UNLOCK YOUR SPICE POTENTIAL! THE TECHNIQUES BEHIND MAKING EXCELLENT INDIAN FOOD
BAGHAR/TARKA (TEMPERING) Add whole spices (cumin, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, curry leaves, dried pepper, etc.) to oil and fry until fragrant. That’s it! The spices infuse the oil with flavor, and the roasting further develops the spice. You can temper spices at the beginning of a recipe, like a curry, before adding other ingredients, or you can stir it into a dish right at the end, like dal or stew. Every Indian household has a different version of tarka dal, which is essentially prepared lentils with a tempered oil and spice mixture stirred into it. This technique jazzes up any Indian dish, and getting creative with spice combinations is half the fun! BHUNAO (SAUTÉING AND ROASTING) In order to understand how to bhunao, you need to be familiar with masala, an Indian spice mixture that has been ground into a powder or paste. Most commonly, masalas are a combination of onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and spices. However, masala ingredients can
Indian food is a dream cuisine for many plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan eaters, but it can seem very intimidating to cook at home. That’s only because you may not be familiar with the cooking techniques used to make it. How do you make the most of your spices? How do you combine vegetables (and/or meat) with the spices? Here are two techniques to get your favorite Indian dishes tasting as authentic as those served at a restaurant.
vary according to region and personal preference, but you can find some version of it on the spice aisle of most grocery stores. To bhunao, start by heating oil. Then you add your masala and cook over medium-high heat. As the water in the masala evaporates, it’ll stick to the pan; use splashes of water, yogurt, or stock to loosen it and prevent burning. Do not let your masala burn! Your masala has been “bhunaoed” once it’s thick and shiny and you can see the oil has separated. Finally, add meat and vegetables and cook down to your liking. This is the most important technique for recreating Indian curries, such as tikka masala and korma. Now that you know a few Indian cooking techniques, be creative in the kitchen! When you’re not following a recipe, you can have fun and explore different flavor combinations while still knowing exactly what to do.
AVOCADO MAYONNAISE Inspired by The Kitchn
TAKE A BREAK!
Your entree is only as good as the seasonings and sauces that accompany it. We guarantee you’ll be looking for excuses to pair this vegan avocado mayonnaise with all your meals!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 ripe avocados • 1 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/4 cup olive oil
DIRECTIONS
1. In a food processor, blend
3. Turn the processor on again and slowly pour in olive oil. 4. Blend for 1 minute or until smooth.
avocados, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt for 1 minute.
2. Scrape the mixture down the sides of the bowl.
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