India is renowned for its rich tapestry of flavors, where the harmony between main dishes and their accompaniments plays a pivotal role. Chicken is a pivotal protein and is prepared in so many ways. Did you know that each and every state in India has its own special way of making its food, which makes it even more unique? However, it is a thoughtful pairing with sides and garnishes. Balancing herbs and spices, creating a savory taste, makes a meal so satisfying. From the creamy allure of butter chicken, and spicy sweet rara chicken to the tangy mouth-watering and nutritious salads, each preparation finds its perfect match. This article delves into the art of garnishing and pairing the mains with the sides in salads and chicken.
POPULAR INDIAN CHICKEN DISHES
- BUTTER CHICKEN – This delicacy can also be called Murgh Makhani, a creamy tomato and butter-based curry that is mildly spicy. The chicken is first of all grilled, then later simmered in the curry with some fresh cream and spices. Honey is also added to the mixture, giving it a sweet and spicy taste.
- CHICKEN BIRYANI – This is a fragrant rice dish layered with marinated chicken and aromatic spices and herbs. The chicken is cooked first then added to the rice to give it that spicy and chicken flavour that is so salivatory. It is quite a spicy dish, and it is best served with a raita or curd that is mixed with finely chopped vegetables.
- TANDOORI CHICKEN – Ever heard of chicken mixed with yoghurt? This dish is it! Smoky flavored spices and the yogurt are mixed together to make a marinade for the chicken, and it is later grilled in a smoker or an oven to give that smoky touch. The smoky flavour that is produced is the one that is called tandoori.
- CHICKEN KORMA – Chicken Korma is a mild creamy curry, made with nuts and aromatic spices. Almost similar to butter chicken but this is not a tomato based curry. This can be eaten with chapati or dosa.
ESSENTIAL INDIAN SIDE DISHES
There are a lot of side delicacies that can be paired with the above food staff. There are three major sides to pair with the gravies and chicken, which are: rice, Indian breads, and lentil dishes. Each and every one of these has its own varieties, for instance, rice. There are three types of rice, namely jeera, pulao, and saffron rice. These contain three main ingredients, which are cumin seeds, spices, and saffron strands, making each one of them uniquely tasty.
There are also Indian breads, they vary from ingredient to ingredient and from one texture to another. The breads which are namely : naan, roti and parantha. Naan being the soft leavened bread, chapati is the unleavened whole wheat bread and that’s a staple in an Indian household . A parantha, being the layered flat bread that is stuffed with potatoes.
The other side is lentil dishes. Two major types of lentils are made. Dal tadka and dal makhani. Dal tadka is a side where boiled lentils and spices are added, and is mostly added to a tasty and spicy gravy.
On the other side are salads like fresh coriander leaves, onion bhajis, vegetable pakoras, cucumber raita, and mint chutney.
In conclusion, India is one of those countries that has the most delicious food, and this makes it different from other countries. There are several dishes and sides that accompany them, like butter chicken, which goes well with chapati. Experience the savory taste of the best Indian food at Crown Indian Cuisine, a reputable Indian restaurant in Sydney.
