Indian Cooking Tips: 7 Traditional Cooking Techniques Used In Indian Food

Indian cuisine is an amalgamation of flavours, colors and a rich history dating back thousands of years. In fact, in India, each dish tells a story along with the ingredients used in a recipe. It includes various local spices, farm produce and more, adding layers and textures to our everyday meals. Best of all, we find a wide range of foods and drinks in the cuisine—each with a unique character that makes it very different. Cooking techniques contribute to the versatility. If you explore, you will find Indians using different cooking methods for different dishes. Besides ingredients, technique also plays a major role in defining the character of a dish. In this article, we will explore some of the traditional cooking techniques that are widely used in Indian cuisine.

Here are 7 of the most popular cooking techniques used in Indian cuisine:

1. Tadka (or Tadka):

Tadka is a cooking technique in which spices are added to hot oil or ghee. This method is commonly used in North Indian cuisine and is used to enhance the flavor of dals, curries and vegetables. spices used in Tadka vary; But some of the most common include cumin, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and dry red chilies.

Read also: 5 types of tadka to enhance your food; and health benefits of various tadkas

2. Grilling and Roasting:

Grilling and roasting are popular cooking techniques in Indian cuisine, especially in the north. Tandoor, an earthen oven, is used to grill and roast a variety of dishes such as tandoori chicken, naan bread and kebabs. To make tandoori chicken or vegetables the ingredients are marinated in a mixture of spices, curd and lemon juice and then set for it. Grill,

Read also: Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Mushrooms And 5 Other Tandoor Snacks You Must Try

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3. Cooking Dum:

cooking stew Slow cooking is a technique that involves sealing the dish in a pot using dough or aluminum foil and cooking it over low heat. This method is commonly used for cooking biryani, pulao and other rice based dishes. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and infuse into the dish.

Read also: Dum Chicken and More: 7 Dum-Cooked Recipes You Must Try

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4. Pressure Cooking:

pressure cooking It is a popular cooking technique in India, especially for cooking lentils, beans and stews. The high-pressure steam generated inside a pressure cooker helps in preparing food quickly, making it a convenient and time-saving method of cooking.

Read also: 5 Most Popular Pressure Cooker Recipes

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5. Fry:

Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique used in Indo-Chinese cuisine, which is a fusion of Indian and Chinese flavours. This technique involves quickly cooking vegetables, meat and noodles in a wok over high heat. The ingredients are then stir-fried with a variety of sauces and condiments such as soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar.

Read also: Weekend Special: 7 Easy Stir-Fry Recipes for the Perfect Lazy Weekend Meal

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6. Steaming:

Steaming is a healthy cooking technique used in India. It helps you in preparing a variety of dishes like Idli, Dhokla and Momos. Here, the food is placed in a steamer basket or idli stand and cooked in boiling water. This allows food to be cooked without losing much of its nutrients or flavor.

Read also: 7 Steamed Indian Recipes You Can Munch On Without Any Guilt

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7. Pickle making:

Pickling is a traditional preservation technique used in India. This method is followed to preserve fruits and vegetables. This technique involves marinating the ingredients in a mixture of spices, vinegar and oil. Pickles can be stored for several months and used to add flavor to your daily meals.

Read also: 7 Lip-Smacking South Indian Pickles You Need To Try

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In India, people follow different cooking techniques, which may differ from region to region. So, the next time you enjoy an Indian meal, take some time to appreciate the unique flavors and cooking techniques that make it so special.

Happy indulgence, everyone!