Magic of Indian cuisine

Dubai - Indian recipes have been traditionally known for its simplicity where nutritional value and taste are balanced with spices

Food is the essence of life, flow of energy and fuel for the body. Good food harmonises mind, body and soul and allows us to lead peaceful, healthy and a long successful life.
Let's take a look at the magic of Indian cuisine, its history and the increasing popularity around the globe. Its dishes are renowned for its unique features and excellent variety of spices and condiments.
Besides having an intense flavour, the food is known for its great taste, aroma, texture and health benefits. It is very well accepted and appreciated all over the world because of its uniqueness.
Indian ingredients have been popular all over the world since ancient times. The Romans imported spices from India as early as 77 Common Era (CE), while Arab traders imported spices from India before the beginning of the CE. By the Middle Ages, Indian cuisine and spices had become extremely popular all over the world. All major kingdoms in Asia and Europe had an active spice trade with India during this time.
Indian recipes have been traditionally known for the simple style of cooking where the nutritional value of the food is maintained, while enhancing the taste with the use of spices and masalas. The concept of pickles and salads originated from India too. Served with the main dish, they act as an appetiser for stimulating the taste buds.
Indian traditional medical science known as Ayurveda is known for its easy and natural way of treatment. The base of Ayurveda is healthy Indian food and herbs. For physical and mental fitness, Yoga also originated in ancient India. Indian cuisine has been traditionally drawn from yogic philosophy of cooking and eating. So, with the popularity of Ayurveda, Yoga, etc. people all over the world have realised the health benefits of Indian food.
It has become immensely popular around the globe. The dishes vary widely due to influences from different regions of the country. One thing common in the cuisine is the lavish use of spices that go in food preparation. It is the use of these spices that one is able to identify an Indian dish when abroad.
The mix of spices is addictive. No other cuisine uses many different spices in one dish. I've heard that most people crave variety in terms of taste. If that is the case, Indian food offers the greatest variety of taste largely due to the spices and also because of all the excellent fresh ingredients. Besides being delicious, a home-cooked Indian meal is healthy, nutritious and well balanced. It also offers a lot of options. As more and more people around the world opt to become vegetarians or vegans, Indian food offers the largest variety of dishes that are both tasty and satisfying. No other country has a wider selection of exotic dishes and no other country offers such a large variety of impulses for your taste buds.

• Food and Dining
• India