Chicken tikka masala is undeniably delicious, but it only scratches the surface of South Asian cuisine. The region boasts a treasure trove of flavors that range from savory to sweet, spicy to mild. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious beginner, these 12 dishes will introduce you to the broader spectrum of South Asian flavors. Get ready to expand your palate with these culinary gems.
Contents
Biryani
Combine basmati rice, chicken or lamb, yogurt, onions, garlic, ginger, saffron, and a blend of spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala, cinnamon, cloves). Cook the meat with the spices until tender. Partially cook the rice by boiling it. In a large pot, layer the meat and rice, topping with saffron milk. Cover and steam until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
Dosa
Dosa is a crispy, savory pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal. To prepare, soak the rice and dal separately overnight, then blend them into a smooth batter and let it ferment for several hours. When ready to cook, spread a thin layer of the batter onto a hot griddle and cook until golden and crisp. Serve the dosa with coconut chutney and sambar, a spicy and tangy lentil soup, for a delicious South Indian meal that’s both light and satisfying.
Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a hearty, aromatic lamb curry that is sure to warm you up. Start by browning diced lamb in oil, then set it aside. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until they are soft and fragrant. Add the lamb back to the pot along with yogurt, tomatoes, and a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and paprika. Simmer the mixture until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich, velvety consistency. Serve Rogan Josh with steamed rice or naan for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is a creamy, tomato-based curry that is a favorite in Indian cuisine. Begin by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric. After marinating the chicken, cook it in a hot pan until browned. In another pan, cook onions, tomatoes, and additional spices in butter until the mixture is thick and fragrant. Add the chicken to the sauce, simmer until the chicken is cooked through, and finish with a generous splash of cream. Serve Butter Chicken with naan or rice for a rich and satisfying meal.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a simple yet delicious vegetarian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. Start by sautéing chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes in oil until soft. Add diced potatoes and cauliflower florets, along with turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and salt. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the spices are well-blended. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve Aloo Gobi with warm naan or steamed rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Chole Bhature
Chole, or chickpea curry, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is easy to make. Cook chickpeas with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Serve Chole with Bhature, a deep-fried, puffy bread made from a dough of flour, yogurt, and baking soda, for a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of day.
Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a classic Indian dish made with paneer cheese and spinach. Start by blanching spinach and blending it into a smooth paste. Sauté paneer cubes in a pan until they are golden and set aside. In another pan, cook onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes with cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric until the mixture is fragrant. Add the spinach paste and paneer to the pan, and simmer briefly until everything is well-blended and heated through. Serve Palak Paneer with rice or naan for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Pho
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is both fragrant and flavorful. Begin by simmering beef bones with star anise, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and onions for several hours to create a rich broth. Strain the broth to remove the solids and set it aside. Cook rice noodles according to the package instructions, then place them in bowls along with thinly sliced beef. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef, and garnish with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and green onions. Serve Pho with lime wedges and bean sprouts for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Adobo
Adobo is a popular Filipino dish made with chicken or pork simmered in a flavorful marinade. Marinate the meat in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns for at least an hour. Transfer the meat and marinade to a pot and simmer until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Serve Adobo over steamed rice and enjoy the savory, tangy flavors of this classic dish.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a delicious Thai noodle dish that is quick and easy to make. Start by stir-frying rice noodles with tofu, shrimp, eggs, garlic, and bean sprouts in a hot pan. Season the mixture with tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and chili powder to taste. Once everything is well-cooked and blended, garnish the Pad Thai with crushed peanuts and lime wedges. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, sour, and savory flavors of this popular Thai dish.
Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup from Malaysia and Singapore that is full of bold flavors. Prepare a rich broth with coconut milk, chicken or shrimp, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and red curry paste. Simmer the broth until it is fragrant and well-blended. Cook rice noodles according to the package instructions and place them in bowls. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and top with bean sprouts, boiled eggs, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. Serve Laksa hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy flavors of this comforting dish.
Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng is an Indonesian fried rice dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Start by stir-frying cooked rice with shrimp paste, garlic, shallots, and chili until everything is well-blended and fragrant. Add eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce to taste, and continue cooking until the rice is heated through. Serve Nasi Goreng with a fried egg on top and a side of cucumber and tomato slices for a complete and delicious meal.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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