An important component of our travel experience is food, getting a taste of the local cuisine has fascinated travelers since ages. Food unarguably holds people and cultures together. Not just to satisfy our hunger pangs , bringing out flavors and pleasing the palate as well . 

For those who are curious to know about Indian cuisine, here’s a blog on some of the best Indian dishes. 

Indian food is well recognized internationally, the variety of dishes and taste is incomparable ! You’ll find a diverse range of cuisines depending upon the region, as India is a vast country comprising of different cultures and states. The spices, ingredients, vegetables and grains natural and healthy. 

India being an indigenous producer of spices – from chilly to cardamoms, each of these are used in the correct, balanced proportion  for an authentic taste.  

Paneer Butter Masala –  bursting with intense flavors, this dish comprises of a thick, creamy gravy, tossed with chunks of fresh cottage cheese (paneer in hindi) . The main ingredients in most Indian curries are onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and ground spices, and the same goes for `paneer butter masala’ too. An optional item can be cashew paste for a smooth, creamy consistency.  

Each painstakingly selected ingredient contributes to the greatness of this dish. Though it does takes time to be prepared, as each ingredient have to be fried and cooked, nevertheless, be assured the results are awesome ! Enjoy this masterful dish with either Indian  bread or steamed rice. Variation of this for non-vegetarians is the  chicken butter masala. The recipe for both are the same, except instead of paneer, chicken is put ! A  garnishing of fresh coriander leaves not just beautifies the dish, infuses a heavenly aroma. 

Dal Makhani –  made of a combination of different lentils, this main dish has a burst of flavors  and is healthy too ! The traditional method of cooking dal makhani, coming down from generations is on a slow wood fire, greatly enhancing the taste, giving it a smoky aroma! Though nowadays that not being possible, still  cooking dal makhani is a long process. The pulses have to be pre-soaked and cooked along with turmeric, ginger, salt etc in a vessel ( pressure-cooker is not used for it) . The final tempering in pure ghee and a dollop of cream is what makes this preparation divine. 

Laccha Paratha (Indian Bread) –  an accompaniment of the above two dishes,  this is a form on Indian wheat bread that is made from a special technique. Small portions of the soft dough are rolled out, layered, cooked on a flat pan, and served with a dash of butter on top. The laccha paratha  is crispy on outside and tender inside and goes well with any curry or lentils (`dal’ in hindi). Other type of Indian bread is `roti’ which is a staple food and eaten with almost all meals. 

Pani- puri –  the most popular street food, a favorite of both kids and adults, and an absolutely tantalizing snack ! The lip-smacking pani-puri consists of three items. The deep fried `puri’ is a  thin puffed crispy ball, that is filled with spicy, boiled and mashed potatoes or peas, dipped  in a tangy water and devoured. The flavorful water is laced with tamarind, mint and coriander leave paste, cumin powder and some other spices. A different form of this dish is the `dahi (curd) puri’, where the filling is of curd. 

Ras malai –  what better way to round off a delicious meal than by indulging in the palate pleasing dessert (mithai in hindi) `ras malai’ . It’s a royal, irresistible sweet made of cottage cheese balls  floating in a flavored, milky  syrup. A dash of saffron gives an alluring fragrance. 

There’s been an influence of the Mughal period on our food. A culinary masterpiece that intertwines flavours and texture  under this category are `tandoori kebabs’. Kebabs are small  pieces of previously marinated meat or vegetables, that are cooked on skewers, grilled or fried in a pan. The marinade consists of curd, powdered spices, ginger-garlic paste and chilly. Then there is the melt-in-the-mouth  `galouti kebab’ that is made of mince meat, these are excellent starters. A fresh mint chutney, onions and salad completes this platter. Each bite providing a forkful of comfort ! 

So many regions in India, each having its own cuisine and distinctive tastes.  The best Indian dishes have gained considerable fame around the world and are must try!

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

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Do you want to know which are the best and top 10 Italian dishes- check out this amazing information

Food is said to be a unifying  factor that not merely invigorates our taste buds, is delectable, and most important brings together people, countries and cultures! One such drool worthy cuisine that we all love is Italian cuisine. This blog is a guide on the best food in Italy.

As a tourist visiting Italy for the first time, looking forward to gorging on your all-time favorite dishes – pasta and pizza is evident. And to be having this delightful food in the place of its origin adds so much zing and spice!

Similar to most world cuisines, Italian food too has a deep-rooted connection to the culture and tradition of the region. Made using locally grown, fresh vegetables and ingredients, that enhances the taste and flavors. The best part is that it caters to every palette, hence so popular. 

 This blog is not just about food but an ultimate meal experience that touches all the senses and enriches your travel. Visually appealing, exquisitely presented local delicacies in rich, varied colors, emanating distinctive aromas of herbs and spices. Not just appealing to the taste buds, filling our hearts with happiness! 

 Pizza

The ocean-front town of Naples, is the place of the  origin of pizza. Particularly, the pizza margherita is a specialty here. The joys of having authentic, sizzling hot pizza sitting in a café overlooking the Mediterranean sea, in  Naples is surely out of the world.

WOODFIRE PIZZA

As far as the history of this Italian dish is concerned, it was first made in honor of Queen Margherita  as a `flat bread with toppings of cheese, tomato sauce and basil’. Later the same classic dish  diversified with so many types of toppings and crust…. a dish that is so delicious and popular across the world. 

MUST TRY IN NAPLES

It was an unplanned trip to Naples that we undertook from Rome , nevertheless were glad that we did it. Enjoying the  two-and-a-half-hour car ride, with views of the dormant volcano Mt. Vesuvius was absolutely captivating. Fortunate of getting a chance to gorge on the best pizza, in the place where it was first made. What more could anyone seek?!

So lets learn more about

“Top 10 Italian dishes”

The sea facing boulevard of Naples is famous for its line up of pizza joints. Isn’t it an incredible feeling of having this Italian dish, straight out of the wood fire oven, gazing at the views of the ocean as the setting sun disappeared over the horizon? One piece of advice for tourists, please check the timings of these restaurants, as most close in the afternoons and reopen again in the evening.  

A trip to this Mediterranean getaway is incomplete without visiting the nearby ruins of Pompeii. A remarkable archaeological site. It’s the town that got buried under volcanic ash from the then active volcano Mt. Vesuvius thousands of years ago. 

It’s the overall dining experience that people are looking for – one that satisfies your palate,  elevates your mood and soothes your soul. The culture of having an outside seating arrangement in restaurants is quite popular in Europe. You will find multitudes of outlets, where you can relish a hearty meal, whilst enjoying a fine view. 

Spaghetti  

We had our fair share of sightseeing around the historical wonders of the Italian capital since morning and were famished. One of the café’s that we came across and chose to have lunch at, in the capital of Italy, was a famous café in Piazza Navona. Sitting outdoors under a pretty canopy, and a well laid out table, of this decades old café, taking in the panoramic views of fountains and surrounding gothic structures. You’ll surely get the real taste of Italy here  – creamy spaghetti with loads of cheese, accompanied with bruschetta (a kind of garlic bread topped with tomatoes and vegetables), adding that zing! This was the best comfort food for the soul. 

Bruschetta and Focaccia 

Bruschetta is similar to cheese garlic bread with loads of different vegetables (jalapenos, mushrooms, bell peppers, avocado) or meat on top. It is a favorite starter and available anywhere in the world you go. Focaccia is another kind of Italian flat bread, with a layer of olive oil and different types of herbs sprinkled on top. This is a specialty of Italy and mostly available in the shoe-shaped country. 

Lasagna 

A baked, cheesy dish which is a complete meal in itself. Relish this delicacy in a cute restaurant in one of the alleys in Venice, below a bridge!! There is nothing more fulfilling than having a delicious meal in a great ambience, unwinding, beside the flowing, waterways. 

Venice is also known for its sea food

An incredible assortment of fresh fish to choose from. Being a fish lover, the whole fish platter that I had here was the best ever. The fish is first marinated in different spices, herbs and olive oil and then grilled. Garnished with lemon, onions, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and laid out on a colorful platter. This was the most magical  presentation of an absolutely juicy, succulent and flavorful dish!! 

Another unique variation comes in the form of an exotic cold fish salad. A medley of fish – salmon, shrimp, prawn all mixed together with lettuce, and a bunch of greens.  

Tiramisu 

Is a classic dessert of Italy, what better way to end a meal than to have this yummy treat.  

Gelato ice-cream is a specialty in this part of the world. Though, I don’t have a sweet tooth. Nevertheless throughout my stay, couldn’t refrain from entering the ice-cream parlors whilst roaming the streets, selling so many different flavors of the creamy, cool dessert. 

The entire trip to Italy was an unforgettable experience, possible more so with all the tasty Italian grub that we ate.

Also if you are interested in solo trip – check my latest post – SOLO Travel Essentials

RATNA SINGH

Dream| Discover | Travel | Bliss

travelsimplygo.com

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