Mouthwatering foods to eat in India-Part 2

11. Khaman

Khaman is a hot and spongy Indian savory snack that belongs to the state of Gujarat and which, due to its spongy texture and tangy-sweet taste, is considered one of the most popular snacks in Gujarat. Khaman can be easily mistaken for Dhokla, the major ingredients of Khaman are gram flour (besan), water, lemon juice, and baking soda, as a result of which it is incredibly fluffy. After being steamed to the perfection, it is cut into small square pieces and is seasoned with mustard seeds, green chilies and curry leaves and even sesame seeds. Add a generous amount of freshly grated coconut and cut coriander leaves to enhance the flavor and appearance

Khaman is normally accompanied with green chutney or tamarind chutney and is served as a breakfast item, snack or even a light meal. It is particularly popular because of its light nature and ease of digestion, and thus it is a street food and has household status across Indian states. Khaman has become very popular in India and it can be seen easily visiting the sweet shops, snack counters and Indian restaurants these days.

12. Rajma

The dish Rajma is a North Indian dish prepared using red kidney beans cooked with rich spiced gravy made with tomatoes. Though it is particularly common in Punjab and Parts of the state of Himachal, it is frequently eaten with steamed rice, which has become popularly known as Rajma Chawal.

The kidney beans are soaked overnight and are slow cooked till tender. They are cooked in onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a mix of a blend of aromatic spices including cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric. The outcome is a thick, nice curry which is filling, healthy and flavorful.

Not only is Rajma delicious but also is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, fiber and vital nutrients and this is the reason why Rajma is one of the most popular foods among vegetarians. It is widely consumed in homes, dhabas (eateries along the road side) and restaurants of India, at lunch or dinner. When cooked with rice or roti and accompanied by salad or yogurt, Rajma is a warm soul-satisfying dish that has deep roots firmly embedded in the Indian cuisine.

13. Dahi vada

Dahi Vada is a refreshing and tasty Indian snack that is prepared using a marvellously seasoned crepe called vada, which is deep-fried and soaked in creamy yogurt and garnished with piquant chutneys and spice. The vadas are made with urad dal (split black gram), soaked, its paste made and deep fried until it becomes golden in colour. Once cooled, they are immersed in water, then soaked in water, transferred to a bowl, and topped with chilled, mixed yogurt.

The dish then served with sweet tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, roasted cumin powder, chilli powder and sometime sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or sev for giving some texture. This cold, sour- sweet nibble is extremely well-liked by a great number of businessmen in the course of holidays like Holi and Diwali. Dahi Vada is not only great for the taste buds but also helps in cooling down of stomach in summer. There it is a popular dish in the state of India North India, particularly in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab, etc.

14. Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki is a spicy and crunchy potato patty which is very popular in India. These tikkis are shallow-fried and served hot being made of boiled potato, boiled peas and spices such as aromatic garam masala, cumin and coriander. Aloo Tikki can be served with some tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and creamy yogurt, and thus becomes a delicious snack food.

Vendors usually sell it in the busy market squares and food shops and it is also a popular evening snack among people both young and old. Eaten at times with chana (spiced chickpeas) or as chaat preparations, it is the perfect spice and crispy combination. This snack is satisfying not to mention fulfilling. Aloo Tikki is among the best snacks in India and it is a food that can never be missed by any person who wants to taste pure Indian street food, more so in places like Delhi, Lucknow and Mumbai.

15. Roti

Roti is flatbread (soft, unleavened) that forms the base of everyday meals in most Indian families. Roti is prepared using whole wheat flour and water and is roasted in a hot griddle (tava). Roti may also be puffed with an open fire to become extra soft. Possible accompaniments include vegetable dishes, lentils (dal), or meat curries or it can be used to mop up savoury gravies. As compared to naan, roti lacks yeast, being thus lighter and more health-friendly. Even in certain areas it is also spread with ghee to lend richness.

Roti is digestible, high in fiber and incredibly flexible and as a result of that, it is the staple throughout India, Punjab to Maharashtra to Gujarat. Roti as a popular dish in India is simple because of its deep roots in Indian cuisine. It is more than a side dish and a symbol of culture of home-cooked food and tradition.

16. Gajar ka halwa

Another Indian dessert, Gajar ka Halwa, also referred to as carrot halwa, is a ghee (clarified butter), milk, and sugar cooked grated carrot dessert, garnished with cardamom, cashews, almonds and raisins. It is a sweet concoction, full of aroma and very popular during winter seasons when fresh red carrots are grown in season. Slow-cooked over a long period on a slow fire Gajar ka Halwa yields a melt-in-the-mouth feel and a warm, comforting taste that makes it a special favourite during festivals. It is usually consumed at parties such as Diwali, weddings or family parties. People like it not only warm but also cold and liked by people of all ages. Gajar ka Halwa itself is the symbol of abundance of Indian sweets and the significance of the seasonal and homemade desserts in Indian cooking culture.

17. Paneer

Paneer is non-melting fresh cheese (curdled milk and lemon juice or vinegar), made with lemon juice or vinegar, and it is central of the Indian vegetarian cooking. Paneer is very versatile. It is soft, creamy and mild in flavor and can be grilled, fried, sauted or stewed in creamy curries such as Paneer Butter Masala, Palak Paneer or Shahi Paneer. When it comes to being a good source of protein, it is the best one, particularly among vegetarians, and a common product in both family and celebration cuisines. Panier soaks the spice and sauce flavors, and hence it becomes popular in Indian homes, as well as eating places.

Paneer dishes are filling and nourishing, whether eaten with roti, naan or rice. Paneer represents innovation and diversity of the Indian vegetarian cuisine and is still a common place in North Indian kitchens.

18. Dabeli

Dabeli is a favorite breakfast food in the western Indian region of Kutch, a dabeli closely resembles a burger, since its ingredients are sandwiched between a pav (bun). However, the patty is made from boiled potatoes instead of meat, which is then topped with spicy chutneys made from dates, garlic, and chilies, as well as pomegranate seeds and roasted peanuts.

19. Tandoori chicken

Tandoori Chicken is a very famous Indian food worldwide experienced due to its deliciousness, bright color, as well as tender meat. It is prepared by soaking chicken with yogurt together with different spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, garam masala and chili powder then cooking them in a warm clay oven known as a tandoor. The high temperature tends to burn the chicken giving it crispy edges on the outside but tender and juicy in the inside.

Tandoori Chicken can also be spotted where onions, lemons and mint chutney are served with Tandoori Chicken, so you also get the whole, complete, mouthwatering experience. It is eaten as a starter or as a complete meal together with naan or rice. The dish is not merely appetizing; it is high in protein and, at the same time, has low fat content. Tandoori Chicken is certainly the best food to to eat in India either by meat lover or spice lovers.

20. Samosa

Samosa is a golden fried, crisp pastry stuffed with a mixture of spiced potatoes, peas and occasionally lentils or minced meat. One of the most delicious foods in India is this triangular snack because of its crunchy shell and delicious stuffing. Samosas are usually flavored by cumin, coriander, garam masala and chili and can be accompanied by tangy tamarind or mint chutney.

Available everywhere, be it in the stalls or five star restaurants, samosas have become a common tea time snack and they are served in the festivals and during social gatherings. When the most frequent is the potato-pea type, regional differences are filled with paneer or chicken, or even sweet mixtures. Convenient to move and so insanely delicious, samosas are the trademark of Indian street food. They are endearing and economical hence everyone should explore Indian culinary delights once by trying them out.

21. Kulfi

Kulfi is a traditional Indian frozen dessert often referred to as Indian ice cream. In comparison to ordinary ice cream, kulfi is also more dense and creamy as they are prepared by boiling milk slowly when it thickens after which it is sweetened using sugar and instead flavored with additions such as cardamom, saffron, pistachios or mango. It is frozen without being churned into molds, and it has dense and chewy consistency. Kulfi is usually either served on sticks or in clay pots, called matkas. Kulfi is popular throughout India particularly in summer, and is served at festivals, weddings and at street food markets. It is a favorite a beloved dessert enjoyed across generations because of its natural taste and varieties of tastes it has.

22. Papdi chaat

Papdi (or papri) chaat is best described as the Indian version of nachos. A combination of sweet and spicy tastes and crunchy and creamy textures, this street food is piled high with wafers of fried dough that are then drenched in yogurt, tamarind chutney, boiled chickpeas and potatoes, and chaat masala.

23. Rogan josh

Rogan josh is a curry traditional to India originally in the Kashmir region which is a distinct dish in the cookery of Kashmiris. It is prepared using soft pieces of lamb or mutton, which are cooked at low temperature in a creamy thick gravy of yogurt, garlic, ginger and mix of aromatic spices such as Kashmiri chili, cardamom and cinnamon. Rogan Josh literally means 'red heat', referring to its vibrant red color rather than spiciness as the use of the chili makes the meat a very red color. This food is a rich, slightly spicy and aromatic dish. Rogan Josh is a popular comfort food, which can be found in the north in particular, often cooked in combination with steamed rice or naan. It is a perfect combination of Mughal and Kashmiri food 

24. Dosa

Dosa is a traditional South Indian dish that has become popular across all of India. It’s a thin, crispy pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram). Typically served hot, dosa is enjoyed with coconut chutney and tangy sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew). Variants like Masala Dosa, filled with spicy mashed potatoes, are especially popular for breakfast or dinner.

Dosa is not only delicious but also light and nutritious, being naturally gluten-free and rich in carbohydrates and protein. It’s commonly found in homes, street stalls, and restaurants alike. As a staple and beloved dish, dosa represents the diversity of Indian cuisine and is considered one of the most flavorful and best vegetarian foods in India.

Source: Thisisinsider