I'm not a sucker for fried, oily delicacies, with an ounce of butter oozing from the depths of the dish. Instead, I like dishes that are light in texture and easy on my stomach. I am sure, you too would like your food to be that way.
After all, who likes going to bed or work, having eaten a heavy, oil-lathered feast?
But when it comes to the Indian cuisine, I cannot resist but indulge in the most cholesterol-inducing, high fat, high carb concentrated foods. While I do not endorse consuming all this every other day – just in case you do plan on choosing an Indian meal for your next cheat day, you must give the following dishes (my personal favorites), a definite try and I can vouch for the pleasing look on your face afterwards!
- Chhole Bhature:
Image Credit: MaharajaMandy from commons.wikimedia.org
Worthy of a luring and tempting ASMR, Chhole Bhature is a popular dish enjoyed by Indians across the country. Finding its base to Punjab, Chhole are chickpeas and Bhature are fluffy fried leavened bread. Chhole are slow-cooked, with a concoction of classic Indian spices, those including, cumin, coriander seeds, turmeric powder and chilli powder.
The hot and spicy chhole/chickpeas pair well with the crunchy puffed bhaturas. The thick consistency of the chickpeas is ideal to scoop into a bite of crunchy bhaturas that melt into your mouth in the first bite itself.
2. Rajma Chawal:
Shreya151994 from common.wikimedia.org
Rajma Chawal is often linked to a mother's love in India, as it's a dish she typically prepares when her children return home after being away. Red kidney beans cooked in the rich sauce of Indian spices is usually eaten with rice. Rajma chawal hits home, whether you have it at your home or away from it.
A piping hot bowl of rajma rice, attached to which is a hint of nostalgia always brings back some of the fondest memories, because its taste is such. Rich in antioxidants and health benefits, one can never go wrong with a classic plate of Rajma Chawal—a perfect blend of tender red kidney beans simmered in aromatic spices, served over fluffy rice, offering a hearty meal that nourishes both the soul and the body.
3. Dal Makhani and Naan Bread:
Barry Pousman from Wikimedia Commons
Whole black lentils and kidney beans slow-cooked with the best of Indian spices: ginger-garlic paste along with the tangy tomato puree, served with fresh cream poured on top, my friends, this is Dal Makhani for you. However, this North Indian, soul-satisfying Punjabi cuisine is incomplete without its worthy teammate, Naan bread. The beloved Indian leavened flatbread (made with refined flour & water) is widely known for its chewiness. The tandoor baked Naan bread, when dipped in the flavorful Dal Makhani provides the absolute best of both worlds!
4. Dosa:
Yakshitha from Wikimedia Commons
Your trip to the Southern lands of India may not turn out to be as exciting if you do not end up trying the iconic Dosa-Sambhar combo.
Dosa, also known as Dosai in Tamil is a well-known South Indian breakfast/ snack option (whatever you want it to be). A dosa looks no different than a thin pancake, but its preparation is a lot lengthier than the latter. The batter consisting of rice and lentils as the main ingredients is fermented. Dosa is mostly served with a side of coconut chutney and sambhar, but you can also choose to enjoy it in entirety without any side pick, and it will still taste like it has come straight from the heavens.
5. Pav Bhaji:
Bhaagli from Wikimedia Commons
Upon hearing the word “street food” in India, one of the names that echoes in our ears is that of Pav Bhaji. Originating as a very popular street-food pick from Maharashtra, the ‘Bhaji’ is a spiced vegetable curry.
Featuring mashed potatoes, peas, tomatoes and a phenomenal range of classic Indian spice itinerary such as; cumin, coriander, and the pav bhaji masala, you can add on as many veggies (nearly all of them stored in your refrigerator) into your bhaji and it shall leave you dumbstruck as to how so many veggies paired up together still come out to give the best taste possible. Pav is a soft bun toasted in ghee to dip into the richness of the veggie bhaji.
Drop an extra dollop of butter on your bhaji on days when you catch yourself feeling a little too indulgent!
6. Sabudana Vada:
Archana Joshi from Wikimedia Commons
Need a satiating snack while on a fast, you say? Look no further, for Sabudana Vada shall come to your rescue!
Crafted with the goodness of tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes, crushed peanuts and aromatic spices all kneaded together, the mixture is shaped into round patties and deep-fried to reach a crispy, golden-brown perfection. Enhanced with cumin, finely chopped green chillies and coriander, these vadas erupt in the mouth like a bombastic volcano of flavors!
7. Pani Puri:
Sruthi612 from Wikimedia Commons
Celebrating its diverse identity and enjoying the reputation of one of the best street-food picks in every nook and corner of India, Pani Puri (also known as Puchka or Gol Gappa in other regions of India) is basically a water ball, where the ‘Puri’ stands for hollow, crispy balls stuffed with a spicy, tangy mix of flavored water (pani), boiled potatoes, chickpeas and tamarind chutney. Each puri when goes inside the mouth leaves a humbling after-taste.
Adding either of the ingredients a little too much or a little too less can alter the flavor accordingly but still remains a culinary delight, regardless of the absence or presence of a single ingredient. The thrill of savoring a full plate of Pani Puri, standing by the roadside stall, with the vendor filling in one puri after another in full speed is an entirely satisfying experience altogether!
Trying out these 7 joy-inducing, Indian dishes give you a glimpse into the bountiful variety of flavours that India has to offer. Each one comes with its own distinct taste, making them a must-try for anyone curious about Indian cuisine.
When you're ready for a new food experience, start with these—your taste buds will thank you for it!
