:: Indiachef.com ::

India has been known over centuries for its spices. Explorers and adventurers like Vasco Da Gama and Chrostopher Columbus embarked on journeys of exploration to reach India and get its spices. Indian cuisine makes use of its rich and varied herbs and is a subtle combination of condiments and ingredients that is as varied as the different regions of the subcontinent- now divided into three nations of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.Each region is distinctive and has influences from Persia and Arabia. At India Chef, we attempt to give you a taste of this exotic culinary heritage.

Indian dining starts with various appetizers, such as potato turnovers called samosas, grilled meats called kabobs, or vegetable fritters called pakoras. Soups are optional. Mulligatawny soup is particularly popular. The name of this soup is an awful English mis-pronounciation of a Tamil word meaning 'Pepper and Water'.

We also use relishes called raitas and chutneys to add flavor to the food.

Vegetable and lentil dishes are popular- eggplant, spinach, potato, and other preparations are served before the meat, seafood, or chicken.

The vastly popular meats are made in a clay oven called tandoor. The word tandoor comes from a Persian/Arabic word meaning an open hearth charcoal fired clay oven. It is used to bake leavened breads like naan, to grill or roast meat, chicken, or seafood. Usually, the meat,chicken or seafood is marinated in a blend of herbs,spices, and yogurt, and slow cooked in the tandoor. This seals in the natural succulant taste of the food and, at the same time drips away the fat, producing food that is both delicious and healthy. Common items are Chicken tandoori, chicken tikka, boti kabob, sheekh kabob, etc, followed by mutton, lamb, goat, and other curries.

Rice comes in the form of vegetarian pulaos and with meat, biryanis. These are delicacies by themselves. Bread comes as naan and as parathas, slightly fried, and rolled differently. The plain bread is of wheat and is called roti. Overall, Indian eating, with the yummy desserts made mostly of milk, is a great experience.