Best Vegan Indian Food in Colorado Springs: Embracing Vegan Delights

Category: Indian Foods

Best Vegan Indian Food in Colorado Springs: Embracing Vegan Delights

Posted on by Chef at UT

Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the vibrant world of vegan Indian cuisine in Colorado Springs?

Look no further!

Dive into the flavors of traditional Indian dishes with a vegan twist at Urban Tandoor, the top-rated Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs where every bite narrates a story of spices, aromas, and culinary passion.

Unveiling Vegan Marvels on Your Plate

Amidst the bustling food scene in the state of Colorado, the essence of the best vegan Indian food in Colorado Springs stands out prominently at the Urban Tandoor. Our diverse menu boasts a spectrum of delectable vegan dishes, offering a delightful array of choices for every palate.

Urban Tandoor: A Haven for Vegan Indian Cuisine in Colorado Springs

In the bustling culinary scene of Colorado, Urban Tandoor stands tall, embodying the spirit of authentic Indian cuisine in Colorado Springs with a contemporary twist. Our commitment to vegan offerings doesn’t compromise on the essence of traditional Indian flavors; instead, it celebrates them with a plant-based touch.

Vegan Indian Main Course Marvels: Fusion of Flavor and Health

Okra Masala (Bhindi Masala)

Bhindi Masala (Okra Masala)

Originating from the vibrant kitchens of Northern India, Okra Masala, also known as Bhindi Masala, is a beloved dish revered for its blend of textures and spices. Fresh okra, sliced and meticulously prepared, undergoes a slow sauté with an aromatic blend of onions, tomatoes, and an array of Indian spices.

The result?

A symphony of flavors where the subtle sweetness of okra dances with the robust spices, creating a dish that’s both hearty and delightful. Each bite showcases the tender crunch of okra infused with the savory embrace of spices, leaving a lingering warmth on the palate.

Vegetable Jalfrezi

Vegetable Jalfrezi

A culinary gem originating from the kitchens of Bengal, Vegetable Jalfrezi is a celebration of vegetables infused with a tangy, flavorful sauce. The dish finds its roots in the British Raj era, where leftover vegetables were transformed into a flavorful stir-fry.

Urban Tandoor’s Veg Jalfrezi features a colorful assortment of fresh veggies stir-fried with a harmonious blend of spices and herbs, resulting in a dish bursting with vibrant flavors. The vegetables retain their crispness, complemented by the zesty sauce that encapsulates the essence of Indian cuisine—a marriage of tangy, spicy, and savory notes that tantalize the taste buds.

Aloo Gobi

 

Aloo Gobi

Hailing from the heartland of Punjab, Aloo Gobi epitomizes simplicity and soulful flavors. Potatoes and cauliflower, the quintessential kitchen staples, take center stage in this dish. The magic happens when these humble ingredients are gently cooked with a blend of spices, allowing each floret of cauliflower and every potato cube to absorb the rich flavors.

The result is a comforting amalgamation of textures and tastes—a dish that resonates with warmth and nostalgia.

Urban Tandoor’s Aloo Gobi captures the essence of home-cooked meals, where every bite narrates the tale of generations passing down culinary traditions.

Baingan Bharta (Eggplant Bharta)

 

Baingan (Eggplant) Bharta

Originating from the rustic kitchens of North India, Baingan Bharta is a dish that elevates the humble eggplant to extraordinary heights. The secret lies in roasting the eggplant to perfection, imparting a smoky essence that intertwines with a medley of spices.

At Urban Tandoor, the roasted eggplant is expertly mashed by giving proper time and the Indian way of mashing and then it is sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and a harmonious blend of rich Indian spices, resulting in a dish that’s as aromatic as it is flavorful. Each spoonful offers a sensory delight—a symphony of earthy, smoky, and tangy flavors that leave a lasting impression.

Saag Aloo (Spinach & Potato)

Saag Aloo

Hailing from the northern regions of India, Saag Aloo embodies simplicity and wholesome flavors. This vegan dish harmoniously combines tender potatoes and vibrant spinach, simmered together with a blend of aromatic spices. At Urban Tandoor, our Saag Aloo pays homage to tradition, showcasing the delicate balance of textures and tastes.

The preparation begins with slow-cooking potatoes until they are tender and then folding in fresh spinach—a powerhouse of nutrients. This medley is infused with a symphony of must use Indian spices like the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and the garam masala, among others. The result is a dish that’s hearty, aromatic, and bursting with flavors that evoke the essence of Indian comfort food.

Every spoonful of Saag Aloo offers a delightful marriage of potatoes and the earthy freshness of spinach, each bite a celebration of simplicity and depth. Whether paired with fluffy naan or fragrant basmati rice, this dish is a testament to the rich heritage of Indian cuisine, redefining comfort in a vegan rendition.

Chana Masala

Chana Masala

A staple in Indian households, Chana Masala embodies the essence of comfort food with a burst of robust flavors. This dish features chickpeas simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, marrying the earthy essence of legumes with the warmth of Indian spices.

Urban Tandoor’s rendition encapsulates the heartiness of chickpeas, tender yet infused with the richness of a perfectly balanced spice mix. The result is a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and reminiscent of home-cooked meals—a testament to the soulful charm of Indian cuisine.

Punjabi Dal Tadka

Punjabi Dal Tadka

Rooted in the heart of Punjabi cuisine, Dal Tadka is a culinary treasure that reflects simplicity and wholesomeness. Lentils, simmered to a velvety consistency, are enhanced with a tempering of aromatic spices.

Urban Tandoor’s Punjabi Dal Tadka pays homage to tradition, presenting a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. The tempering of spices adds layers of depth to the creamy lentils, creating a symphony of flavors that evoke a sense of home and nourishment.

Vegan Appetizing Starters to Ignite Your Palate

Vegetable Pakoda (Veg Fritters)

A beloved street food staple across India, Vegetable Pakoda, or Veg Fritters, is a delightful amalgamation of assorted vegetables enveloped in a crisp, golden-brown batter.

Veg Pakoda

At Urban Tandoor, this appetizer is a celebration of freshness and flavors. Slices of vegetables—potatoes, onions, spinach, and more—are delicately coated in a spiced gram flour batter before being deep-fried to golden perfection.

The result?

A crunchy exterior that gives way to a medley of tender, flavorful vegetables, each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Served with a zesty dipping sauce, it’s the perfect prelude to a sumptuous Indian meal, invoking the spirit of joyful snacking found on Indian streets.

Samosa Chat

Samosa Chat, a quintessential street food delight, is a tantalizing marriage of textures and flavors.

Samosa Chat

Urban Tandoor  elevates the humble samosa—a crispy, triangular pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas—to new heights. The samosas are skillfully crushed and topped with a medley of tangy tamarind chutney, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of aromatic spices.

Each spoonful is a burst of flavors, ranging from the crispiness of the samosa shell to the tanginess of the chutneys, culminating in a symphony that delights the taste buds. This appetizer is a testament to the creativity and vibrancy of Indian street cuisine, capturing the essence of culinary innovation.

Embracing the Best Vegan Indian Food Variations at Urban Tandoor

At Urban Tandoor, our dedication to inclusivity extends beyond our menu.

This dedication to crafting dairy-free delights is not just about catering to dietary preferences but embodies our commitment to creating an inclusive vegan culinary haven. It’s a testament to our belief that everyone, irrespective of their dietary choices, deserves to relish the vibrant flavors and cultural essence of Indian cuisine.

So, step into Urban Tandoor and embark on a journey where tradition meets innovation, where dairy-free versions of your favorite dishes await—inviting you to savor the rich flavors, textures, and aromas of Indian cuisine in all its vegan glory.

10 Most Popular Indian Dishes with Rice That You Must Try

Posted on by Chef at UT

Unarguably, rice is one of the most cherished main courses in India. It is extensively consumed along with various regional cuisines throughout the country. Be it spicy or sweet, rice finds its way to the dinner table in one way or the other.

With so many varieties available in the market, each unique in shape, size, flavor, and fragrance, you can play around with it in the kitchen to prepare a range of lip-smacking cuisines. Here’s a list of top 10 Indian dishes with rice that you mustn’t forget to try.

Popular Indian Dishes with Rice

 

Dum Biryani

Biryani

This is one of the most popular Indian dishes with rice. Rice is slowly cooked on Dum, with meat (mostly chicken or mutton) or vegetables, and the dish will never fail to scintillate your taste buds. The cooking on Dum along with a
range of spices gives the rice its taste, flavor, and mind-soothing aroma.

 

Pulao

Judging by the taste and popularity, Pulao is just next to Biryani. Cooked in a pot on mild heat along with vegetables, and sometimes meat (usually chicken or mutton), Pulao will never fail to delight you or your guests.

 

Khichdi

Khichdi

This is yet another gem of a recipe when it comes to Indian dishes with rice. Cooked in a pot by boiling rice and lentils, mostly Moog, you can easily make this on a lazy afternoon. It doesn’t have a long list of ingredients and hardly takes a few minutes to make. Best of all, it is highly nutritious and tastes awesome.

 

Tomato Rice

Tomato rice is a popular Indian dish in almost all the states of Southern India. Its charismatic aroma and wonderful taste will make your heart crave for more. Rice is cooked in a pressure cooker along with spices, tomatoes, and herb,
and served hot.

 

Bisi Bele Bath

This among the most popular rice and lentils recipes in the Indian Southern state of Karnataka. If you’re looking for something that is easy to make and tastes great as well, then you must try this! Rice, lentils, and vegetables are cooked in mild hot in a pressure cooker or pot and then served hot.

 

Lemon Rice

Lemon Rice

Yet another popular dish in Karnataka, the delectable flavor of fresh lemon juice of this dish along with the aroma of spices perfectly quenches the desire of the foodies. In Southern India, it’s mostly for lunch and breakfast.

Curd Rice

Curd Rice

Though it’s a South Indian dish, it’s popular all over India. Made with pre-cooked rice, curd, and spices, it’s a perfect item for keeping your body cool during warm and sultry weather conditions.

 

Jeera Rice

Jeera Rice

If you’re looking for something spicy, then you’d love this! Rice is mixed with spices and flavored with cumin. In Northern India, people often prefer to have Jeera Rice over plain Basmati rice to go along with dals or any other type of curry dish.

 

Ven Pongal

Made with rice and yellow Moong lentils, this porridge-like savory dish will never fail to excite you. The aroma of clarified butter and the essence of cumin, asafetida, and black pepper make this dish a must-try for everyone.

Vangi Bath

Vangi Bath is a flavorful dish made with brinjal/aubergine/eggplant, spice powder, spices, and herbs. The term ‘Vangi’ itself translates to brinjal, aubergine or eggplant. It’s easy to make and hardly takes 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook.

So, here were our 10 most popular Indian dishes with rice. Let us know in the comment section if you’d like to add any. Also, don’t forget to share your feedback.
Happy cooking!

Types of Parathas: They Will Surely Make You Crave For More

Posted on by Chef at UT

When it comes to Indian breakfast or lunch, there is nothing like steaming hot homemade flaky and soft parathas served on the table. Parathas taste delectable with chicken, mutton, and paneer recipes and take food lovers on cloud nine.

They also taste best when accompanied with raita, dal makhani, curd, butter, and pickle. The best thing about the flatbreads is that you don’t need to be an expert to prepare them. We have put together the list of different types of parathas that you can relish at home and restaurants.

Different Types of Paratha

Aloo paratha

A timeless classic, the popular and delicious dish can be taken as a breakfast or tiffin box snack. According to the recipe, unleavened whole wheat flatbread is stuffed with spiced potato.

It is prepared with a handful of ingredients such as potato, wheat flour, butter, green chilies, Kashmiri red chili powder, chopped cilantro, and garam masala powder. To relish mouth-watering aloo paratha, visit the best restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Gobi paratha

The popularity of gobi paratha is evident from the fact that North Indians like to eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Later South Indians borrowed the recipe from them and integrated into their meal menu.

In this recipe, flatbread is stuffed with soft and appetizing cauliflower flavored with onions and green chilies. To add a tangy flavor to it, you can add amchur or chaat masala. It tastes amazing especially when served with curd or pickle.

Methi paratha

If you are a fitness freak and health is at the top of your priority, then methi paratha is the best option. It is a whole wheat flatbread that is filled with flavorful fenugreek leaves. Serve it with curry and it will simply taste excellent.

Cheese paratha

Bored with the usual parathas served at home? Are you looking for a special weekend treat for the guests? Here is a paratha recipe with a twist that you will surely savor. That’s right its cheese paratha.

It is basically a wheat flatbread with a filling of processed cheese cubes, wheat flour, garlic, green chilies, and red chili powder. Good enough to leave you to crave for more.

Spinach paratha

If you are looking to add healthy leafy greens to your breakfast, then don’t look beyond spinach paratha. The delectable and nutritious Indian flatbread is prepared of slightly spiced whole wheat flour blended with pureed spinach.

Taste and health surely go hand in hand in this recipe. To savor spinach paratha, step into the best restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Mushroom paratha

One recipe that every foodie will rave about is mushroom paratha. Mushroom is mainly used in Continental delicacies but it has slowly found its way in Indian food. In this recipe, Indian flatbread is filled with mushroom and spices.

Garlic paratha

With several health benefits, garlic can surely spice up any meal. The North Indian specialty is a popular culinary delight and can be relished for any meal during the day.

Egg paratha

Are you an eggetarian and want to have eggs and parathas simultaneously in one dish? Egg paratha is the perfect recipe to get started with. In this soft and mouth-watering snack recipe, Indian flatbread is fried in a batter of whisked eggs and onions.

Keema paratha

Want to give a makeover to the parathas you make at home? Are you looking to surprise your kids with an innovative snack preparation this weekend? Add a chicken or mutton keema as per your choice in your paratha and relish a superb recipe.

Dry fruit paratha

This is certainly exotic and regal. Dry fruit paratha is made of Indian flatbread with a stuffing of grinded dry fruits. Cashews, almonds, and pistachios are used as dry fruits.

Visit Urban Tandoor, the best restaurant in Colorado Springs and savor a range of parathas made of freshest of ingredients by expert chefs. Accompany them with meat delicacies, curries, and other kinds of stuff.

A Complete List of Top 10 Types of Indian Curry

Posted on by Chef at UT

If you’re fond of Indian cuisines, you’d simply love the different types of curries available in India. In this blog post, we’ve provided a list of top 10 Indian curries that you must not forget to try!

 

Types of India Curry

 

  • Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken

Butter chicken represents Indian food all over the world. You’ll find it on the menu at most Indian restaurants. The bright orange Punjabi dish is moderately spicy and has a very thick, creamy gravy. Usually served with Nann, this dish never fails to excite the taste buds of the foodies. Visit the best restaurant in Colorado Springs and relish authentic butter chicken whenever you feel the desire to taste something exciting.

 

  • Chicken Tikka Masala

Chhicken Tikka Masala

This is yet another popular Punjabi cuisine that is liked by almost every foodie. The dish consists of marinated pieces of chicken grilled in Tandoor and mixed with thick gravy. The smokey flavor filled in every piece of chicken taste heavenly and attracts food lovers across all age-groups.

 

  • Goan Fish Curry

Goan Fish curry, also known as, fish curry rice, is a staple dish in Goa and Eastern India. It is also one of the cheapest curries available in these regions. The flavor is tangy and spicy and tastes slightly sweetish. Know the most exciting part of this dish? It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t have a long list of ingredients.

 

  • Pork Vindaloo

This is yet another type of curry that you must not forget to try. Having its origins in Goa, this fiery, hot “sweet and sour” style curry is immensely popular in Goa. However, if you’re not fond of spicy foods, it’s best if you don’t try this out. Goans love to eat it with pork.

 

  • Chana Masala

Chana Masala

Chana Masala is a delectable vegetarian curry made from chickpeas and tomato. The dish is fairly dry and spicy and tastes awesome with Naan. The best part about the dish is that it’s very versatile and can be eaten both as a main meal and snack. As the main meal, it’s popularly eaten with deep-fried north Indian bread called Bhatura.

 

  • Chicken Korma

This is a mildly spicy, rich north Indian cuisine that attracts food lovers with its wonderful taste and aroma. The dish mostly comprises meat or vegetables marinated in a mixture of yogurt or cream and then cooked in gravy with coconut milk. Navratan Korma is the vegetarian variant of this dish.

 

  • Macher Jhol

Fish Curry

 Macher Jhol is a form of fish curry that’s immensely popular in West Bengal. The most exciting part about this dish is that it’s both tasty and easy to make. Also, it can be made from all types of fish. If you’re fond of cuisines made with fish, make sure to try this at least once!

 

  • Chicken Chettinad

Craving for a super-spicy curry? Then, you’d simply love Chicken Chettinad! The dish is popular all across Tamil Nadu for its wonderful aroma and mouth-watering taste. The method of cooking is also simple. The spices are dry-roasted with coconut and then ground together. We bet, Chicken Chettinad will spark up your taste buds the moment it touches your taste buds.

 

  • Meen Molee

Meen Molee is a must-try cuisine if you’re planning to visit Kerala. The word ‘Meen’ stands for fish and ‘Molee’ stands for stew. The exotic taste of this coconut-based fish curry excites food lovers, irrespective of the age group. The specialty of the curry is that it is made without using tart tamarind. Try out this delectable cuisine at Fusion Bay restaurant on KB Jacob Road, Kochi, and experience the taste of authentic Keralian cuisine.

 

  • Palak Paneer

If you’re a vegetarian, you’d simply love Palak Paneer. This classic North Indian curry comes with a thick pureed spinach gravy and cubes of cottage cheese. Judging by the taste and popularity, it’s one of the best ways to eat cottage cheese in India. The savory taste and mind-soothing aroma have made it a must-try Indian curry.

So, here was a complete list of the top 10 Indian curries that you must try. Book your table at the best restaurant in Colorado Springs, and quench your desire of eating authentic Indian cuisines.

Types of Kebab: 7 Delicacies that Every Foodie Must Try

Posted on by Chef at UT

Every food connoisseur relishes a meal comprising of fish or meat. When cooked on a wooden skewer and open flame or grilled on the charcoal fire, they taste even better. Yes, we are raving about kebabs.

Whether it is made of chicken, mutton, beef, paneer, or veggies, kebabs are highly savored and sought-after throughout the world. The penchant for kebabs has transcended beyond Middle Eastern cuisine and has become a global delicacy.

Let’s take a look at the list of different types of kebab and find out more about them in details!!!

 

Types of Kebabs

 

Seekh Kebab

Lasuni Seekh Kebab

 

One of the famous kebabs that are relished all over the world is Sheekh kebab. Mainly considered as appetizer or snack, it originated in the Indian subcontinent.

It is prepared with Indian spices mixed with minced meat. Later it is grilled on skewers. The use of a variety of spices lends it a rich taste and aroma.

 

Reshmi Kebab

Reshmi Kebab

The traditional Mughlai appetizer is succulent, juicy, silky-textured and delectable. Also known as malai kebab, it is usually made of large chunks of chicken that are marinated with yogurt, fresh cream, ground cashews, and almonds.

The chicken pieces are then placed on the skewers and grilled for 15 minutes on a preheated oven at 240 degree C. For relishing authentic chicken reshmi kebab, drop in to a top Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant. 

Galouti Kebab

Galouti Kebab

Savor it as an appetizer or snack, galouti kebab will surely add zing to any event or party. The regal treat is made of finely minced mutton and green papaya that are marinated in finely ground spices. The minced mutton is then mixed in a batter of gram flour, egg, and green chilies and then fried in oil.  The use of exotic spices and pure ghee lends it a marvelous taste and aroma.

Galouti kebab is an integral part of Awadhi cuisine and is made in the Nawabi style. It was served for the first time to the Nawab of Lucknow who due to his weak teeth wanted to relish a kebab that is soft and melts into his mouth.  

 

Shish Kebab

Shish Kebab is a popular preparation in Middle Eastern and Awadhi cuisine. The exotic appetizer is made of cubes of lamb marinated with lemon juice, bell peppers, olive oil, cumin, black pepper, and ginger. To prepare it, preheat the grill and cook the lamb pieces on a skewer over a tandoor oven. 

 

Tunday Kebab

Tunday kebab is a lip-smacking dish that is mainly used as a starter or appetizer. Generally, buffalo meat and 160 different kinds of spices are used to prepare it.

The delicacy makes use of plain yogurt, garam masala, grated ginger, crushed garlic, garam masala, cloves, cardamom, small onions, melted ghee, dried mint, vinegar, sugar and lime to mention a few. 

Shami Kebab

shami Kebab

Shami kebab had its origin in the royal kitchens of the Mughals. Besides the Indian subcontinent, it is also popular in neighboring countries like Pakistan.

It is made of finely minced mutton and other ingredients such as green chili, red chili, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, coriander, and black peppercorn. If you’re planning a special event or gathering in Denver, consider the exquisite catering services by Urban Tandoor, known for their expertise in serving delectable kebabs and more.

Hariyali Kebab

The famous starter is made with boneless chicken cubes or chunks infused in an aromatic green paste of coriander, mint, and other exotic spices. If you are a vegan you can use paneer instead of chicken and get it customized.

To prepare it, mix chicken cubes with lemon juice, salt, and chili powder. Grind all the spices including garlic, ginger, mint, cilantro and green chilies.

Then add the green paste into a mixture containing yogurt, garam masala, and coriander powder. Marinate the chicken with the green paste. Preheat oven and place oil on the skewers. Put the marinated chicken cubes on the skewer. To enjoy delicious hariyali kebab, step into the best Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant.

 

Visit Urban Tandoor, one of the leading restaurants in Colorado Springs that presents a wonderful dining experience to food connoisseurs. It brings an array of innovative vegetarian and non- vegetarian kebab recipes and other delicacies to relish. You can also check out some different types of Indian Curry to satisfy your taste buds.

Tandoori Roti vs Naan: Spot the Main Dissimilarities

Posted on by Chef at UT

In every Indian household, roti and naan form the main source of sustenance and are part of the staple food. Whether it is veggies or dal, chicken curry or egg masala, they taste great with any of them. Naan or roti both are conventional Indian flatbreads, however, they differ in many aspects. Let’s highlight the main differences between the two.

Tandoori Roti Vs Naan Differences

Definition

Roti is an unleavened flatbread made of whole wheat flour. It is light and has no filling and is served with veggies, pulses, or meat preparations.

Tandoori Roti

On the other hand, naan is a leavened flatbread that is fancier and heavier than roti and has a filling inside it. It is made of all-purpose refined flour and stuffed with curd, fresh desiccated coconut, butter, nigella seeds, and raisins. There is a non-vegetarian version also and you can make naan with a stuffing of keema inside it.

Naan accompanies many savory delicacies. For relishing different kinds of naan, step into the best restaurant in Colorado Springs and have a wonderful fine dining experience.

 

Cooking Method

You need to take 2 cups of wheat flour, ½ teaspoon salt in a large mingling vessel. Then add 1 tsp of oil to flour. Mix the flour and salt and add water in little parts to make soft dough.

Avoid adding much water to the flour all at once.

Bind and press to smoothen the flour. After the dough is ready, make small lumps from it. Roll the lumps in a rolling board and place it on the tawa.

For making restaurant-style naan at home, blend water and sugar in a bowl. Scatter with the yeast and keep for 5 minutes. Then mix the flour and salt in a bowl.

Add the yeast mixture and the yogurt to the flour mixture and mix on medium speed until the dough comes together.

Then rise the dough and flatten it. Then put the dough in a disk and divide it into 8 pieces. Cover it with a towel.

Finally, grill the dough by heating it on an iron skillet. Make sure it is done on a medium flame. Roll the dough into 1/4-inch-thick rounds or ovals by maintaining the same thickness across. Place on the grill and cook until the rounds or ovals turn golden-brown and lightly charred.

Naan Bread 

Cooking Style

Roti is cooked on a tawa or flat skillet

Naan is only cooked in a tandoor oven powered by charcoal or wood fire.

 

Typesof Roti and Naan

Roti has many kinds and variations such as chapati, tandoori roti, missi roti, roomali roti, phulka and others.

Naan too has many types. You can choose from plain naan, baby naan, butter naan, garlic naan, laccha naan, cheese naan, paneer naan, pudina naan, Nawabi naan, Manitou Incline naan, keema naan, and others.

If you love naan too and want to savor its different kinds with various culinary delicacies, visit the best restaurant in Colorado Springs. 

 

Thickness

The thickness of roti is variable however it is not thicker than naan.

 

Naan is thicker than all kinds of rotis.

 

Texture

 

Roti is coarser and less flexible. It needs to be chewed

 

Naan is softer in texture due to the kind of flour and yeast used.

 

Preparation Time

 

Roti is easy to make and does not consume much time to get prepared.

 

Naan is time-consuming to make.

 

Nutritional Value

 

Roti is enriched with dietary fiber, proteins, iron, potassium, and minerals.

 

Naan is low in nutritional value. It contains more amounts of fat and cholesterol

 

Calories

 

Roti is low in calories. In fact, it has zero saturated and trans fat and cholesterol.

 

Naan is a high-calorie flatbread.

 

Whether it is roti or naan, it has become an indispensable part of Indian subcontinent diet. Besides becoming household names, they are also popular in restaurants and events.

 

Visit Urban Tandoor and indulge your taste buds with different kinds of rotis and naan served that you can order with sinful gravies and delicacies. The leading restaurant in Colorado Springs serves a wide range of tantalizing items such as plain naan, garlic naan, cheese naan, butter naan, Peshawari naan, butter naan, and Manitou Incline naan. In the category of rotis, you can enjoy missi roti, tandoori roti, and others.

7 Most Popular Indian Food in the World in 2019

Posted on by Chef at UT

Indian cuisines are known all over the world for their mouth-watering taste and mind-blowing aroma. Every state has its own dishes that represents its culture and simply taste heavenly. In this blog, we’ve provided a list of 7 most popular Indian foods in the world. We would recommend you to visit a trusted Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs and savor the taste of each of them.

 

  • Samosa

samosa

Samosas are undeniably the best Indian starters. These are fried patty stuffed with flavored mashed potatoes and served hot along with chutney. The best part about this dish is that it is extremely easy to prepare. A dough of flour is formed into cones and filled with fillings of potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Then, they are then deep-fried.

 

  • Chicken Tikka Masala

chicken tikka masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most popular non-veg cuisines not only in India but also in other parts of the globe. Cooked in spicy gravy and heavily laced with butter, this delicious charcoal burnt, clay oven cooked chicken has never failed to excite the taste buds of foodies. The fiery red, crispy-on-the-outside, succulent-on-the-inside dish has taken the world by storm ever since it was first served during the times of the Mughals.

 

  • Butter Chicken

butter chicken

Unarguably, this is one of the most popular Indian dishes not just in the sub-continent, but also across the globe. This is the reason why most Indian restaurants in Colorado Springs offer this dish. Traditionally cooked in tandoor, butter chicken is a dish that every non-vegetarian is fond of! These are soft boneless chicken pieces cooked in butter, tomato, onion & garam masala. Visit a Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant today to taste authentic Butter Chicken.

 

  • Biryani

biryani

Biryani is one of the most popular Indian cuisines that is served in all parts of the world. Experts say, this is a classic concoction of rice and chicken and has more variants than any other dish in the world. The best part about this dish is that preparing it doesn’t involve much hassle. Chicken or mutton is marinated in curd along with fragrant spices. It is then mixed with rice and slow-cooked for hours. Going forward, the rice is mixed with a pre-cooked gravy to make it moist and flavorsome.

 

  • Palak Paneer

palak paneer

Though this dish originated in the Indian state of Punjab, it gained popularity all over India over the years. Now, it’s one of the most sought-after vegan dishes globally. If you’re a veggie and want your main course to be healthy and delicious, then Palak Paneer is definitely the best option for you! Made with Spinach and Paneer (cottage cheese), it is one of the most popular vegetarian dishes in India. Eat it along with naans or chapatis and excite your taste buds.

 

  • Dal Makhni

dal makhni

This is yet another Punjabi Dish that gained immense popularity over the years. We think it’s a perfect vegetarian variant for butter chicken. A mix of lentils is slow-cooked with tomato puree and butter and served hot. Eat it along with Roti or Naan and relish the mouth-watering taste of Dal Makhni.

 

  • Malai Kofta

Malai Kofta

Malai Kofta is the vegetarian version of meatballs. This is made either with gourd or unripe bananas. The taste may vary from mild to very spicy. The way of preparing this dish is also simple. It’s cooked in a gravy of tomato, cream, and spices. Then, the balls are soaked in the flavors and served hot with bread or rice.

 

Enjoy authentic Indian delicacies at the Urban Tandoor

So, here was our list of most popular Indian foods in the world. Let us know in the comment section if you want to add any. Visit Urban Tandoor – the best restaurant in Colorado Springs if you want to taste the most popular Indian cuisines at pocket-friendly prices. Call 7203231492 to book your spot!

Explore the Difference between Pulao and Biryani

Posted on by Chef at UT

One of the first things that people do when they chill out at a top Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs or go to a lavish party is to check out the menu for Biryani. This amazing dish with its alluring flavor and rich texture has been immensely popular over the years transcending borders and reaching all shores.

The craze for Biryani continues with people enjoying the dish and uploading pictures of it in the Social Media.

Well, Biryani does have a close competitor and that is the Indian Pulao! The aroma of the dish is simply ethereal and takes ardent rice lovers on a rich savory trip. Sadly enough, many of us still tend to get confused between the two culinary delicacies. A lot of people think that they are the same things. But that’s wrong. They are certainly not the same. Let’s highlight the main differences between the two.

biryani

 

Origin 

Biryani had its origin in the Indian subcontinent, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Persia. In India, it is popular in Lucknow and Hyderabad, two of the chief cities ruled by the Mughals.

Pulao was invented in Turkey and Central Asia. To taste authentic and fresh biryani and pulao, visit the best restaurant in Colorado Springs.

 

Smell

The smell of biryani is heavy due to an assortment of spices used in the recipe.

Pulao, on the other hand, has a moderate smell since fewer spices are used for preparing it.

 

Layering

Biryani is made in layers, with one layer devoted to meat and veggies while another layer is filled with fried onions.

In the case of pulao, there is no layering but the meat, veggies, and rice are sautéed together and then cooked in a fixed quantity of water.

 

Cooking Technique

The way that Biryani and Pulao are cooked differs a lot. While biryani is cooked by using the drainage method, pulao is cooked through the absorption method.

In biryani, at first, rice is boiled until it is ready and after that water remaining is entirely drained to dry it following which meat, potatoes, dry fruits, and fried onions are added in layers.

The cooking method for pulao is different. Here, water used in boiling rice and veggies is absorbed completely.

pulao

Spices and Condiments Used

Both biryani and pulao are distinguished by the spices and condiments used in them. While preparing biryani, spices such as chili powder, garlic, onion, ginger, nutmeg, mace, pepper, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves, saffron are used. The luxurious blend of spices lends it its wonderful flavor and aroma.

On the other hand, for preparing pulao spices such as peppercorns, fennel seeds, cardamom, and star anise are used that render it a unique taste and exotic flavor.

 

Preparation Time

Biryani needs longer preparing time because of the assortment of ingredients that have to be blended in at different stages. It also has a long cooking time because a very low flame is used to cook it in a closed container.

Pulao takes lesser time to get prepared because it gets cooked on medium to high flame and involves lesser preparation methods.

 

Serving

Biryani is treated as a complete meal and served with chutney or raita.

Pulao is served as a side dish along with gravy-based meat dishes, veggies, dal, and paneer.

Enjoy the best Indian food, at Urban Tandoor, a premium restaurant in Colorado Springs that offers a lavish dining experience. Whether it is biryani or pulao, you will get the best food and hospitality!

Butter Chicken Recipe in Punjabi Style: A Complete Guide

Posted on by Chef at UT

Butter chicken, also known as ‘Murg Makhani’, is a dish that originated in the Daryaganj, Delhi and it is most popular in the Indian state of Punjab. These are tender boneless chicken pieces cooked in tomato gravy, rich in butter and cream.

The perfect mix of butter and spices gives the dish its irresistible taste. This is the reason why it is popular in India as well as, in a number of countries like the U.S.A, Canada, and New Zealand.

Tempted? Well, in this blog we have provided a step-by-step guide on how you can prepare butter chicken recipe in Punjabi style.

Butter Chicken

Ingredients required for preparing Punjabi style butter chicken recipe

1. Oil – 2 tbsp

2. Green Cardamom (Ilaychi) – 2

3. Black cardamom (Badi Ilaychi)

4. Cloves (Laung)

5. Cinnamon stick (Dalchini)- 1-inch piece

6. Onion-1 cup

7. Salt to taste

8. Fresh cream – 1/2 cup

9. Kasturi Methi – 1 tsp

10. Kashmiri red chili powder – 1 tsp

11. Garam masala – 1 tsp

12. Tandoori masala – 1 tsp

13. Chicken – 1/2 kg

14. Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp

15. Tomato Puree – ½ cup.

16. Butter – 2 tbsp

17. Curd – 2 tbsp

18. Cashew nut paste – 2 tbsp

Step-by-Step by guide to prepare butter chicken recipe in Punjabi style

1. In a bowl, take washed chicken cubes (make sure it is boneless).

2. Now, add spices to marinate the chicken: ginger-garlic paste, salt, red chili powder, turmeric, and roasted cumin powder and mix it well!

3. Cool the mixture for 30 – 40 minutes.

4. In a pan, take some oil. Make sure the oven is on medium flame. After the oil turns hot, add chicken pieces one after the other.

5. Fry both sides of the chicken until it turns red. Make sure it’s fried properly by gently pressing down each piece.

6. In a large pan, add some butter, oil, bay leaf, green cardamom, mace, and garlic. Keep stirring on medium flame.

7. Cook till the flavor of the garlic enters the mixture.

8. Next, add tomatoes to the mixture and cook it until it turns soft. Add salt to speed up the cooking of tomatoes.

9. Turn off the flame and allow the contents to cool down a bit.

10. Transfer the contents in bowl and keep it aside.

11. In a separate pan, take some butter green chilies, and ginger. Cook till the aroma of ginger fades away.

12. Going forward, add Kashmiri red chili powder, salt, and garam masala to the gravy and mix well.

13. Add cream and honey. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Add water if the gravy turns too thick.

14. Add the pan-fried chicken pieces and dried fenugreek leaves to the gravy and mix well.

15. Cover the pan and cook on a medium flame for 10-15 minutes.

16. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Butter Chicken calories

On an average, one boneless chicken breast with sauce contains 438 calories. You can savor it with Tandoori Roti or Butter nun without the fear of consuming excess calories.

Taste Authentic Butter Chicken in Punjabi Style at the Urban Tandoor

If you’re craving for authentic butter chicken in Punjabi Style, then Urban Tandoor is the best place to head to. Our chefs are well-trained and know how exactly Punjabis prepare this mouth-watering dish. To top it all, we always use fresh spices sourced from genuine vendors from different parts of India.

So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call on +1 (719) 593-1126 to book your seat at the best Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs serving this famous dish.

Discover the Main Differences between Kebab and Tikka

Posted on by Chef at UT

Whenever we visit a lavish casual restaurant for a fine dining experience we look at the menu and find out whether it includes kebab or tikka. Similarly, a party of social gathering seems incomplete without the kebabs or tikkas being served on the platter.

Such is the popularity of the delicacies that they are even served at every Indian Restaurant in Colorado Springs and other places. Very often food connoisseurs consider kebabs and tikkas to be the same items. There is a world of differences between Kebab and Tikka. Let’s find out more about it in details.

History and Origin

Kebab

Kebab

The history of kebab dates back to 1200 AD when it was first introduced at the Turkish kitchen. It was brought to India by the Afghans and Mughals. At that time, the Mughal soldiers of the royal army chopped pieces of boneless meat and threaded them over their swords. They later grilled and cooked them on an open fire to make them succulent.

Tikka

tikka

The birth of the recipe was in Britain. While some reports suggest, the recipe was first originated in a Pakistani restaurant at Glasgow named Shish Mahal. Tikka became popular in India during the era of royal Nawabs who came after the Mughals.

Terminology

The word “kebab” means grilled meat that is derived from Persia and Turkey

The word “tikka” means small bits or pieces

Ingredients Used

Kebab’s Ingredients

Lamb and chicken are the traditional ingredients used for making kebabs. But with changing times and tastes, the recipe can be customized and made with beef, goat, fish, and pork. Other ingredients include salt, pepper, and olive oil. The spices and condiments used for making kebabs tend to vary depending on the type being made.

 Tikka’s Ingredients

Chicken, fish and paneer are mainly used as ingredients for making tikka. Other ingredients include spices, yogurt, and lemon juice.

Cooking Method/Procedure

Kebab

At first, minced meat are marinated with different spices. Then they are grilled on a skewer over a fire. Many kebabs can also be prepared by grilling or baking the meat pieces in a pan over an oven. You can use beef, goat, chicken, fish, mutton, lamb and pork for the recipe.

A Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant serves a customized version of the recipe that is known for its unique flavor and taste.

Tikka

At first, boneless chunks of meat are marinated with yogurt and various spices. Then the meat pieces (you can use chicken or lamb) are baked in a clay oven called tandoor and stir fried.

Sometimes, the recipe is also prepared by barbequing the meat pieces on a hot coal to bring out a unique taste and flavor. Savor the authentic Middle Eastern delicacy at a grand Indian Restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Types

Kebabs

Kebabs are of different types. It includes

  • Galawati Kebab
  • Shami Kebab
  • Kakori Kebab
  • Sheekh Kebab
  • Doner Kebab
  • Chelo Kebab
  • Shashlik Kebab
  • Hariyali Kebab
  • Kalmi Kebab
  • Burrah Kebab
  • Reshmi Kebab

Tikkas

Tikka is classified into four types. It includes

  • Chicken Tikka
  • Paneer Tikka
  • Malai Tikka
  • Lamb Tikka

The difference between kebab and tikka is striking but both have one thing in common. They both are delicious and can add zing to any event or dining experience.

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