India is a wonderfully diverse country, comprising different cultures and ethnicities. It is known for its diverse and rich food culture. Each state in India has its own unique cuisine, influenced by factors such as geography, climate, and historical background. Indian cuisine features a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, as well as sweets and desserts. Overall, the diversity and complexity of Indian food are a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage and history.
Each cuisine has its own intricacies! Some popular Indian dishes include biryani, chana masala, dosa, and idli from South India, and paneer butter masala and samosas from North India. North Indian and South Indian cuisines are indeed very popular in India and offer a wide range of delicious dishes. Combining both North and South Indian dishes in one place would provide a great opportunity for food lovers to explore the rich diversity of Indian food. This is where we come in!
At Home’s Kitchen, we offer the perfect combo of North and South Indian dishes that are sure to give you a tour of these delicacies! So without further ado, let’s dive right in!
South Indian Whole Meal
South Indian cuisine is known for its use of coconut, tamarind, and a variety of lentils and legumes. South Indian meals mainly consist of rice as a base, which is accompanied by a curry and a vegetable side dish. Southerners generally prefer consuming rice based meals rather than wheat based ones. Since South India’s climate is perfect, rice crops thrive here; hence, they’re the staple food of South India! Popular South Indian dishes include dosa, idli, vada, sambar, and rasam. South Indian cuisine is known for its light and tangy flavor profile.
Breakfast
For Breakfast, Southerners usually have Idli, Dosa, Vada, Upma, as the main dish with Sambar, Rasam, Coconut Chutney or Molaga Podi or Milagai Podi (Spicy Idli Masala in hot ghee) on the side.
Lunch
Lunch is regarded as the heavy meal of the day, so Southerners enjoy their rice or roti with sambar, dal, vegetable curry, and sabzi (vegetable side dish). As per the Southern tradition, curd is eaten at the end to conclude the meal.
Dinner
Dinner is usually eaten lightly. This is because it is believed that it aids digestion, provides sound sleep, and helps to stay in shape. Dinner generally comprises rice, idli, sambar rice, paratha with vegetable curry, and sambar. And curd is consumed at the end of the meal.
Benefits
Curd
Curd contains good bacteria called lactic acid bacillus which acts as a probiotic in the gut and helps promote healthy gut bacteria that maintains a well-functioning healthy gut which is actually crucial for overall good health.
Sambar
With the goodness of Drumsticks, Onions and a lip smacking blend of spices, garam masala, salt & dal, Sambar is a proven antioxidant punch which is high in protein and fiber and is also used as a detox remedy!
Idli
Idlis or steamed lentil cake is a warm, fluffy and Nutritious dish that is rich in Calcium, Folate, Potassium and Vitamin A. These vitamins and minerals are taken majorly from the enriching nutritious blend of lentils, urad dal and rice. Idlis are eaten when sick as comfort food also because they’re light on the stomach and aid digestion.
Pickle
Pickles are deliciously mouth-watering and tangy! The good news is that it is highly beneficial when taken in moderate amounts. Indian pickles are usually made from fermented mangoes, lime, garlic, ginger, or onions! appetizing, isn’t it? They help promote gut health by maintaining the perfect level of acidic pH that they bring to the gut. Pickles curb sugar spikes, and also aid in digestion.
Rasam
A spicy south Indian soup made with tamarind juice, mixed with water, sambar powder, garam masala and the choicest blends of Indian herbs, curry leaves, garlic, pepper, spices and condiments. Voila! You have sour and tangy Rasam! Couple it with rice and some Poppadoms and you’re in for a warm and comfy food ride!
Coconut Chutney
Packed with Anti-bacterial properties South Indian cuisine is celebrated for its famous coconut Chutney! Coconut Chutney is made from a mixed and grinded blend of coconut with an added touch of mustard seeds, curry leaves, urad dal chili powder, salt & tadka (seasoning roasted in oil) which adds increased shelf-life. Coconut chutney helps regulate blood pressure, boost metabolism and improves heart rate. It’s a must have for people with hypertension.
Molaga Podi
Idli Podi, Milagai Podi or Molaga Podi is a powder made from roasted Urad dal and Bengal gram dal, chilies, sesame seeds, coconut and cumin. Hot ghee (clarified butter) is poured onto the Molaga Podi powder and eaten with idli and dosa. Idli Podi is highly rich in proteins thanks to urad and Bengal gram dal. The Capsaicin present in red chilies helps with weight loss by fat burning, and the spices overall promote immunity.
North Indian Whole Meal
North Indian cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes and its use of rich and creamy gravies, often made with a variety of spices, ghee, and cream. Popular North Indian dishes include paneer butter masala, dal makhani, biryani, and Parathas. People in the North generally prefer consuming wheat over rice. North Indian cuisine is known for its rich and spicy flavor profile.
Breakfast
Breakfast in the North is filling and packed with protein-rich foods. It usually comprises beautifully round Rotis, warm and delicious Aloo parathas, tasty Poha, or the buttery goodness of Pav Bhaji & Masala and spicy Chole Bhature!
Lunch
North Indian food never disappoints! With roti, rice, sabzi, with a side of mouth-watering Vegetable dishes such as Gobi, Aloo Matar and Dal Tadka, the North Indian meal box is my personal favorite!
Dinner
Dinner is considered a feastful meal in the north. It starts with Paratha, Biryani, Pulao with Curry, or the famous Dal makhani and Paneer butter masala and ends with sweet delicacies. And what’s more? the list goes on!
Benefits
Gobi
Gobi or cauliflower is a wonderful source of vitamins C and K. While Vitamin C contributes to overall immunity against bacteria and infections, Vitamin K is a protein that helps cure blood clotting. To add to this, Gobi is high in choline, which is an essential nutrient that is involved in brain development and keeps liver and heart diseases at bay. And if this wasn’t enough, gobi also helps keep blood sugar in check and possesses anti-cancer properties thanks to the high fiber content present in it.
Paneer
You can’t imagine Indian food without Paneer! (Cottage cheese). Favored by all, paneer is delectable and extremely nutritious! Being a milk-based food item, it is high in Calcium & Phosphorus which strengthens the bones & teeth, promotes cardio-vascular health, helps produce healthy nerve cells and regulate strong muscular growth.
Roti
Wheat-based round rotis are the Indian equivalent of taco bread, except softer! Rotis or chapatis are a huge source of dietary fiber which plays a major role in healthy weight loss and regulates blood sugar levels. The fiber-rich food also helps maintain a healthy nervous system, avoids gallbladder concerns and other diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Dal
Indians consume dals of different varieties such as Toor Dal, Masoor Dal, Urad Dal, Bengal Gram Dal, Moong Dal to name a few! Dals in general contain a spring of health benefits with the biggest ones being providing protein and dietary fiber that help with muscle health and gut health. Dals are packed with Vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, folate, calcium and phosphorus, copper, potassium which help in boosting immunity, PMS symptoms, promotes hair growth and good skin health.
The Science Behind These Cuisines
Cuisines vary based on the cultural, social, and historical context in which they were developed, and they offer a unique perspective on the history, traditions, and culture of a region. These historical and cultural influences help shape its flavors and preparation methods. Indian cuisine is heavily influenced by its ancient Ayurvedic principles, which emphasize the use of natural spices and herbs to promote health and balance in the body.
Indians have a customary tradition of eating with their hands because it improves blood circulation, ensures mindful eating as you experience the food better by feeling the texture and temperature of it, and it also helps the body release enzymes to aid in digestion and helps avoid overeating. It’s simply the art of bringing one’s food to the mouth with your own hands as a sign of respect for food! Interesting, isn’t it?
Talking about South Indian Cuisines, you must have seen south Indians eating their meals on a banana leaf or a Sal Tree leaf instead of a plate. They also make sure to conclude their meals with a cup of curd at the end of a meal. The reason being that Curd acts as an acid base and neutralizes any excess stomach acid content (HCl) that can cause digestive discomfort such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers.
North Indian Cuisine finds it common for a meal to be served in a certain order, with certain dishes being eaten before others. This can be for practical reasons, such as starting with lighter dishes and working up to heavier ones, or for cultural or religious reasons.
Why Food Is Eaten In This Order
South Indians traditionally begin their meals with a small serving of pickles or chutneys, followed by a serving of rice and a variety of side dishes and vegetable dishes.
In North India, meals typically start with roti or parathas with a gravy or curry that compliments them and end with delicious desserts.
Order Deluxe Meal Combos @ Home’s Kitchen at ₹150 only!
Veg South Indian Deluxe Combo at ₹150/- Consists of Salad, 3 Mini Phulkas, One dry curry, Dal, Sambar/Rasam, Plain/Flavoured Rice, Fryums, Pickle, Curd, One sweet
Veg North Indian Deluxe Combo at ₹150/- Consists of Salad, 3 Mini Rotis, One dry curry, One wet curry, Dal/Pulses, Plain/Flavoured Rice, Papad, Pickle, Raita, One sweet
Check out Home’s Kitchen and order your own Deluxe Meal Combos for just ₹150/- today!
References
South Indian Wholemeal.Benefits.Sambar.6 lesser-known health benefits of sambhar.https://food.ndtv.com/webstories/food/6-lesser-known-health-benefits-of-sambar-4553
South Indian Wholemeal.Benefits.Idli.Nutrition Facts of Idli.https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrition-idli-2667.html
South Indian Wholemeal.Benefits.Pickles.What Pickles Can Do for Your Health.https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-pickles#091e9c5e81d1bf83-2-4
South Indian Wholemeal.Benefits.Coconut Chutney.Here Is Why You Should Add South Indian Coconut Chutney To Your Diet.https://www.herzindagi.com/diet-nutrition/south-indian-coconut-chutney-health-benefits-digestion-blood-pressure-constipation-article-170020
South Indian Wholemeal.Benefits.Molaga Podi.Is idli podi good for health? Nutrition facts and benefits of milagai podi or ‘gunpowder’.https://www.timesfoodie.com/nutritional-facts/is-idli-podi-good-for-health-milagai-podi-benefits-and-nutrition-facts/90068736.cms
North Indian Wholemeal.Benefits.Gobi.The Top 8 Health Benefits of Cauliflower.https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-cauliflower#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
North Indian Wholemeal.Benefits.Paneer.7 Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese Or Paneer You May Not Have Known.https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/7-health-benefits-of-cottage-cheese-or-paneer-you-may-not-have-known-1813505
North Indian Wholemeal.Benefits.Roti.10 Reasons : Why You Should Include Wheat Chapati in Your Diet.https://www.samratindia.in/10-reasons-why-you-should-include-wheat-chapati-in-your-diet/ North Indian Wholemeal.Benefits.Dal.5 Dals That Must Be Part Of Your Daily Diet.https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/5-dals-that-must-be-part-of-your-daily-diet
