Biryanis made with brown basmati rice and are a specialty as one need to adjust the spices and condiments with meats or vegetable to perfection. Nothing less is acceptable and easily written off as not to the mark. Biryani was brought to Indian subcontinent by muslim merchants and today Indian biryanis are worlds famous, specially nothing like our Hyderabadi katchi biryani and soon gave birth to other south Indian variations to biryanis that are made at home on every special occasions.
The difference between biryani and pullao is that while pullao may be made by cooking the items together, biryani is used to denote a dish where the rice is cooked on separate or many layers from the other ingredients. You can see our basmati rice recipes and rice pilaf recipes.
We have many varieties of rices and biryani videos to choose from and will amaze your creative taste buds.
Some of the famous biryanis- Hyderabadi Biryani, Lucknowi Biryani, Kacchi Biryani, Sindhi Biryani,Shrimp Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani, and Many Vegetable Biryani, Jackfruit Biryani.
Other Indian rices- Rice is a staple food throughout all of India. It is used more as a staple in the south, though, as it is a stronger crop in that region. And the variations are plenty like Curd Rice, Lemon Rice, Jera Rice, Coconut Rice, Methi Pulao, Tomato Rice, Capsicum Masala Rice.
Indian drink or Indian beverage is a popular part of the Indian cuisine and has an array of drinks that are both unique and refreshing. According to Indian ethnic culture, drinking Alcohol was considered bad hence there were only few local alcoholic traditional drinks prepared with locally available ingredients.Tea is also known as Chai, the most common form of drink in India, especially in North India. As the winters are in extreme conditions in Northern parts of India, Tea is available anywhere one goes. Tea can be prepared in many ways using spices called the Masala Chai or Ginger tea. Coffee is a popular drink commonly consumed in the Southern States of India, especially the filter coffee.There are other types of Indian drinks like the Milkshakes, Falooda, lassi etc.Milkshakes – A delicious, lip smacking and healthy refreshing drink can also be better opted for than the sugar laden soda pop or the aerated soft drinks. High in nutrition and calcium, a good drink for the kids and health conscious people too. The variety of Milkshakes includes: Apple milkshake, Banana milkshake, carrot milkshake, orange milkshake, pineapple milkshake, strawberry milkshake and the popular Indian beverage called the Badam Milk or Almond milk, a soothing energy giving drink and rich in vitamin E and nutritious too.Few of the ethnic alcohol drinks in India includes: the Goan Fenny , Wine which are prepared in most of the houses in Goa and is served especially during festive season and occasions. Bhaang is prepared during the Holi festival. Toddy is considered to be a poor man’s Indian local drink.
Indian sweets or Mithai, are a type of confectionery that rely heavily on sugar, milk, flour and condensed milk, and cooked by frying, however the bases of the sweets vary by region. In the Eastern part of India for example, milk is a staple, and most sweets from this region are based on milk products. While Indians love their vast array of Indian food, their second love without a doubt, is the love for colorful sweets made at home or the complicated ones bought from nearest sweet shop. Here we would show you making of sweets easy with simple to do instructions.
As India is rich in its heritage and culture, we have a plenty of festivals in line. Sweets are the most sought of dish offered to the deity. Indian sweets are large in color, shape and size. Their flavors are also distinct.
Indian sweets are prepared in 2 varieties – one is the milk based sweets like the Rabri, Peda, Rasbari, Burfi etc and the other is the flour based sweets which includes Ladoos, Malpua, Mohan Thal, Halwa etc.
Indian sweets like the Sandesh, Gulab Jamun, Kalakand, Rosgollas, Mysore Pak, Kakinada Kaja, Putarekulu and many others are very popular all over India. It is said that no country has a wider selection of exotic, yummy sweets than in India.
SNACKS AND APPETIZERS
Diversity is one of the characteristics that best describe India. India is relatively a large country, and every state has many different languages, dialects, unique traditions, and most importantly, Indian recipes. Food in India is so diverse that you can see dozens of variations of one dish alone.
Socializing and snacking is the lifestyle of any average Indian , it is tradition of any Indian home to serve you with a variety of snacks and dipping pickles to accompany them, many are very easy and quick to make in few minutes.
Snack foods are often classified as junk food because they typically fried, and are not seen as contributing towards generalhealth and nutrition. With growing concerns for diet weight control and general health, more and more health oriented snacks are preferred.
When it comes to Snacks and Appetizers, Indian cuisine is special because cooking is considered as an art in India and also due to the variations of mixed cuisines that we have a wide range of Snacks and appetizers. Children love to eat them as they are delicious & tangy to taste.
Some of the popular Indian snacks and appetizers that you can expect to tickle your palates and satisfy your cravings inclues:
Chaat – This flat bread is very versatile as you can flavor it any way you want. The basic ingredient in this snack is potatoes, which are mashed together with spices and other veggies and deep fried. The chaat can be served with sauces, chutneys, and soups.
Samosa – This appetizer has already met many variations and has even been adapted in western recipes.
Basically, it is a thin pastry that is stuffed with a filling of vegetables and spices. It is folded into a triangular shape and baked in an oven. Sometimes, vegetables are replaced with chicken added with flavorings.
Dhokla – It is also considered as fast food in India, and is commonly served in streets as well. The basic ingredients of dhokla include chickpeas, which are ground and soaked in water. The mixture is kneaded into a roll, and steamed. In some recipes, dhokla is deep-fried, and served with herbs, spices, and chutney.
Chivda – Popularly called the Bombay Mix, chivda is a popular snack eaten with hands.
It can be a healthy alternative topotato chips or popcorn, as chivda is made of dried lentils, chickpeas, chickpea noodles, peanuts, puffed rice, and many more.
Chaat – This flat bread is very versatile as you can flavor it any way you want. The basic ingredient in this snack is potatoes, which are mashed together with spices and other veggies and deep fried. The chaat can be served with sauces, chutneys, and soups.
Samosa – This appetizer has already met many variations and has even been adapted in western recipes.
Dhokla – It is also considered as fast food in India, and is commonly served in streets as well. The basic ingredients of dhokla include chickpeas, which are ground and soaked in water. The mixture is kneaded into a roll, and steamed. In some recipes, dhokla is deep-fried, and served with herbs, spices, and chutney.Chivda – Popularly called the Bombay Mix, chivda is a popular snack eaten with hands.
Murukku – Also known as Chakli is a delicious, indulging and crispy snack. It is typically made from rice flour batter mixed with urad dal flour and spiced with asafeotida, cumin, ajwain or chilli. The batter or dough is squeezed through a murukku mold with a star-shaped nozzle to form a circular spiral coil and then deep fried till golden and crispy. This can be served as an evening snack with tea or coffee. Perfect for any festive occasion.
Pakoras – This crispy delight is made by dipping your favorite vegetables such as cauliflower, eggplant, bell pepper, potato, spinach, tomato and onion in a spicy batter and deep-fried.
Papri Chaat also spelled Papdi Chaat is a easy to make delicacy originated from north India. Papri is made from wheat flour mixed with oil and salt and then deep-fried till crispy into disc wafers. It is served with finger-licking Chaat which is a concoction of assorted ingredients such as boiled chick peas, potatoes, chillis, tamarind chutney and yogurt.
Masala Vada - Masala Vada is basically a medium-sized dumpling served with sambhar, coriander chutney, coconut chutney or tomato ketchup along with tea or coffee, perfect as evening tiffin. Its main ingredients are channa dal, chopped onions, curry leaves, ginger and green chillies. Masala vada is best served hot.
Aloo Tikki(cutlet)– This crisp and spicy potato snack has been a popular Indian street food.
Indian snacks and appetizers can even be made as special dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You don’t have to wait for special festivals in India to enjoy sumptuous dishes and mouth watering snacks. With their huge array of sauces, soups, condiments, and spices, Indian cuisine offers no boundaries when it comes to taste.
Homemade snacks are much sought after for the obvious reason of using fresh food products and caring for better family health, at vahrehvah we have snacks and appetizers from steamed to oven baked and many are quick and easy snack ideas that you can churn to quick growing appetite of your children or to refresh your tired love one and cater to your guests.
Here is the complete list of Indian snacks that are easy to make and many are with our vahchefs cooking videos.
Indian cuisine is popularly known for its spicy and tangy taste. Indian curries and gravies are a treat and appealing to International palate. Chicken ( White meat ) recipes form a vital part of the Indian non vegetarian cuisine.
Right from the North of India to the South, there are various ways of cooking chicken. Indian Chicken recipes are famous world wide for their mouth watering Tandoori varieties, Curries, Tikkas, Gravies and Biryanis. Indian Chicken recipes have a variety of exotic chicken recipes. Chicken tikkas, pakoras, kebabs are served as starters and the dishes like the Butter chicken, Chicken curry, Chicken Chettinad are served in the main course or as an accompaniment.
Tandoori chicken is one of the most popular and delicious dish from Mughlai cuisine. The best feature of Tandoori Chicken is it is easy to prepare and it is not as oily as other chicken recipes. Some of the kebabs are painstaking to prepare but the end result is they melt in your mouth and undoubtedly the best in the world. In North India, Lucknow, also known as the city of Nawabs, Murg Tandoori (Indian Barbequed Chicken), Butter Chicken or Chicken Makhani, Chicken Biryani Awadhi dishes are very popular and rich in aroma and color.
Down South, the Hyderabadi Biryani is savored and an integral part of the Indian cuisine. It is rich in spices and colorful. The Telangan cuisine and the Mughlai cuisine blended in the Nizams kitchen to form the Hyderabadi biryani.
Chicken Chettinad, is one of the best chicken dish in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is considered as a fiery recipe best served with Paratha.
Normally Mutton and Lamb recipes are a treat to any Non vegetarian food lover. From basic roasted leg of lamb to exotic dishes, the cooking options multiply. Mutton and lamb could be cooked in many ways region wise. The most notable ingredient in Kashmiri cuisine is mutton. It has over 30 varieties and it has been strongly influenced by the cuisines of Central Asian, Persia and North Indian plains.
Preparing Mutton or Lamb curry the authentic Indian way is the best. The curries would be finger licking, rich and delicious. The dish goes perfectly with Pulao, mutton biryani, naan, romali rotis.
Biryani is one of the most exquisite, popular and loved dishes all over India. The Biryanis are prepared in different styles and flavors. Hyderabad, a city from the Southern State in India is synonymous with Biryani. It is a preparation where cooked basmati rice and cooked meat (lamb or chicken) and fresh spices and herbs are mixed together. Biryani was brought to the Indian subcontinent by the Muslim travelers and merchants.
Naming few of the popular Biryanis are: Hyderabadi Biryani, Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani , Calcutta Biryani, Iranian Biryani,Kacchi Biryani, Zafrani Biryani and many more.
Other popular mutton dishes are the Achar Gosht, Bhuna Mutton (Bhuna Gosht), Kakori Kebab, Mutton Shorba, Rogan Josh, Shahi Kurma, Shammi Kebab. Mutton paya etc.
Mutton is eaten in various forms in India and mutton dishes are part of various festive occasions in India.
