Indian Cuisne :: India Food

India which is also called 'The Republic Of India', is a very large country in South Asia. By size is it the 7th largest country in the world. It also the 2nd most populated democratic country in the world. It is nearly surrounded by water but connected at the north end of the country the the rest of Asia. On it's south is the Indian Ocean. On the west, the Arabian Sea and on the east the Bay Of Bengal. It is connected to countries such as China, Nepal and Pakistan which also have had an affect on India's cuisine. India is also subdivided into 28 States and 7 Union Territories which each have different variations of Indian cuisine . Bhapa This technique is simply steaming, usually in banana leaves or in foil. This is used in Eastern India and other parts of India for Fish and Vegetables. Bhunao/Kasha This is the process of cooking mainly rich meat dishes in a onion spice base on low heat stirring frequently for a very long time. Bagar/Chowk Or Sambara This is the process of tempering foods with the final addition of spices and ghee. It is used for most lentil dishes. Dum-Pukth This is cooking in a sealed steam pot, this method is typical of the cooking of Lucknow and is used for rice dishes such as Biryanis and Pillaus. Talna This is the term for frying both deep and shallow. Tikkis and Kababs are cooked this way. Sekhna Is the process of pan roasting for nuts and griddle breads. Garam Masal Garam Masala is a term for a mixture of spices used in Indian cooking. There are many commercial brands are available, but keen cooks can grind and blend their own. This ensures freshness and means you have control over the quality and quantities of the individual spices. There is no official recipe for Garam Masala, but many Indian families have their own variety. Common ingerdients are Nutmeg, Cumin seeds, toasted Black peppercorns, Whole cloves, Cinnamon sticks, Black or green cardamom. Cumin Cumin from Western Asia, where it has been harvested since Biblical times. People cook with the fruits of the plant, which are usually called the seeds. Cumin is a very weak spice often used in highly spiced cuisines, especially Mexican and Indian. Ginger Ginger is used a lot as a cooking ingredient or spice in Asian cuisine. It is also used in many western dishes such as Gingerbread Men, Ginger Beer and Ginger Snaps.