The rich tapestry of Indian cuisine holds centuries of tradition, culture, and flavour. At Express Indian Delivered, we're passionate about sharing authentic Indian meals with families across the UK. One of the first steps to appreciating Indian cuisine is understanding its unique terminology.
When we develop our authentic frozen meals at Express Indian Delivered, we use traditional techniques and terms that have been passed down through generations. Let's explore these fundamental concepts to build your Indian food vocabulary.
Tadka (or tempering) refers to the technique of heating oil or ghee and adding spices to release their essential oils before adding other ingredients. This process forms the flavour foundation of many Indian dishes. We use this method in our kitchens to create that authentic taste you enjoy at home.
Masala simply means a mixture of spices. Each region in India has its own signature masala blends. From the famous garam masala (a warm spice mix) to the specialised chat masala (tangy spice mix), these combinations create the characteristic flavours in our meals.
Bhuna describes the cooking process where spices are gently fried in oil until they release their aromas. This technique concentrates flavours and is crucial for dishes like our rich curries.
India's vast geography means cooking terms vary significantly from region to region. As a family business dedicated to authentic Indian cuisine, we incorporate techniques from across the subcontinent.
Northern Indian Terms
Tandoor is a traditional clay oven used to cook naan, roti, and tandoori dishes at extremely high temperatures. The distinctive char and smokiness impart unique flavours that we capture in our tandoori offerings.
Ghee is clarified butter widely used in North Indian cooking. It has a higher smoke point than regular butter and adds a nutty, rich flavour to dishes.
Dum cooking involves sealing a pot with dough and slow-cooking food in its own juices and steam. This technique creates the meltingly tender meats and fragrant rice in our biryani dishes.
Southern Indian Terms
Tadka takes on a different meaning in South India, where it's often called baghar or chhaunk. Here, mustard seeds and curry leaves typically form the base.
Rasam refers to a tangy, spicy soup-like preparation popular in South India, particularly Tamil Nadu. It's often served with rice or as a starter.
Thoran is a dry vegetable dish from Kerala, typically made with grated coconut and minimal spices, allowing the vegetable flavours to shine through.
The term "curry" means different things across India's regions. We take pride in offering authentic versions rather than generic interpretations.
Korma is a mild, creamy curry made with yoghurt or cream. Our family recipe features aromatic spices without overwhelming heat.
Jalfrezi involves stir-frying marinated meat or vegetables with plenty of onions and peppers in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
Dhansak combines elements of Persian and Gujarati cuisine, featuring lentils cooked with meat and vegetables, creating a sweet-sour-spicy balance.
Dopiaza (meaning "two onions") features onions added at two different stages of cooking, creating layers of flavour and texture.
Rogan Josh is a Kashmiri speciality with a distinctive red colour from Kashmiri chillies. Our version balances aromatic spices with moderate heat.
Understanding ingredient terminology helps appreciate the complexity of Indian cuisine.
Dal refers to dried, split pulses such as lentils, peas, or beans. They form the protein backbone of many vegetarian Indian dishes.
Paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese used in many vegetarian dishes. We make ours by hand using traditional methods for the perfect texture.
Hing (asafoetida) is a pungent resin that transforms when cooked, adding a savoury, umami note to many dishes.
Kalonji (nigella seeds) has a distinctive bitter, peppery flavour that adds complexity to naan bread and vegetable preparations.
No Indian meal feels complete without the perfect accompaniment.
Naan is a leavened flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor. Our family recipes yield the perfect combination of crisp exterior and fluffy interior.
Roti (or chapati) is an unleavened whole wheat flatbread that's an everyday staple across much of India.
Pulao refers to rice cooked with spices and sometimes vegetables, while biryani takes this concept further with layers of rice, meat, and spices cooked together.
Understanding these terms enhances your appreciation of the meals we create. When you choose our frozen Indian meals, you're experiencing authentic cooking techniques and traditional recipes brought directly to your home.
We blast-freeze our freshly prepared dishes to lock in flavours and nutrients, ensuring that when you heat them at home, you experience Indian cuisine at its finest. Our family business combines traditional knowledge with modern convenience, bringing restaurant-quality meals to your freezer.
Ready to explore authentic Indian flavours with your newfound knowledge? Visit Express Indian Delivered to browse our menu of handcrafted dishes made with care, traditional techniques, and the finest ingredients.
Your journey into Indian cuisine doesn't end with understanding terminology—it's just beginning. We're excited to be part of your culinary adventure, bringing the authentic tastes of India directly to your table.
Share:
© 2024 Express Indian Cuisine
