Different Types of Indian Cuisine

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India cuisine or Indian food consists of a wide diversity of cuisines which are native to Indian regions. Given the range of variety in soil type, climate and type of employment, these cuisines differ significantly from each other and use herbs, spices, vegetables and fruits that are locally available. Indian food is also under strong influence of religious and cultural choices and traditions.

The development of these types of food has been mold by Dharmic beliefs, and particularly by vegetarianism, which is quite a noticeable dietary trend in Indian society. Central Asian has also had its influence on n cuisine of North India from the years of Turkic Delhi and Mughal Sultanate rule. Indian food has been and is still evolving now, as a result of the nation's cultural cooperation with other societies.

Historical events such as foreign inroads, trade connections and colonialism have also served its purpose in introducing certain foods to India. For example, potato, a staple of Indian cuisine was introduced to Indians by the Portuguese, who also brought chillies and breadfruit. Indian cuisine has also had its impact on the history of international relations; the trade of spices between India and Europe is often considered by historians to be the most important catalyst for Europe's Age of Discovery. They were bought from India and were goods of trade around European countries and Asia. It has also had its influence on other cuisines across the world, in particular Southeast Asia, the British Isles and the Caribbean.

Main products of Indian cuisine are comprised of:

• pearl millet (bajra),

• toor (pigeon pea),

• rice,

• whole-wheat flour (atta),

• a variety of lentils, especially masoor, urad (black gram), and moong (mung bean).

Certain pulses, such as channa (chickpea), Rajma or kidney beans, lobiya are very prevalent, especially in the North. Channa and mung are also processed into flour (besan).

The majority of Indian plates are cooked in vegetable oil. However, peanut oil is not less popular in northern and western India. Mustard is widespread in eastern India, and coconut oil along the western coast. Gingelly (sesame) oil is widely distributed in the south. Recently, soybean and sunflower oils have gained its popularity across India.

Curry

Curry powder, a mixture of spices, is substantially a Western idea, dating back to the 18th century. Mixtures like this are generally believed to have first been prepared by Indian merchants for trade to the British Colonial government and army on their way back to Britain.

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