Unlocking the secrets of Indian cuisine: flavour layers that make it so irresistible
Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse and varies across the vast country’s many regions. It is this diversity that makes Indian cuisine unique, layered, complex — and absolutely delicious.
Me, tasting a variety of Indian dishes in Delhi on my first trip to India
I love Indian food and enjoy trying different dishes whenever I can, whether in India or at home in Canada. Indian food especially suits me because I am a vegetarian and there seems to be no shortage of dishes to try. Every time I am in India, I have eaten Indian food for all my meals, opting only once for an international dish.
I wanted to further explore this cuisine and what makes it so incredible. Here are some reasons Indian food is delicious and worth checking out:
1. Spices Galore: Indian food is probably most notable for its spices that give it intensity, layers, aroma – and heat. Not all dishes have heat, mind you, but they certainly are all flavourful. There are anywhere from 40-100 spices used across the regional dishes, but only 20-30 spices are common. Some of the spices used include: cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, mustard seeds and asafoetida (somewhat similar to garlic).
Spices and other ingredients are also often chosen for their Ayurvedic, or food as medicine, reasons, such as health benefits.
Curry dishes
2. Regional Diversity and Variety: India’s regional culinary variety is influenced primarily by geography, climate, local ingredients and religion (most Hindus do not eat beef, for instance). Each of India’s 28 states has its own culture and language. There are more than 5,000 Indian dishes and possibly up to 10,000 dishes, once you factor in all the regional variations — that is a lot of dishes to try.
North India is where you’ll find gravies and breads, such as naan, and dairy-centric dishes. South India is known for rice-based dishes, like Bisi Belle Bath (hot lentil rice), coconut flavours, and fermented foods, including dosa, a thin pancake made from fermented rice, and idli, a type of savoury rice cake. The east is known for fish and sweets like rasgulla (syrup filled ball). The western region, which includes the desert, is renowned for its spicy and tangy dishes, such as Rajasthani cuisine.
Me in Assam, northeast India, my first trip to the country
There are also a range of street foods and snacks such as chaat.
As well, in Indian culture, food is tied to festivals and celebrations, which adds to the diversity and variety.
Rajasthani cuisine (stuffed bell peppers), at Samode Haveli hotel in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Assamese cuisine (northeast India) served on a thali
3. Vegetarian Fare: India has a significant vegetarian population, for reasons that are both cultural and religious, and offers wide-ranging options for vegetarians. There are several plant-based dishes that are flavourful and healthy. Chana Masala (chickpea curry cooked in tomato-based sauce) is one of my favourite vegetarian dishes and, as someone who rarely cooks, I have even made it myself.
4. Complex Cooking Methods: Indian cuisine often involves complex and/or time-consuming preparation methods such as marinating, slow-cooking (stews), tempering (tadka) and fermenting, which contribute to the complexity and deliciousness of the dishes. Some dishes are cooked for 6-8 hours or more, such as Kushka Biryani.
These are the primary reasons that make India cuisine so popular and incredibly delicious. I hope you will get out and try some of these amazing dishes.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning broadcaster, producer, author and travel journalist. She has travelled extensively across India, and enjoys learning about and sharing Indian culture.
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