The American Indian diner

Indian cuisine is fast gaining popularity in major cities all over the world. So much so, that they are a common inclusion in many top holiday destinations. So what is it that makes Indian cuisine this popular? The answer is simple. On a global platform, continental cuisine is very popular. But in the Indian sub-continent you need a little spice in your life. And this is very evident in the food preferences here. As such, in time Indian food has made its foray into the American lifestyle. Of course it takes great effort to break out of your comfort zone and sample something that’s so new to you, but with a little help, understanding Indian cuisine may not be as difficult as you think.
What sets Indian food apart is the generous use of spices. In recent times the use of spices is popular all over, but there’s a little difference. Spices used are packaged and processed and are in their dry forms. In Indian cuisine, you will experience different tastes because spices are used very differently. Whole spices are preferred. The use of fresh spice changes taste as well as the aroma. Fresh spices are ground, and not just put away in a mixer to do a quick job. The use of the ancient “mortar and pestle” is still popular where fresh spices are ground in generous quantities. This adds to the flavor, aroma and gives a rich texture to the food. Another thing that you have to take into consideration from beforehand is that a large number of Indian preparations will be a little oily as compared to the food you usually eat.
What you will notice about Indian cuisine is that most things you order for are colored. Instead of eating dishes that revolve around white sauces or baked products, Indian food is a lot more detailed. In most Indian food, the base for your gravy, which is the spices, is known as “masala.” When you sauté the spice it shrinks and in case you need a liberal quantity the chef could use coconut, tomato, onions or curd to cook up enough gravy, depending on what you choose to eat. In many dishes you will find the use of dry fruits like raisins, dates and even cashewnuts.