Why Indian Food Grows in Popularity among Americans Foodies

 

“Yummm! It’s delicious!”  There goes in another spoonful of theflavorful, spice-rich rice to please Joel’s taste buds.  It is a party for American friends thrown by the Sharmas, an Indo-American couple, to celebrate their child’s first birthday.  Compliments are pouring in from everywhere, while the sumptuous Indian food plays the part of connecting cultures that lie miles apart.

The similarity in foods of both cultures

Though there is a considerable difference in the variety of ingredients used and the cooking process, the American guests didn’t feel that Indian food is alien to them.  Be it the simple roti which is quite similar to the Mexican wheat tortilla, or the vegetable rice pulao which is just like a variation of the Hoppin’ John of Louisiana, Indian food shares some similarities with food in the USA, which accounts for its increasing popularity.  There is the Vada Pav that can conveniently be termed as the Indian burger, and the masala papad which is a spicy chip loved by Americans.  Yes, a few delicacies could feel too hot and spicy for a native American, but that is only if you didn’t choose the right combination of dishes.  There are many Indian restaurants in Catonsville and other states which serve you a lot of menu options.  By picking the right menu, you can make sure that you have a palatable, heart-warming feast!

That said, it is further interesting to note that Indian food is vastly diverse in itself.  We have the North Indian food which consists more of paranthas and gravy curries while a myriad of rice dishes is the trademark of South Indian food.You can see a lot of delicious variations ofthe same dish as you move from one Indian state to another.  You may not be surprised to find an appetizing combination of sweet and sour, salty, and spicy flavors in the same dish.  Being versatile is another reason for the popularity of Indian food.

Why is the Indian food complex?

People often wonder why ethnic Indian food is a blend of so many ingredients in contrast to simple fast foods available on the street.  The reason is simple.  Each spice serves a definite purpose.  For instance, cumin seeds called jeera, used in seasoning the dishes, help to increase the digestive power, while the asafetida, called hing, helps in balancing cholesterol.  Ancient Indian Ayurvedic texts have listed out the health benefits of each herb and spice which is incorporated into the ethnic Indian dishes.

South Indian food in the USA

Because food nourishes the body as well as the mind, we see health experts being specific about not just the taste of food but also its nutritive value.Steamed food like idlis and rice dishes are famous South Indian dishes that are nutritionally rich.  And not to ignore the pot biryani that adds to it the goodness of veggies and tossed in various spices, making it even healthier and mouth-watering.  It has been scientifically proved that steaming helps to retain the nutritional components in food better than any other method of cooking, making it a choice of the health-conscious.

The next time you feel tempted to hang out with buddies or to munch on a pack of processed goodies, visit a South Indian restaurant and try these yum dishes.