The Indian cuisine is one of the world’s most diverse cuisines, characterized by its subtle use of the many spices, vegetables, grains and fruits grown across the country. Due to the diversity in soil, climate, customs and traditions, these cuisines vary substantially. Religion has a great impact on Indian cuisine. Hinduism promotes vegetarianism while Islam is the most dominate in the cooking of meats.
History of Indian cuisine
Indian cuisine is approximately 8,000-years old. Historical events like invasion and trade with different groups and cultures have led to a diversity of flavours and regional cuisines found in modern-day India.
While many ancient Indian recipes have been lost, one can look at ancient texts to see what was eaten in ancient, pre-historic and medieval India. Proofs about the availability and consumption of the following foods have been found in the ancient texts and scriptures.
Following dishes were used in the past :
- Rice
- Rice cake
- Curd
- Sugar
- Ghee
- Figs
- Betel Leaves
- Honey
- Salt
- Saffron
- Sesame Oil
- Grape Wine
- Turmeric
- Sugarcane
- Chickpeas
- Sorghum
Indian cuisine varies from state to state and region to region.
In India there are a total of 29 states each state has its own delicacy. These dishes are symbolic of one’s customs, traditions and values. Here is the famous dish of every state:
- Maharashtra – Misal Pav
- Punjab – Makki Di Roti & Sarson Da Saag
- West Bengal – Kosha Mangsho
- Gujarat – Dhokla
- Kashmir – Rogan Josh
- Tamil Nadu – Pongal
- Assam – Papaya Khar
- Bihar – Litti Chowkha
- Himachal Pradesh – Dham
- Andhra Pradesh – Pootha Rekulu
- Telangana – Biryani
- Goa – Fish Curry
- Uttarakhand – Kafuli
- Tripura – Chakhwi
- Manipur – Kangshoi
- Meghalaya – Jadoh
- Kerala – Appam
- Madhya Pradesh – Bhutte Ka Kees
- Rajasthan – Dal Baati Churma
- Haryana – Bajre Ki Khichdi
- Arunachal Pradesh – Thukpa
- Sikkim – Momos
- Karnataka – Bisi Bele Bath
- Nagaland – Pork with Bamboo Shoots
- Mizoram – Misa Mash Poora
- Odisha – Chenna Poda
- Chhatisgarh – Chila
- Jharkhand – Rugda
- Uttar Pradesh – Kabab
INDIAN CUISINE AND HEALTH BENEFITS
Indian cuisine includes a variety of spices, where every spice has many health benefits. Including a variety of spices and vegetables in one’s diet is important for living healthy. The health benefits of Indian cuisine are:
1)Good for your brain.
Turmeric is one of the most common spices which is used in Indian dishes. It is good for your brain health as it helps in preserving memory and stops cognitive decline as well.
2) Prevents cancer
Indian diet helps you fight off cancer and also reduces the change to get cancer.
3) Keeps heart safe
If you want to keep your heart healthy and safe include Indian Cuisines in your daily diet. One must eat local and seasonal vegetables and fruits at the right time for good health and strong immunity.
4) Good for Human Bones
Most of the Indian cuisines are made from milk and curd which contain calcium. Studies have shown calcium is very good for keeping bones healthy.