’s interesting to note that the word “curry” is said to have come from the Tamil word “kari,” which means sauce or side dish. The name was taken by the British colonists, who then used it to refer to any Indian food with spices. The variety of Indian cuisine is not well represented by this simplification.

Breaking Commonly Held Beliefs: 

Curry isn’t just one spice:

In traditional Indian cookery, a “curry spice” does not exist. Masalas, or spice mixtures customised for each meal, are essential in Indian cookery. Spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves may be used in these mixtures. Each dish has a unique flavour profile due to the variations in ratio and combination.

2. Not every curry is hot: 

 Although Indian cuisine is sometimes linked to heat, this isn’t always the case. Malai kofta and butter chicken are two examples of mild, creamy foods. Indian food is so adaptable that even hot meals can be modified to accommodate a variety of palates.

3. Not all curry is saucy: 

Indian cuisine consists of both gravies and dry preparations called “sabzis.” A dal makhani has a rich, creamy consistency, whereas a bhuna is a semi-dry curry where the spices stick to the ingredients.

Understanding the Diversity of Indian Curries

Regional Influences on Indian Curries

India’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its unique geography and culture. Ingredients, methods, and specialities change by area.

• North India:

renowned for its dairy-based, rich, and creamy cuisine. Dal Makhani, butter chicken, and paneer tikka masala are popular curries.

• India’s south:

renowned for spicy foods like Chettinad chicken and curries made with coconut, like sambar and fish moilee.

• East India: 

offers unusual foods including fish curries with mustard flavour and coconut-based prawn malai curry.

• India’s West: 

features the bright flavours of Goan fish curry and tangy, spicy curries like vindaloo.

Popular Curries in Detail

 1. Chicken Tikka Masala

This meal, a London favourite, consists of marinated, grilled chicken cooked in a spicy, creamy tomato sauce. It’s a favourite with new Indian foodies because of its ideal balance of tangy and smokey flavours.

2. Vindaloo

This traditional Goan dish blends Portuguese flavours with Indian spices. Traditionally made with pork, it has a spicy yet tangy flavour because to the addition of vinegar and dried red chillies.

3. Paneer Saag: 

A vegetarian treat made with Indian cottage cheese and spinach. Many people find it to be a comfort food because it is mellow, creamy, and nutrient-dense.

4. Shahi Korma

Shahi korma is a royal recipe prepared with nuts, cream, and aromatic spices that has Mughal influences. It’s mild yet decadent, making it ideal for special events.

5. Josh Rogan Lamb 

cooked slowly in a tasty sauce is a Kashmiri speciality. Kashmiri chillies, which are exceedingly aromatic but not particularly spicy, are the source of the vivid red colour.

Helping Londoners Understand Indian Cuisine: The Indian Curries’ Cultural Background

Indian curries reflect culture and history and are more than just a dish. While South Indian curries frequently reflect Dravidian origins, the Mughal Empire contributed opulent foods like biryani and korma. While many communities’ vegetarian preferences are reflected in the usage of lentils and beans, coastal regions make extensive use of seafood and coconut.

Curries are very personal in Indian homes and are frequently made using family recipes that have been handed down through the years. Because every cook contributes their own unique flavour, the same food can taste very different depending on who prepares it.

What Makes Indian Curries Unique?

• Spices: 

The element mixture is the cornerstone of any curry. To develop layers of flavour, the spices are ground, roasted, and meticulously blended.

• Textures

Indian cuisine includes everything from crispy fried appetisers to chunky vegetable stews and creamy curries.

• New Ingredients

To ensure freshness and flavour, many Indian cuisines employ seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and locally obtained ingredients.

Ideal Combinations with Indian Curries

1. Paratha And Naan:

Perfect for mopping up thick gravies like tikka masala or butter chicken.

2. Rice Basmati

goes well with foods like dal tadka or rogan josh.

3. Chutneys & Papadums:

To go with the curries, add some crisp and tart flavours.

4. Raita:

A refreshing yoghurt accompaniment that harmonises with fiery tastes.

The Reasons Londoners Adore Indian Food:

The appeal of Indian food in London can be attributed to its strong flavours, diversity, and versatility. We at Paro Indian Covent Garden are proud to serve real Indian food while accommodating the wide range of tastes of Londoners. We offer everything to sate your cravings, whether you’re a gentle person or a spice connoisseur.

Concluding remark:

Indian food celebrates culture, history, and flavours. Discovering the range of Indian curries can help you understand why “curry” is a rich tapestry of culinary traditions rather than simply one dish.

We are here at Paro Indian Covent Garden to help you along the way. We’ll make sure you enjoy the best of real Indian food, whether you’ve never had it before or are an experienced enthusiast.