Indian food owes its evolution to one of the foremost reasons being Indian culture and its diversity. Food has always been an essential factor to determine a country"s developmental history and civilized culture. The assortment of the scrumptious recipes of Indian food is simply awe inspiring. 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.
History of Indian Food
The history of Indian food dates back to the Harappan civilisation. Several ancient texts discuss the eating habits of the Indian sages. Historical data are also available on the culinary practices of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Vegetables in Indian food are an indispensable part. Besides this the history of Indian food also provides a glimpse to the different regional cuisines.
Indian Food Industry
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 of 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. As far as the hospitality industry is concerned several Indian Chefs have achieved international recognition.
Varieties of Indian Food
Indian food amiably is the recipient of global fame because of its unique preparations and varieties rustled up regularly. Diversity of dishes, appetizers, snacks, side dishes and desserts have instituted copious fans on an international scale. Combining all promising tastes; the Indian cuisine is bound to satisfy spice-lovers and persons with a sweet tooth alike.
While the Indian foods are delectable, the process of preparing them can be appallingly easy. 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.
Influences on Indian Food
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 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 caters 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.
Indian Regional Cuisines
The region of India can be divided into East, West, Central, North, North-East and South. Amazingly each of these regions has their separate specialities. Indian Regional Cuisines include Indian vegetarian food, Indian sweets, Indian chutney and Indian beverages. Indian pickles and Indian snacks are also part of the regional cuisines. These Indian State Recipes are also quite healthy.
Ingredients of Indian Food
The various ingredients of Indian Food further spice up the dishes. A host of Indian spices are used in different dishes to add flavour to the preparations. Fruits, flowers, leaves, nuts, coconuts, curd, saffron, tamarind and others are some of the often used ingredients in Indian food preparations.
