Techniques plays a major role besides the ingredients defining the character of a dish. Indian food has a rich history spanning thousands of years and is a riot of tastes and colours. The components used in a recipe convey a tale in every Indian cuisine. It adds depth and complexity to our daily meals by incorporating a variety of regional spices, agricultural products and other ingredients. Here we will explore some of the traditional cooking techniques widely used in Indian cuisine.
Tadka or Tempering
Tadka is a cooking technique that involves adding spices to hot oil or ghee. This type of method is generally used in most Indian cuisine and is used to enhance the flavour of dal, curries and vegetables. The spices used in tadka usually vary in the South Indian restaurant in Melbourne but some of the most common ones include cumin seeds, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and dried red chilli.
Grilling and Roasting
Roasting and grilling are popular cooking techniques in South Indian cuisine. A clay oven is used in the Tandoor which is mostly used to grill and roast a variety of dishes like tandoori chicken or vegetables. The ingredients are marinated in a mixture of spices, yoghurt and lemon juice and then set for grilling. The tandoor’s secret is its high heat which enables food to cook fast. These cooking methods with the recipes and techniques passed down through centuries but the best way to experience the methods is to order South Indian food online in Melbourne.
Dum Cooking
Dum cooking is a kind of slow cooking in which the meal is cooked over low heat while sealed in a vessel made of dough or aluminium foil. Rice-based foods like pulao and biryani are frequently prepared using this technique. The tastes may deepen and permeate the meal thanks to the long cooking technique.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking is a widely used cooking method, particularly for stews, beans and lentils in Indian cuisine. The pressure cooker’s high-pressure steam helps cook food faster which makes it a practical and efficient cooking technique.
Steaming
Steaming is considered to be a healthy cooking technique which is used in Indian cuisines. It usually helps to prepare different types of dishes like idlis, dhoklas and momos. The common technique is to place the food in a steamer basket or idli stand and cook over boiling water. You can order South Indian veg thali in Melbourne where you can see the food is cooked without losing its nutrients or flavour.
Pickling
The pickling process is a traditional preservation technique used in Indian cuisines. This type of method is followed to preserve different kinds of fruits and vegetables. The technique involves marinating the ingredients in a mixture of spices, vinegar and oil. The pickles can be stored for different months and are used to add flavour to your everyday meal.
People follow a wide range of cooking techniques which may vary from place to place. Therefore the next time when you enjoy an Indian meal in a South Indian Restaurant, take a moment to appreciate the unique flavours and cooking techniques that make it just so special.
A Comprehensive Guide To South Indian Restaurants
Sri Dwaraka is among the best South Indian Restaurants for savouring tasty and hearty food. We serve the real taste of South Indian food with cuisine as well as the appetising street food of India. For further information contact us at +61 3 8524 0791 or email us at: info@sridwaraka.com.au
