First of all, get it out of your heads that all Indian food is spicy and vegetarian. Northern Indian food is not very spicy at all, but southern Indian food will light your hair on fire. When I was considering Kolkata, Sharanya mentioned that they had very good fish dishes. She went on with trying to sell the idea of Kolkata to me after talking with her grandmother, but I finally had to say, "You had me at 'fish'."Many Indians, particular people who are practicing Hindus or Buddhists, are vegetarians. However, many people I know each chicken, and very few eat pork or beef. Muslims, on the other hand, have no issues with a good steak. In short, food in India is as varied as everything else in India. I'm sure you'll find something you like. The real trick in knowing the terms.
- Dahl - lentils. The most straightforward of Indian foods and Kai's favorite. It's spice level varies greatly.
- Curry - a mix of spices. It can be any kind of dish - veg, meat or fish. Masala's are a kind of spice mix as well. Garam Masala is used for cooking and Chat Masala is good with fruits and salads.
- Subzi - are vegetable dishes. Tomato, eggplant, okra, potato and spinach are common veggies to use.
- Kofta - Dumplings. These are more flavorful than the dumplings you might get in Grandma P's kraut. Generally they are made with potatoes, other veggies or paneer. Kai loves them.
- Breads - Roti, Nan, Popart and Paratha's, just to name a few. They vary based on what they are made of and how they are cooked, but they are all yummy. Indian's often use bread's like spoons. My favorite is this fluffy little Paratha that is something like a croissant and a tortilla run together at high speeds.
- Chat - Snacks. Pani Puri is my favorite. I haven't had good Pani Puri since my tenant, Naveen, moved out. Basically, it's these little crispy spheres with a potato and chickpea filling, which you take and dip in spiced water. I know it sounds a bit strange, but it is really, really yummy. Think of if like the Indian version of Fondu. It's just as fattening.
- Paneer - cheese (speaking of fattening). Paneer Makhani, or Butter Paneer (pictured above), is the Indian version of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. Ah, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
- Pickles and Chutney's - Indian condiments. These are generally very spicy.
- Sweets and Desserts - Kheer (a sweet rice pudding) is my personal favorite. I really want to like Ras Malai (a soft cheese desert) but I have a hard times finding it made well here. Soan Papdi, which is something like pistachio cotton candy only thicker and not as sickeningly sweet (unless, you eat the whole box like Luv and I did once), is addictive.
- Drinks - Chai (spiced tea) and Lassi (a yogurt drink) are two very popular drinks in India. Naveen's homemade Chai knocked my socks off! The most popular Lassi's are made with Mango puree, but the funnest ones are made with marijuana.
I will be adding some common spices here as well. But, in the mean time, if you are interested in checking out some good Indian recipes try http://showmethecurry.com/
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