We love Indian food in the UK, arguably more than we love British dishes. Growing in popularity since the 1950’s, the colourful and flavoursome array of Indian dishes have been tantalising palates for decades.
India is the seventh largest country in the world by area and the second most populous with 1.3 billion people. Its world famous cuisine is a culmination of 8,000 years of different groups and cultures interacting.
Predominantly a Hindu country, New Delhi is the capital of the democratic republic which has the Indian Ocean in the South, the Arabian Sea to its South West and the Bay of Bengal in the South East.
India borders Pakistan to the West; China, Nepal and Bhutan in the North East and Myanmar and Bangladesh to the East. The famous Spice Trade between India and Europe played a significant role in its history of international relations.
Vibrant colours, rich aromas and flavoursome spices are just a few of the things that have made us fall in love with Indian food.
Ideal for sharing, Indian cuisine is a great choice for intimate, social dinner parties with famous chefs including Atul Kocchar, Madhur Jaffrey, Vikas Khanna and Sanjeev Kapoor making sure this international cuisine is here to stay.
Everyone has their favourite curry whether it’s a mild and creamy korma or a hot, hot, hot vindaloo, Indian cuisine is as diverse as our taste-buds will allow.
The Circulon Ultimum Saute Pan is ideal for reducing curry sauces with its high density forged design and three layers of non-stick coating providing fast and even cooking.
Also boasting a reinforced base and pan rim, you can find out more about how this can make cooking even more of a pleasure and less of a chore here.
To host your Indian themed dinner party, allow plenty of time to freshly prepare a selection of appetizers and mains giving guests an eye-catching and mouth-watering feast to entertain all their senses.
A top tip is to consider a variety of complimentary colours, flavours and textures. Between 20 – 40 % of Indians are vegetarian so include a good mix of meat and vegetarian dishes to mirror a typical Indian dinner spread.
Serve delicious appetisers such as small samosas, onion bajjis and pakoras before you sit down to dine together.
No Indian meal is complete without freshly made poppadums with a selection of dips and toppings including mango chutney, chopped onions and minty yogurt.
Dal chicken could be one of your mains and uses lentils, beans and pulses and is a hearty, warming and flavoursome dish using a range of herbs and spices including coriander, cumin, turmeric and mint.
Tandoori chicken is another option originating from the Indian subcontinent with the chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices including cayenne pepper or red chili powder to give its fiery red hue.
Don’t forget the essential accompaniments such as pilau rice and peshwari naan bread to give dinner guests the authentic Indian experience.
Depending on your chosen level of chilli inclusion, a cooling dessert such as kulfi - known as the traditional Indian ice cream – would make a good follow up providing all the qualities of an ice-cold dessert with a denser, creamier texture and taste to ordinary ice cream.
To find more recipes click here.
Some candles and burning incense can really help to set the mood as you welcome your guests with dishes served on your best china and crystal glasses full of either cold beer or wine.
Say goodbye to bland food and namaste to Indian delights.
