Flavours and colours: 5 easy Indian recipes

Hi foodie, did you miss me?

I was still travelling! You either have a jet-set life, or you don't! 😎

This time, I dragged my leeky butt all the way to India. Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala... it was all wow! India is one of the most exotic countries in the world for a seasoned traveller of the human race... so imagine a herbaceous person like me! The smells, the colours, the flavours... it's like losing your leaves!

But don't worry, foodie, just because I was browning my skin in Gandhi's country doesn't mean I've forgotten you. Noway! I wrote down a lot of great recipes during my trip. So strap on your tuque because I'm sharing with you my favourites ❤️ of Indian cuisine!
 

Indian cuisine: rich and unique

Indian cuisine is quite varied! You don’t eat the same thing from one religion to another, from one region to another or even from one social class to another. That’s a lot of variety! But like everything else, there are some things you can’t do without. 👇

India’s favourite foods

The basis of Indian cuisine is spices. And while they’re used in various ways in all regions of India, some spices are always in vogue. Here are a few examples:

• Curry
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Saffron (especially in the Kashmir region) 
• Tamarind

Indian recipes are full of spices! And they’re often found in a blend called Masala.

Well, spices are all well and good, but turmeric isn’t going to fill your belly! These are the Indian favourites in the “food that nourishes” category:

• Cashew nuts
• Coconut milk
• Coconut
• Pistachios
• Onions
• Almonds
• Mint
• Rose water
• Sesame seeds
• The chicken
• The sheep
• The fish
• The lamb

Beef and pork, as you may know, are not really in because of Islamic and Hindu religious prohibitions. As a result, vegetarianism is quite widespread in India (one more point for my kind)! 😎

North and South: varieties of Indian cuisine

In the south of the country, nature is everywhere. Beaches, plants, flowers, coconut palms, you name it! So the cuisine is veg-inspired: bin vegetables, spices and rice. 🌴

In the North, the cuisine is Mughal-inspired. There’s more room for meat, and recipes are more fragrant. Bread is also very much in vogue: we eat it almost every meal!

The traditional Indian meal

In India, we rarely eat appetizers. We’re more of the appetizer type, which cuts our hunger and allows us to run until the meal.

As far as drinks are concerned, water takes pride of place during the meal. Other liquids (coffee, chai, lassi, etc.) are mainly used as aperitifs or thirst-quenchers. And you should know that, again, because of religious prohibitions, alcohol is not as widely available as it is here. 

And must-try meals include Aloo Gobi, tandoori chicken (the quintessential Indian recipe) and pakoras. 

Well, enough context, it’s time to put on your headgear! 👩‍🍳

5 recipes for easy Indian cooking

Cheese naan bread: the essential Indian recipe (in French)

In India, bread is famous! Because I remind you that in this country, people eat a lot with their hands. So they use bread as a utensil (isn’t human ingenuity great?)!

And there are many kinds of bread: naan, toast, chapati, paratha, poori, and so on. It’s not complicated: bread varies according to the shape and cooking method. Its main ingredients? Warm water, whole wheat and melted butter (or oil). Before baking, you can even sprinkle chopped herbs and onions over the bread... it adds a little magic touch! 

Butter chicken, a quick and easy Indian recipe (in French)

We can’t talk about Indian recipes without mentioning the classic butter chicken. You may know nothing about India, but you’ve definitely heard of butter chicken. I’d even heard about it from the back of my field. The first time I tasted it, it was in a Plaisir Gastronomique box. Well, it was good, but it had NOTHING to do with the recipe I’m proposing here! This is in a different league. Plus, it’s an express version.

A quick and easy Indian recipe? We like it just the same 😉

Vegetable curry: a treat for vegans (in French)

As I said above, veggie food is popular in India! If that also turns you on, try this vegetable curry: you’ll love it! Potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, peas, tomatoes, cashews, curry powder, coconut milk... a melting pot of goodness!

Potatoes and cauliflower: Aloo Gobia (in French) must for Indian cuisine

Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes and a blend of spices, including cumin, paprika, turmeric and ginger. A classic of Indian cuisine!

Ladoo: gluten-free Indian recipe for sweet teeth (in French)

Another classic. Ladoo is an easy gluten-free Indian recipe made with chickpea flour. It’s one of the most fashionable desserts for parties and weddings. 

In fact, this recipe is so good it’s not just for India. You can also eat ladoo in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. And the best part? The recipe changes from place to place. It can be made up of dried fruit (famous in the Uttar Pradesh region), almonds, sugar cubes, cashew nuts, etc. Basically, let your imagination run wild!

Does it make your mouth water? So are mine! So get out your cook’s hat and try these easy Indian recipes! Trust handsome Serge: these dishes will transport you to the land of the Maharajas! 🐪

And if you like the exotic vibe but are more into Greek recipes (in French) or Moroccan recipes (in French), check out our website. You’re bound to find some great ideas!