India on a Platter The Ultimate Comfort Food India’s Beloved Beverage SUMMER 2023
foodie
Editor’s Note:
Welcome to this edition of our food magazine, where we embark on a culinary journey across India to explore some of the most delicious and popular dishes from different parts of the country.
We start our journey with a morning tea that is famous all over India. India is known for its love of tea, and each region has its unique style and flavors. From the famous masala chai of North India to the aromatic cardamom tea of Kerala, we explore the diverse tea culture of India.
Moving on to breakfast, we delve into the flavors of South India, where dishes such as idli, dosa, and uttapam served with coconut chutney and sambar are a breakfast staple. For lunch, we explore the cuisine of North India, where roti, dal, and sabzi are a common combination, and dishes like butter chicken and rajma chawal are loved by people across the country.
As we travel to the western part of India, we discover the vibrant flavors of Gujarat, famous for its snacks such as dhokla, khandvi, and fafda. These savory snacks are made with gram flour and are flavored with spices like mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Moving on to dinner, we explore some of the most popular dishes enjoyed all over India. From the aromatic biryani to the tangy paneer butter masala, we delve into the diverse and delicious cuisine of India.
Finally, we end our culinary journey with dessert from Kolkata, a city in Eastern India famous for its sweet delicacies. Kolkata is known for its rasgulla, sandesh, and other mouth-watering sweets that are enjoyed across the country.
India’s culinary heritage is vast and diverse, with each region having its unique flavors and cooking styles. We hope this edition of our magazine gives you a glimpse into the rich and flavorful cuisine of India.
CONTENT
India on a Platter: Embarking on a culinary adventure through India’s cusineW
Tea: India’s Beloved Beverage
Idli:The Perfect Breakfast for a Healthy Start.
Chole Chawal: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Dhokla: A Delicious Snack From Gujarat
Biryani: The Flavorful and Iconic Rice Dish of India
Rasgulla: The iconic Sweet of Eastern India
“ a healthy outside starts from inside ”
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India on a Platter: Embarking on a culinary adventure through India’s cusine
Indian cuisine is known for its diverse and flavorful dishes, with each state having its own unique cuisine. Here are some popular and healthy dishes from different regions of India that we'll be covering in our magazine and you should definitely try: We’ll start our journey with a morning tea, a beloved ritual in India that is steeped in tradition and flavor. From the robust chai of Mumbai to the delicate Darjeeling tea of the hills, we’ll introduce you to some of the best teas that India has to offer.
Moving on to breakfast, we’ll explore the rich and varied cuisine
of South India, where dosas, idlis, and vadas reign supreme. These dishes are not just tasty, but also incredibly healthy and nutritious, making them a perfect way to start your day.
For lunch, we’ll travel to Northern India, where the cuisine is as diverse as the landscape. From the rich and creamy curries of Punjab to the simple yet flavorful dal and rice dishes of Bihar, we’ll show you the many different ways that India celebrates lunchtime.Next, we’ll head west to the state of Gujarat, known for its vibrant colors, rich culture, and mouth-watering snacks. From the crispy and
savory dhoklas to the spicy and tangy chaats, Gujarat’s street food scene is a foodie’s paradise. For dinner, we’ll showcase a dish that is famous all over India: the biryani. This aromatic and flavorful rice dish has many variations across the country, and we’ll take you through some of the most popular and delicious versions. Finally, we’ll end our journey on a sweet note with a dessert from the eastern state of West Bengal. From the creamy and luscious rasgullas to the decadent and aromatic mishti doi, Bengali sweets are a treat for the senses.
Indian cuisine has a lot to offer when it comes to healthy and delicious food.
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Tea – the wonder Brew of India. India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and cuisines. One of the most beloved beverages in India is tea, which is enjoyed by millions of people across the country. It is an integral part of the Indian culture and is consumed throughout the day, from early morning to late at night. Tea is believed to have been introduced to India by the British during the colonial era. The British were avid tea drinkers and brought tea seeds from China to India, where they were planted in the fertile soil of the foothills of the Himalayas. Since then, India has become one of the world’s largest tea producers, with tea plantations spread across the country.
Indian tea is known for its strong, rich flavor and is often brewed with a variety of spices and herbs to give it a unique taste. Masala chai, for example, is a popular Indian tea that is made with black tea, milk, and a blend of spices such as cin-
Tea: India’s Beloved Beverage
ginger, cardamom, and cloves. It is a comforting and soothing drink that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Another popular Indian tea is Assam tea, which is grown in the northeastern state of Assam. It is known for its full-bodied, malty flavor and is often consumed with milk and sugar. Darjeeling tea, which is grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, is another popular variety of Indian tea. It has a delicate, floral flavor and is often enjoyed without milk.
In recent years, specialty tea shops have become popular in India, offering a wide range of exotic teas from around the world. These shops offer everything from rare and exotic tea blends to traditional Indian teas, making it easy for people to explore and experiment with different types of tea.
In conclusion, tea is an integral part of the Indian culture and is enjoyed by people across the country. Whether it’s a cup of masa
la chai in the morning or a cup of Darjeeling tea in the afternoon, tea is a comforting and soothing beverage that brings people together. So, the next time you’re in India, be sure to try some of the delicious and exotic teas that this wonderful country has to offer
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Idli, a palm-sized steamed rice cake with fermented urad dal ( is ubiquitous in India, especially in the south).
South India is a vast, diverse region with a cuisine that has captured the minds of many. The popularity of South Indian staples such as idli, vada and dosa has transcended geographical boundaries, and has now found fans across the globe. Ever wondered why? Sure, in terms of taste and flavour they are incomparable. Many South Indian breakfast delicacies are so unique, that you wouldn’t find their counterparts elsewhere. But surely, there must be something more going on in its favour? Turns out, a quintessential South Indian breakfast is a treasure of vital nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. Not fried, but fermented, steamed food takes prominence here in forms of idli, dosa, upma et al, making you take a step, towards healthy lifestyle. .
If you know how batter of idli, dosa and uttapam are made, then you are wellaware of the process of fermentation. Enzymes and bacteria breakdown chemical compounds in the batter that helps batter rise. Additionally, fermented foods are also great probiotics, they help feed the
Idli: The Perfect Breakfast for a Healthy Start
gut, which in turn helps improve your digestion and immunit system. It also maximises intake of B Vitamins. One of the usual suspects in this breakfast spread is Sambar. Sambar is a lentil preparation made with tempering of mustard seeds, dried red chillies. Lentils are an incredible source of plant-based protein, when this sambar is paired with rice-based idli, dosa or appam, it becomes a complete, high-protein meal. Protein helps induce satiety, which prevents you from over-eating, thus aiding weightloss. You do not associate South Indian breakfast with all things fiery hot, but the food is in fact renowned for its use of healing spices such as turmeric, mustard seeds, black pepper, cumin fenugreek seeds, chillies et al. Spices used in moderation, is known to do wonders for your digestion and metabolism. Local ingredients like coconut, bananas and curry leaves are also. used generously in the South Indian cuisine. A delish chutney or relish that is almost, always served with South Indian food is chutney. Coconut is packed with many health benefits, it is rich
in fibre, plenty of antioxidants and minerals. In conclusion, idli is a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make breakfast option that is perfect for those looking for a quick and nutritious meal to start their day. With its fluffy texture and versatile taste, idli is sure to become a favorite breakfast dish for people around the world.
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hole is an Indian dish popularly known as ‘chickpea curry’. In Indian cuisine it is also known as chole masala due to the various kinds of spices used. This dish is quite popular in North Indian Punjabi cuisine, but other Indian regions also make chole with distinctive styles. It is a nice option for vegans and vegetarians. The color and taste of the dish depends upon the recipe used.
The recipe for this dish usually varies between regions. The dish either has a typical yellow color of curry or has dark black color. Like the color of the dish, the size of chole also varies. In some places, small pea size chickpeas are available whereas some regions have big size chana. The raw chickpeas are also called ‘kabuli chana’, they are lighter in color and mainly used to make chole. Any chana recipe is typically prepared with Bengal gram or ‘kale chane’.
One of the popular recipes for chole is
Chole Chawal: The Ultimate Comfort Food
chole masala and it is prepared by boiling either kabuli chana or black gram. It is recommended to soak chana overnight prior to boiling. Little soda-bi-carbonate can be included while soaking. Soaked chana should be pressure cooked until soft. Other ingredients including all dry and wet ingredients should be stirfried in oil or ghee to prepare a semi-dry masala for the chole. Subsequently, chana are added to the masala and stir-fried for proper coating Chole is indeed a healthy dish that can be consumed without any guilt. . This dish served with fried breads is regarded unhealthy, but chole kulcha is a nice option. Weight watchers also have boiled chole in form of chat. It is certainly a healthy dish with no-calories. Being a legume, chana can also be sprouted to make an innovative dish. Chole chawal is a versatile
and customizable dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions. Whether enjoyed as a comforting home-cooked meal or as a satisfying street food snack, chole chawal is a delicious and beloved part of India’s rich culinary heritage.
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hokla is a delicious and healthy snack that hails from the western state of Gujarat in India. This savory steamed cake is made from a batter of fermented rice and chickpea flour, giving it a light and fluffy texture. It is seasoned with spices such as mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chili, and is often served with a sweet and tangy chutney made from tamarind and jaggery.
Dhokla is not only tasty but also nutritious, as it is low in calories and high in protein and fiber. It is a great snack option for those who are looking for a healthy and satisfying way to curb their hunger pangs.
There are many different types of dhokla, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The most popular variety is the Khaman dhokla, which is made from a combination of rice and chickpea flour. It has a soft and spongy texture and is often served with a drizzle of oil and spices.
d tional benefits make it a guilt-free option for those who are watching their diet. So, the next time you’re looking for a tasty and satisfying snack, give dhokla a try and discover the flavors of Gujarat.
Dhokla:A Delicious Snack From Gujarat
Another popular variety is the Rava dhokla, which is made from semolina instead of chickpea flour. This type of dhokla has a slightly different texture and is often flavored with curry leaves and mustard seeds.
Dhokla is a staple snack in Gujarat, where it is often served at breakfast or as an afternoon snack with tea. It is also a popular street food in other parts of India and can be found at food stalls and markets.
In recent years, dhokla has gained popularity around the world and is now available in many Indian restaurants and supermarkets. It is a great option for those who are looking to try something new and flavorful.
In conclusion, dhokla is a delicious and healthy snack that is loved by many across India and beyond. Its unique flavor and texture make it a perfect snack for any time of day, and its nutri
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Biryani is an iconic and flavorful rice dish that is beloved across India and around the world. It is a layered dish that is made from fragrant long-grain basmati rice and an array of flavorful spices, herbs, and meats or vegetables. The origin of biryani can be traced back to the Mughal era, where it was served as a royal dish in the courts of the Mughal emperors. It is said to have been brought to India by Persian travelers, and over time, it evolved into the dish that we know and love today.
Biryani is a versatile dish that can be prepared in many different ways, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The most popular types of biryani in India are the Hyderabadi biryani, the Lucknowi biryani, and the Kolkata biryani, each with its own distinct flavor profile and cooking technique.
Hyderabadi biryani is perhaps the most well-known type of biryani, and it hails from the city of Hyderabad in South India. It is made from basmati rice and tender pieces of meat or vegetables that have
Biryani: The Flavorful and Iconic Rice Dish of India
cooked in a sealed pot over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Lucknowi biryani is a more delicate and subtle version of the dish, hailing from the city of Lucknow in North India. It is made with fragrant long-grain rice, tender pieces of meat or vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The dish is then layered with caramelized onions, saffron-infused milk, and fresh herbs, and cooked over low heat to allow the flavors to develop.Kolkata biryani, on the other hand, is a unique version of the dish that is popular in the eastern city of Kolkata. It is made with fragrant basmati rice, tender pieces of meat or vegetables, and a blend of spices that includes bay leaves, cinnamon, and cloves. The dish is then layered with caramelized onions, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh herbs, and cooked over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. In conclusion, biryani is a delicious and iconic rice dish that is loved by many across India and around the world. Its complex flavor profile and aromatic spices make it a truly special dish that
is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer the subtle flavors of Lucknowi biryani or the bold flavors of Hyderabadi biryani, there is no denying that biryani is one of the most delicious and satisfying dishes in Indian cuisine.
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Rasgulla is a beloved sweet that hails from the eastern state of West Bengal in India. This soft and spongy dessert is made from chenna, which is a type of fresh cheese made by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar. The chenna is then shaped into small balls and boiled in a syrup made from sugar and water, which gives it its distinctive sweet flavor. The origin of rasgulla can be traced back to the city of Kolkata, where it was first made in the 19th century by a famous confectioner named Nobin Chandra Das. Since then, rasgulla has become an iconic dessert that is loved by people across India and around the world.
Rasgulla is not only delicious but also has a unique texture that sets it apart from other desserts. The soft and spongy texture of the chenna is perfectly complemented by the sweet syrup making it a truly indulgent treat.
Rasgulla: The iconic Sweet of Eastern India
In recent years, rasgulla has become so popular that it has even been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Indian government, which means that only rasgulla made in West Bengal can be legally marketed under this name. There are many different variations of rasgulla that can be found across India, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The most popular variety is the white rasgulla, which is made from chenna and sugar syrup. Another popular variety is the brown rasgulla, which is made by boiling the chenna balls in caramelized sugar syrup, giving it a unique flavor and color. In conclusion, rasgulla is a delicious and iconic sweet that is loved by many across India and around the world. Rasgulla is not just a dessert, but a cultural icon that has stood the test of
time .Its soft and spongy texture, coupled with its sweet flavor, make it a truly indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. So, the next time you’re in West Bengal or at an Indian sweet shop, be sure to try this delectable dessert and experience the flavors of Kolkata.
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