7 Indian Spices that are Indispensable for Indian Cooking

Posted on July 23, 2019June 11, 2023 by Chef at UT

Indian foods are famous for their unique taste and distinctive flavor. They can be best described as hot and spicy. The cooking is a perfect blend of spices, herbs, and condiments. Speaking of spices, it is the story of every Indian household to have different jars for keeping them. So much so, that India is known as the land of spices.

Without these secret ingredients, it is impossible to imagine cooking the curries and stews. While some can be used in the form of powder, other spices can be used in the form of the paste only after blending it in a powerful mixer grinder. Let’s take a look at 7 spices that are an integral part of the best Indian food.

Cardamom

Cardamom is an expensive spice that is used for cooking an exotic range of Indian dishes. Green and black cardamoms are indispensable for cooking biryani, basmati rice, various curries, and desserts.

The flavor of green cardamom is sweet and light while the taste of black cardamom is powerful and smoky. Besides Indian cooking, cardamom is extremely popular in Middle Eastern cuisines.

Cinnamon

For adding a distinct flavor and tantalizing aroma to many Indian meat and rice dishes, cinnamon has no substitute. It is mainly used in preparing chicken curries, cakes, sweet dishes, and apple pies. However, it is always removed before serving.

Turmeric

The yellow-colored spice is commonly used for enhancing the flavor of the Indian dishes. It is also used for marinating meat. It contains a medicinal compound called curcumin.

Since ancient times and centuries, it is being used in Indian cooking and considered the basic ingredient for cooking Indian food. A top Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs includes turmeric in their dishes for enhancing the taste and flavor.

Nutmeg

An extraordinarily potent and unique spice from secrets of the Indian kitchen, nutmeg is loaded with essential nutrients and wellness properties. Right from savories to sweet dishes, nutmeg is an integral part of Indian cuisine.

If we trace back the history and evolution of nutmeg, then it shows that it was mainly used in Mughlai cuisines and Biryani preparations.

Cloves

If you want to get that rich and spicy flavor in any preparation, then adding cloves is mandatory. In North Indian cuisine, cloves are extremely popular and used in every side dish for enhancing the flavor.

Cumin

Cumin is the most ubiquitous of spices in the Indian spice category. It has an intense, warm and rich flavor and goes well with coriander. The spice tastes best when it is freshly minced in a mixer.

However, many people also prefer to use it in the form of a powder. In a top-notch Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant cumin is used in almost all the curries and stews.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a popular Indian spice and is known for its nice aroma and distinct pungent flavor. It is used in both whole and powder forms for lending flavor to a dish. Besides, it contains piperine that works wonders for the body by providing vital vitamins, selenium, and beta-carotene.

Here was our list for the best 7 spices used in Indian cooking. Pick your favorite one and let us know whether you want to add more in the comments section.

Top 7 Indian Foods That You Mustn’t Forget To Try!

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Chef at UT

Indian cuisine is a must-try for every foodie. Needless to mention, Indian food is vastly diverse and delicious coming from diverse regions with varying tastes!

In this blog, we’ve listed the top 7 recipes (non-veg, veg, and dessert) from India that you must try at an Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Non-Veg

1. Butter Chicken

Traditionally cooked in tandoor, butter chicken is a must try for every non-veg lover! These are tender boneless chicken pieces cooked in butter, tomato, onion & garam masala. Visit a Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant today to taste authentic Butter Chicken.

2. Tandoori Chicken

Well, this is yet another item of chicken that you must try as a non-veg lover. It’s a North Indian dish consisting of roasted chicken prepared with yogurt and spices. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and blended with the spice mixture and tandoori masala. Cayenne pepper, red chili powder or Kashmiri red chili powder is added later on to give it a fiery red color.

3. Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh – a popular cuisine from the north Indian state of Kashmir, is known for its outstanding taste and fragrance. It consists of braised lamb chunks cooked in a gravy based on browned onions or shallots. Spices such as cloves, bay leaves, cardamom, and cinnamon are added to make it aromatic. Try it from the best restaurant in Colorado Springs to experience the real savor of Rogan Josh.

Veg

4. Samosas

Samosas are fried patties with a savory filling of spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and lentils. Sometimes, ground chicken, lamb, or beef are also added in the filling. Usually served with mint sauce or chutney, samosas are one of the best Indian foods that you must try!

5. Malai Kofta

If you’re eager to taste authentic veg cuisine from India, then you must try Malai Kofta. It is cottage cheese and vegetable rounds dipped in sour cream and vegetable sauce. The perfect mixture of the cream and sauce will melt your mouth almost instantaneously. Undoubtedly, it’s a heavenly dish that tastes awesome when consumed along with rice.

6. Palak (Spinach) Paneer

This is probably the most popular paneer (cottage cheese) recipe in India. It is easy to digest since it has nothing more than spinach and cottage cheese along with mild Indian spices. The large portions of spinach and fenugreek leave present in this dish makes it green in color. Speaking of the taste, it tastes awesome when consumed with tandoori bread.

Dessert

7. Kheer

This sweet and creamy rice pudding is one of the most popular Indian desserts. Made up of rice, milk, and sugar and flavored with cardamom, raisins, cashew nut, pistachio, and almond – you mustn’t forget to include this in your list.

Taste Authentic Indian Cuisines at Urban Tandoor

So, these were the top 7 recipes from India that we think you must try! Let us know in the comment section what you would like to taste next. Visit Urban Tandoor – the most trusted Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs, if you want to taste authentic Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Call 7203231492 to book your spot!

Tracing Back the Origin of Chicken Tikka Masala

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Chef at UT

Every dish has a history be it Indian or Continental. The rich and succulent Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular dish both in India and overseas. It is served in North America and is so popular that it finds a place on the menu of every modern Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Despite being declared a national dish of Britain till 2012, the mystery surrounding its origin is yet to be solved. And speculation still continues.

Evolution of Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a healthy and popular dish because of the lean meat amount and cooking technique. However, theories regarding the origin of the dish are contradictory and there is no strong evidence to support from which country it is sourced from.

However, it is considered the National dish of Britain. According to Robin Cook, the Foreign Secretary of England hailed it as a “true British national dish” and pompously declared that the dish is an illustration of the way Britain engrosses and adapts external influences.

However, according to some other theories the lip-smacking dish was first served and discovered at a Pakistani restaurant situated in Glasgow named Shish Mahal.

It happened when a hungry driver came and ordered it but found it too dry. He suggested the chef should change it to a gravy-based dish. Acting on the suggestion, the chef whose name was Ali Ahmed Aslam improvised the dish.

To make it more delectable, he combined chunks of chicken in tomato soup. This saw the birth of dish. Slowly it became popular worldwide and started being consumed in Britain, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India having an affinity for dishes with gravies and sauces.

Other theories suggest the dish has a Punjabi or Bangladeshi origin. These theories state that it was invented in the year 1971 by adding more tomato sauce, aromatic spices, cream, tomato, ginger, garlic, onion, chili pepper, and yogurt.

According to this school, the versions of the dish that are served today at restaurants are a mere adaptation of its original version served in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Change in Cooking Procedure of Chicken Tikka Masala

Approximately 5000 years ago, chicken tikka masala was prepared by baking chicken of large pieces. Then at the insistence of Mughal emperor Babar, the chicken pieces were made smaller and bones were taken out.

The modern version of the dish involves cooking boneless chicken chunks in an outdoor clay oven after marinating them with aromatic spices and yogurt. Thus, it is both an old and new kind of dish. A top-rated Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant is sure to serve only tender and juicy chicken pieces making the dish delectable.

Many chefs preparing the Indian Restaurant in Colorado Springs present a customized version of the dish. They concoct a recipe to cater to food connoisseurs who want to combine this apparent Western dish with something more traditional.

How does it taste?

It is difficult to describe the taste of the dish to someone who has never tasted it. But it is warm and spicy. Since it is cooked in tomato and yogurt-based sauce with a slew of aromatic spices, it has got a spicy flavor with an appetizing smell. You can pamper taste buds with this amazing dish at the best restaurant in Colorado Springs.

Chicken Tikka Masala has evolved a lot since its invention. Hopefully, the blog will help you to explore it soon!!!

6 Mild Indian Dishes that You Will Love Eating Anytime

Posted on June 20, 2019June 11, 2023 by Chef at UT

Indian food is known for its rich taste, flavor, and aroma. Spices and oils are the secrets to preparing delicious Indian culinary delicacies. Hence, Indian food has garnered the global reputation of being oily and spicy. But there are many dishes that are mild and do not require the use of too many spices, oil, and condiments. These mild Indian dishes are good for health. Take a look at the compilation of the best mild Indian dishes.

Korma

Korma is a delectable preparation that is mild and does not need too many spices. Originating in South Asia, the word “Korma is derived from the Turkish word “Kavurma” which means cooked meat. It is rich, creamy, and delicious dish that is cooked in generous quantities of coconut milk. You can prepare this dish with both lamb and chicken and serve it with naan or chapati. If you relish this delicacy in the best restaurant in Colorado Springs, you can get a more customized and healthy version of the dish.

Malai Kofta

Malai Kofta is a popular Indian dish that hails from North India. It has a rich creamy texture due to the ingredients present in it such as cashews and fresh cream. You just can’t get enough of Malai Kofta with roasted butter naan. Once you eat it, you will surely crave for more.

Butter Chicken

A favorite of all generations and considered a timeless classic, butter chicken is one of the mildest Indian dishes. In this recipe, at first the chicken is marinated in a creamy mixture for hours and then cooked in a tandoor. The ingredients used in the recipe such as butter, yogurt, and cream give it a rich consistency and creamy texture. Best served with roti or Kulcha, you can simply savor this mild dish in evening get-together or family dinners.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a delectable creamy curry dish made of chunks of roasted marinated chicken, yogurt, tomatoes, paprika, and coconut cream. Food lovers love to serve it with rice to feel its awesome flavor and rich texture. You can enjoy it in a platter at a top-rated Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant.

Daal Makhani

Daal Makhani is a North Indian dish that is appreciated and savored all over the world. It is a simple lentil curry mixed with rajma or red kidney beans cooked in a rich cream with butter at the top. The texture is rich and creamy due to the slow cooking it undergoes. The Punjabi dish tastes best with rice or roti.

Kashmiri Pulao

The tantalizing yet unconventional dish of Kashmiri Pulao is popular for ages. It tastes sweet and the condiments added to it lend it a mild flavor and nice aroma. You will require basmati rice, saffron, fruits, and dry fruits to prepare this mild and classic main course dish.

Life becomes a fiesta when there is good food on the plate. Enjoy the best mild Indian dishes and savor their rich taste and flavor.

What Makes Tandoori Chicken So Healthy?

Posted on March 14, 2019June 11, 2023 by Chef at UT

Tandoori Chicken is irresistible for its taste and smoky flavor. At some point in our lives, we are all guilty of ordering tandoori chicken with bread when we are craving for something tasty. But is it so unhealthy that we should feel guilty?

Let’s take a look at the answer:

Tandoori Chicken is a healthy dish thanks to its lean meat amount and the cooking technique. It was traditionally cooked in the clay tandoor. Now the question arises what’s tandoor?

Tandoor is a type of oven that can be built from clay or metal. Wood or charcoal fire generates the heat within the tandoor. Indians prefer clay tandoor to prepare several dishes. The temperature of tandoor can rise up to 9000 F.

You can also prepare Tandoori Chicken on grills too – those that are propane gas grill or charcoal grill. The grilling method makes tandoori chicken healthy as it doesn’t require much oil and retains the proteins.

The chicken breast is marinated with yogurt before grilling. Yogurt contains healthy nutrients, such as zinc, potassium and vitamin B12. It is also responsible for giving the dish its customary smoky flavor.

Benefits of Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken is a low fat and low-calorie dish. Chicken breast contains lean protein. It is highly recommended for anyone that is conscious about maintaining good health and body weight.

Promotes Brain Health

Tandoori Chicken minimizes the intake of fats and carbs. The herbs that are added to Tandoori Chicken as seasoning increases the nutrient value of the dish. It is believed that Tandoori Chicken is good for your brain health!

Chicken is known to increase the serotonin level that leads to reduced stress level and fewer mood swings. Tandoori Chicken reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Chicken contains vitamin B5, B3, B6 and other nutrients.

However, it’s better to exclude naan or bread with chicken. Steamed or grilled vegetables and whole grain flat breads or rotis add the best nutrients to your meal.

Promotes Metabolism

Chicken is rich in selenium that helps in burning calories faster. Selenium improves the metabolic rate of the body.

Food coloring should be excluded in Tandoori Chicken. Tandoori Chicken receives its color from its spices.
You can make Tandoori Chicken a part of your regular diet but of course in moderation. If you want to include chicken in your daily diet as a protein source then surely Tandoori Chicken is the best tasty choice.

Tandoori Chicken is obviously a great dish that is both healthy and tasty. Many popular celebs have included it in their healthy diet chart. Just grab a tandoor and prepare your favorite dish or order one right away.

What is Veg Jalfrezi?

Posted on November 22, 2018December 15, 2023 by Chef at UT

The name ‘veg jalfrezi’ is self-explanatory declaring it to be a vegetarian dish. But it also has its non-vegetarian variations that can be prepared with chicken, mutton or fish. Jalfrezi has won over the hearts of the Indians and the foodies all over the world since its creation.

Different People, Different Taste

Every Indian restaurant in London has its own variation and cooks it differently with different ingredients. Even, Jamie Oliver has included a veg jalfrezi recipe made of beans in his Jamie’s Food Revolution cookbook. Jamie Oliver and other British chefs too have included its veg and non-veg versions in their recipe books. Renowned British-Asian chef, Atul Kocchar has a duck version in his recipe book Atul’s Curries of the World. In his book, he has discussed the misconception some Brits have about Jalfrezi. Jalfrezi is commonly misunderstood as the level of heat in which the curry is cooked. Another famous chef, Madhur Jaffrey has a beef version of it in her cookbook At Home with Madhur Jaffrey: Simple, Delectable Dishes from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Origin of Jalfrezi

Jhalfrezi is a curry that originated in British India and was popularised throughout the country and in the other parts of the world by the famous Indian and British Chefs. The dish is prepared with the main ingredient like paneer, meat, fish or veggies and stir-fried over high heat with veggies and finally served in a spicy, thick sauce that contains chilies and onions. Other common ingredients are tomatoes and bell peppers.

Ingredients of Veg Jalfrezi

In India, Jalfrezi is prepared with a variety of spices and vegetables. The main ingredients of Veg Jalfrezi are paneer, green peas, tomato, carrot, cauliflower, garam masala, capsicum, chilly, vinegar, sugar, fresh cream, ghee or oil, garlic, tomato puree, cumin seeds, ginger, turmeric, and salt.

Some Facts about Jalfrezi

A 2011 survey reports ‘Jalfrezi’ as the most popular Indian dish in the UK and other South Asian restaurants.
Jalfrezi recipe appeared in British Indian cookbooks as an easy way of using up the leftovers by deep frying them with onion and chili.

The word originated from colloquial Bengali and Persian words. Jal is a Bengali word that means ‘spicy’ and porhezi is a Persian word that means ‘suitable for diet’.