Indian food owes its evolution to umpteenth factors. One of the foremost reasons is Indian culture and its diversity. Food has always been an essential factor to determine a country`s history and culture. The assortment of the scrumptious recipes of Indian food is simply awe inspiring. It is often said that `Variety is the spice of life.` This proverb is ideal to describe Indian food. The populace of the sub continent is as varied as its topography. The North Indians have their own culinary practices while the eating habits of the South Indians differ completely. The East Indians love their non vegetarian foods while the West Indians are renowned for their desserts.
This multiculturalism in India has, thus, led to the evolution of different styles of cooking. The
history of Indian food dates back to the Harappan civilisation. Several ancient texts discuss the eating habits of the sages. Historical data are also available on the culinary practices of the
Indus Valley Civilisation. When one talks about Indian food vegetarian foods top the list. Interestingly the history of Indian vegetarian food dates back to Buddhist era.
Vegetables in Indian food are therefore an indispensable part. Besides this the history of Indian food also provides a glimpse to the different regional cuisines.
The
Indian food industry has grown in leaps and bounds. Indian is a land of connoisseurs of food. People here not only love to eat but they derive immense pleasure in offering food to others. The contemporary ages have seen the emergence food companies like Bharti Enterprises, Dabur, Britannia Industries, Mother Dairy, Hindustan Unilever,
Amul, Mahashian Di Hatti, Parle Agro and several others. Besides the food manufacturers the hospitality industry with its ever increasing number of restaurants has also added a boom to the Indian food industry.
Indian food is the recipient of international fame because of its unique preparations and who could deny the variety that is rustled up regularly even in the households. The food culture of India not only offers spicy, mouth-watering treats but it also serves some of the most delicious desserts. The
popularity of Indian food has indeed popularised the
Indian beverages, non alcoholic drinks, can be additive simply for their flavours.
Influences On Indian Food is also immense. Whether it is the
religious influence on Indian food or the
Culinary Influences by Indian invasion, Indian food has witnessed lot of changes. India has been continuously invaded by forces that were diametrically different from its own culture. But the magnanimous sub-continent has accepted them and welcomed their culture, art and food habits. This is one of the reasons why India such a range of dishes. Aryans, Buddhists, Chinese, Parsi, Portuguese, British and, of course, Mughlai cuisines are the major sources of influences on Indian food.
The region of India can be divided into East, West, Central, North and South. Amazingly each of these regions has their separate specialities.
Indian Regional Cuisines: These cuisines include Indian vegetarian food,
Indian sweets,
Indian chutney and
Indian beverages.
Indian pickles and
Indian snacks are also part of the regional cuisines.
While the Indian foods are delectable the process of preparing them can be appallingly easy. These
Indian State Recipes are also quite healthy. Preparations like
idli, dhokla, lentils and others can be easily classified as health foods. During festivities special preparations are made. These
Indian festival foods are immensely delicious. One may often wonder about the secret behind such scrumptious Indian food! Well the mystery lies with the
Indian spices. A host of spices are used in different dishes to add flavour to the preparations.
The various
ingredients Of Indian Food further spice up the dishes. A lot of fruits, flowers and leaves, besides the Indian spices, are used even in day to day cooking to make them tasty. Nuts, coconuts,
curd,
saffron,
tamarind and others are some of the oft used ingredients in Indian food preparations.
In India one will come across a deft chef in every household. Another interesting fact is that culinary skills in India are not restricted to women. In fact in ancient times the `bawarchi` or cooks in royal houses were primarily men. This tradition of
Indian Chefs continues even today. As far as the hospitality industry is concerned several Indian chefs have achieved international recognition. Such assorted range of cuisines and recipes makes India a dream come true for the food epicureans.
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