India is a land of spices and flavors.
Indian food is relished by people across the world. Some of the famous Indian
dishes like Biryani, Curry, tadka dal, paneer vegetable etc are savored by one
and all. Even though there is a change in the taste and the food habits amongst
the places in India, the delicacies of each and every land within India are
sure to lure you with its rich aroma and tangy spicy taste. Though most of the dishes
in India are healthy some of them are rich in ghee, oil and butter.
For vegetarians, paneer is one of
the favorite dishes especially in the northern part of the country. One can
make paneer vegetable which can be eaten with Indian breads like roti and naan.
Recipe for Kadai Paneer is as
follows: Paneer cubes (250gms), 5-6 tomatoes, 3 Capsicum (Shimla Mirch), 4
Onion, 1 ” long piece Ginger, 1 tsp Red Chili Powder, 2 Bay Leaf (Tej
Patta), 4 Cloves (Lavang), 1 piece Cinnamon (Tuj/Dalchini), 4 tblsp Butter,
cashewnut powder.
Cut capsicum into small pieces.
Now grind onion, tomato, ginger, salt, red chili powder together. Mince cloves
and cinnamon. Heat the butter in a pan. Add cashew nut powder, bay leaf,
cloves, cinnamon. Then add onion, tomato, ginger paste. Continue cooking it on
medium flame till butter begins to separate. Add paneer and capsicum pieces.
Cook on low flame. Take off the fire and serve hot with rotis or naans.
India is also famous for its
curries. Especially when you serve jeera rice with hot curry, any Indian would savor
the meal for sure. Although there are many types of curries that one can make,
here is a recipe for coconut curry. Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1
cup sliced onions, 2 cups coconut milk, 1 tablespoon butter, 4-5 curry leaves,
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and salt to taste For the paste: 1/2 cup grated
coconut, garlic flakes, Red chilies, 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, 15- 20raisins, 1
teaspoon cumin seeds, 2 tablespoons coriander powder and1 inch ginger piece.
Mix all the ingredients (of the
paste) and blend into a fine paste. Heat butter and add the paste, curry leaves
to it. Fry till the oil separates. Add tomatoes, onions, turmeric, salt and
coconut milk. Mix well and simmer till onions are cooked. Serve with hot jeera
rice.
