Indian food is famous for its aromatic, spicy and rich flavours, variety of spices that are used in the food and an array of foods that can be choice from.
From the aromatic curries of the Punjab to the fluid dosa of the south Indian states, the Indian food is as colorful as the cities it comes from. If you are a newcomer to Indian cuisine or if you are looking to expand your palate, here are the bestselling Indian foods and dishes that you should not miss out on.
Taste the most exotic fusion of spices as you traverse the land of the five rivers and find a dish that will suit your taste, whether you crave meat or vegetables. India is a country with a rich culinary culture that is well worth exploring and so get ready to taste India like never before.
In this blogpost we are going to discuss top 10 indian foods and dishes. So let’s get started!!!
Is Indian Food Healthy?
When it comes to Indian food, we know that it is always made from natural and healthier ingredients.
Examples include the spices used in Indian food such as Turmeric which has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and also has positive effects on the heart. Since Indians follow a plant-based diet, they use an assortment of millets, nuts, legumes, and seeds (which are a source of good fats) in their food.
This is so as Indian cuisine is known to have numerous health benefits and this is why Indian food and spices are popular in many detox centers. By the way, you can book your total body and mind detox retreat here.
Is Indian Food Rich in variety?
There is a famous saying that goes ‘variety is the spice of life’. That has to have been from the Indian food repertoire.
Indeed, Indian cuisine has a rich variety of flavors, smells, and looks; there is always something that can be exciting about every meal. Well, yes, this also encompasses simple Indian dinner recipes.
Let’s Move Towards Our Main Topic
Here are the top 10 Indian Foods and Dishes that are very tasty as well as beneficial for your health.
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Daal
A delicious lentil dish cooked with nice spices such as cumin, turmeric and garam masala.
Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, and also include prebiotic carbohydrates which are good for the body system.
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Palak Paneer
Soft pieces of cheese cooked in spinach gravy to give you a rich taste of Indian food. It contains fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants which are essential nutrients for the body.
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Kitchari
It is a comforting dish, prepared with rice, mung beans, spices and herbs giving it a texture similar to dhal.
It is connected with Ayurvedic cleanses and can serve as a nutritious and satisfying meal.
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Aloo Gobi
A popular North Indian dish made with boiled potatoes and cauliflower florets and spices including turmeric, cumin powder, ginger and red chili powder.
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Saag Paneer
This is a dish that is quite similar to the palak paneer but instead of spinach being used, it is made with mustard green.
Some of the nutrients which can be obtained from mustard greens include Vitamins K, A and C.
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Chana Masala
A delicious dish which is lentil curry prepared with cumin, turmeric and garam masala. Some of these include lentils which are rich in protein, fiber, and carbohydrates that have been shown to nourish the gut.
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Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is a popular dish in which pieces of chicken are marinated in yogurt and spices and then cooked in a tandoor oven.
Here, the meat used, chicken is a good source of protein and the oil used in the marinade does not add extra fat calories.
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Vegetable Curry
A dish that is accompanied with thick sauce made from fresh vegetables such as cauliflower, potatoes, carrots and peas.
It is easier to consume more vegetables when they are prepared in curries.
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Khichdi
It is a simple and comforting dish that is prepared by cooking rice, lentils, and spices with herbs.
It is also light and would be easily digestible while still containing protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
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Raita
A chilled yogurt based accompaniment made with cucumber, mint leaves, and spices. Yogurt is specifically important for gut health because it contains probiotics.
To keep these dishes low-calorie, the recommended protein should be lean, vegetables should be used liberally, and healthy fats like ghee or coconut oil should be used instead of heavy creams and oils in the preparation. It is also important to control the portion size as some Indian food items are high in calories.