Indian starters refer to a variety of small dishes that are typically served before a meal in Indian cuisine. These dishes can include various items such as samosas, chaat, tikki, pakoras, and more. They are typically served at Indian restaurants using different ingredients and spices common in Indian cooking.
Here are the Top 10 Best Indian Starters to Try in 2023-
- Samosas: These deep-fried triangles filled with spiced potatoes and peas are a popular Indian starter. They can be made with store-bought or homemade dough and served with chutney or tamarind sauce.
- Dhokla: A popular Gujarati dish, dhokla is a steamed cake made from chickpea flour. It can be served with chutney or tamarind sauce.
- Aloo Tikki: These crispy potato patties are popular street food in North India. They can be served with chutney or tamarind sauce.
- Pani Puri: Also known as gol gappa, these small, crispy rounds are filled with mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and spices and topped with tangy water.
- Idli: These steamed cakes made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils are a popular breakfast dish in South India. They can be served with sambar or chutney.
- Papadum: These thin and crispy wafers made from lentil flour can be fried or roasted and are generally served as an accompaniment to a meal.
- Dahi Vada: These fried lentil dumplings are soaked in yogurt and topped with chutney and spices.
- Bhel Puri: This popular street food from Mumbai is a mixture of puffed rice, vegetables, and a tangy tamarind sauce.
- Kachori: These fried or baked pastries, filled with a mixture of lentils, spices, and sometimes peas, are a popular snack in North India.
- Vada Pav: This popular street food from Mumbai is a sandwich prepared with a deep-fried potato dumpling (vada) and bread (pav). It can be served with chutney or tamarind sauce.
Benefits Of Indian Starters
Indian cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and spices; starters, also known as appetizers, are no exception. Here are some of the benefits of Indian starters:
- Rich in flavor: Indian starters are a perfect blend of various spices and herbs, which give them a unique and rich flavor. From tangy chaat to spicy samosas, Indian starters will tantalize your taste buds.
- Nutritious: Indian starters are often made with ingredients high in nutrients. For example, lentils and legumes used in dishes like dal or chana chaat are a great source of protein and fiber. Vegetable-based starters like aloo tikki or bhajiyas are also packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Great for sharing: Indian starters are perfect for sharing with friends and family. They are often served in small portions, making it easy to try various dishes. This also allows you to sample multiple flavors and textures without feeling overly full.
- Perfect for any occasion: Indian starters can be enjoyed at any time of the day and on any occasion. They make a great addition to a formal dinner party or a casual get-together.
- Versatile: Indian starters can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be served as a snack or a pre-dinner appetizer, as a side dish, or even as a main course.
In conclusion, Indian starters are delicious but also nutritious, versatile, and perfect for sharing and any occasion. They are a great way to add variety to your meals and experiment with new flavors. Next time you want to spice up your dining experience, consider trying some Indian starters.
FAQs:
Can Indian starters be made vegetarian?
Yes, most Indian starters can be made vegetarian by substituting meat or seafood with vegetables.
Are Indian starters spicy?
Some Indian starters can be spicy, but not all. Many dishes can be made to suit different spice preferences.
What are some traditional Indian starters?
Some traditional Indian starters include dahi bhalla, samosas, pakoras, and tikki.
Can Indian starters be made gluten-free?
Yes, many Indian starters can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and avoiding wheat flour.
Are Indian starters suitable for a party or event?
Yes, Indian starters are a popular choice for parties and events. They are easily made in large quantities and can be served as finger food.
