South Indian Restaurant- A Perfect Place For Any Vegetarian

There is something warm as well as comforting about food. It feeds and treats; provides heavenly delight. If you live in India, you’ll surely fall in love with the fresh South Indian tiffin or breakfast items that are made in several south Indian restaurant all over India. These well-designed places have comfortable seating arrangements where people tuck into lip-smacking South Indian breakfast delights like melt-in-the-mouth soft idlis, crispy vadas, appetizing dosas, tasty uttapams, mouthwatering rava dosa, delectable paper dosa and so on.

In some restaurants, kitchen is open, and it’s fun to watch the men (there are mostly men, all the time) make dosas, puris as well as plate up dishes at incredible speeds. You never get exhausted of observing them, expertly making hot dosas even if you have not placed an order for one. They make dosas on a giant tawa, which is extremely hot. After sprinkling water as well as cleaning it off, they scoop oil from a tumbler. After that the batter is spread out in a circular motion quite fast. The cook usually makes a group of dosas; therefore each one is spread in fast succession. Then it is lavishly filled with potato onion filling. Folded properly, it is served with delightful sambar as well as coconut chutney. It is absolutely a bliss for any foodie.

With the flavorful fare, a must order is the filter coffee. It is heavenly. Even the way the person makes it is interesting. With extreme precision, he transfers hot milk into the coffee decoction in a steel tumbler never dropping a single drop. After this, your frothy delicacy is all set to taste. Usually, people round up their breakfast with this coffee. It is delicious as well as refreshing.

The boiling containers of sambar and other food stuff along with the buzz about these south Indian restaurants is a lot of fun to observe. Most of these restaurants open their doors early in the morning for breakfast. Moreover, they are crowded with food lovers, all the time.

Visit any south Indian family restaurant which offers the best of dishes made from traditional south Indian food recipes.

South Indian food menu offered by any dosa restaurant is always a delight for all vegetarians.

So, if you are a vegetarian and love to go out with your family to have some flavorful food, then south Indian restaurant is the perfect place for you!!!

For more details visit http://www.vaango.in

Vaango Discover the taste of Authentic South Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is known for its immense diversity and authenticity. By integrating a number of ingredients like spices, vegetables, grains and fruits, most of the Indian dishes rank high in taste and flavor. Further, the culture and history of a particular place is truly reflected in their dishes. That is why many people travel to other regions in order to discover authentic dishes of that region. For example, North Indian cuisine is popular throughout the world for its curry and Mughlai cuisine while South India is popular for dishes like dosas and idlis.

With time, cuisines from North India have become popular in South India and vice-versa. That is why today there are a number of South Indian restaurants in numerous places across North India.

In addition, as South Indian food is extremely high on nutrition and taste, they have become extremely popular among health conscious and family crowds as well.

Established by the Devyani International Limited, Vaango is one of the most popular and loved South Indian restaurant in the country. With a wide and comprehensive menu that includes Dosas, Vada, Idlis, Curd Rice, Tamarind Rice and sweets like Rawa Kesari, the restaurant has numerous varieties to choose from. 

In addition, features like Live Kitchen, enables customers to enjoy the visual treat of watching their meals being cooked in front of them. With so many facilities and features, Vaango hopes to make South Indian cuisine popular in all the regions of the country.

For more details about South Indian Breakfast Menu visit http://www.vaango.in/

The Rich Diversity And History Of Indian Cuisine

Considered as one of the world's most diverse cuisine, Indian cuisine is truly varied and diverse. The food dishes from this country is characterized by the sophisticated use of spices, vegetables, grains and spices. Also, each region has a wide and comprehensive collection of dishes and cooking techniques that are unique to their own state and area. India's religious and ethical beliefs have also played an important part in the overall growth and development of its cuisine. As vegetarianism is an integral part of many religious sects and beliefs, this is widely reflected in the cuisine of the country as well. 

Over the years, India has been subject to a number of invasions. All this immigration and intermingling of cultures through the decade but obviously impacted the cooking technique and culinary culture of the country. Many recipes can be traced back to the initial Vedic period where a normal diet consisted of items like vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products and honey. As this was a predominantly Hindu period, the concept of ahimsa was prevalent which forbade the killing of animals. So a lot of the diet in this period was vegetarian in nature, a concept that was reinforced with the advent of Buddhism as well. As time passed, invasions from Central Asia, Arabia, the Mughal empire, and Persia, had a fundamental effect on Indian cooking. The Islamic conquest of medieval India introduced many new fruits such as apricots, melons, peaches, and plums to the Indian cooking.

This conquest also meant the beginning of a new range of non-vegetarian dishes like rich gravies, pilafs and non-vegetarian fare such as kebabs, giving rise to Mughlai cuisine (Mughal in origin). As the Mughals were big patrons of cooking, cooking techniques and recipes reached a new high during this period with lavish dishes were prepared during the reigns of Mughal rulers especially Jahangir and Shah Jahan. It was during this period that there was a blending of Mughlai and Telangana cuisines in the kitchens of the Nizams who were the historic rulers of Hyderabad state. This resulted in the creation of Hyderabadi biryani, a traditional celebratory meal made using goat meat, basmati rice, yoghurt, onions, and spices. Further, India's diverse climate which range from tropical to cold has made a wide range of ingredients easily available to all cooking enthusiasts. This has resulted in a range of cooking flavors, techniques and dishes that today form an integral part of Indian cuisine.

Indian cuisine is divided into four integral divisions namely North, East, West and South. The cuisine of North India has a predominance of dairy products like milk, paneer, ghee and yoghurt. Most of the dishes of this regions are gravy-based and some of the staple food include a variety of lentils, vegetables, and roti (wheat based bread). Further, Mughlai cuisine forms an integral part of the food habits of this region. The East of India is popular for its sweets and deserts like sandesh, rasgulla, chhena gaja among many others. These dishes are now popular in many other parts of the country as well. Over all Bengali cuisine is balanced and some popular dishes include rice, pantabhat, doi-chirey, doodh-muree and fish. The menu of South Indian cuisine is marked by a greater emphasis on rice as the staple grain and the liberal use of coconut, particularly coconut oil and curry leaves. Some of the popular dishes include different variations of sambar and rasam, a variety of pickles, dosa, poori, idli, vada, bonda and bajji. 

These dishes from South India form a major crux of their cuisines and are today popular in many South Indian food restaurant as well. South Indian food is also extremely diverse and rich with some dishes like the dosa gaining popularity all over the world. Today, the popularity of dosa is such that there are many dosa restaurants that have opened up all across the country in order to cater to the growing demand. The western part of India comprises of three food groups namely Gujarati, Maharashtrian and Goan. There are two main types of Maharashtrian cuisine, defined by geographical divisions. The coastal regions consume more rice, coconut, and fish while the the hilly regions of the Western Ghats and Deccan plateau consume more of jowar and bajra. On the other hand, Goan food is a amalgamation of various types of sea food which forms the crux of their cuisine. 

Gujarati cuisine is predominantly vegetarian and many of their dishes have a hint of sweetness due to the usage of sugar. And lastly, food from the North East is very different from that of other parts of India. North Eastern cuisine is strongly influenced by neighboring Burma and the China, and therefore their dishes uses very little of Indian spices and techniques.

Over all Indian cuisines is extremely rich, diverse and comprehensive. With such a lot of influences and patronage by different rulers, Indian cuisines is extremely popular and well-know in many regions around the world. With dishes that suit different palates, Indian cuisine has something to offer to everyone. 

Source: http://goarticles.com/article/The-Rich-Diversity-And-History-Of-Indian-Cuisine/9576205/

The History and Evolution of South Indian Cuisine

                         

The cuisine of South India is extremely diverse and is well-known for its light, low-calorie appetizing meals. Traditional South Indian cuisine is mainly rice based and there are many dishes like dosas, vadas and uttampams that are made by mixing rice with lentils. Considered as extremely healthy, South Indian food is a perfect blend of flavor, color, taste and nutrition. In other words, South Indian food comprises of dishes from four major states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. So while there is a common thread running through the dishes from all these regions, they differ in terms of preparation and spice content.     

                           

Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh: Food from Andhra Pradesh is extremely spicy because of the generous use of chili powder and tamarind. Andhra Pradesh cuisine has three different variations based on region. As the Telangana region is closer to some regions of Maharashtra, there are certain influences from this region. Jowar and Bajra roti are common and is widely consumed in this region. As the Rayalaseema district shares borders with eastern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, their influence cannot be undermined. The regions that are closer to the coastline, but obviously have a rich variety of sea food as well In addition, Hyderabad (capital of the city) has its own distinctive cuisine which is different from other areas. Here the Nizams influence the cuisine to a great degree and dishes like Hyderabadi biryani have achieved cult status not only in the region but around the world. 

                     

Cuisine of Karnataka: As this state has a higher percentage of vegetarians, most of the dishes in this region are vegetarian in nature. The mildest among all South Indian Food, chilli powder is used sparingly in all the dishes. On the other hand dishes in these region makes liberal use of palm sugar or brown sugar. In addition, Udupi food is an integral part of the cuisine from this region. Udupi Hotels are extremely popular in many regions of North India and the menu of this restaurant is greatly influenced by the cuisine of Karnataka. The famous masala dosa traces its origin to Udupi cuisine and was subsequently popularized by Udupi restaurants.   

                        

Cuisine of Kerala: Many of the food items of Kerala cuisine are made using coconut which is found in abundance all over the state. As this region is extremely popular for its backwaters, Kerala is a paradise for seafood lovers who come here from all over the world. Some of the popular dishes from this region include aviyal, olan, shrimp coconut curry, fish poriyal among others. 

                     

Cuisine of Tamil Nadu: A typical Tamil meal consists of both spicy and non-spicy dishes. Except for Brahmins and a couple of non-Brahmin castes, Tamils eat more non-vegetarian food. In Tamilian cuisine, food is classified into six tastes namely sweet, sour, salt, bitter, pungent and astringent. Traditional Tamil cuisine recommends that one must include all of these six tastes in each main meal. Each taste has a balancing ability and including some of each provides complete nutrition, minimizes cravings and balances the appetite and digestion. 

Today, South Indian cuisines is extremely popular not just in India but on the global stage as well. This is proved by the growing popularity of South Indian based restaurants that are today offering a wide variety of South Indian dishes based on authentic taste and flavor. In other words, today South Indian cuisine is enjoyed by people all over the world and the popularity of this cuisine is only set to increase in the future as well. 

Source: http://goarticles.com/article/The-History-and-Evolution-of-South-Indian-Cuisine/9553648/

South Indian Food: A Delight For Vegetarians

                          

 

Good food is the basis for a healthy life. Everything we eat impacts our mind and body in diverse ways. A quality diet that is rich in all types of minerals and proteins is therefore the main way to stay fit and healthy for longer duration. In addition, there are many ways in which an individual can stay healthy from consulting nutritionist to good diet to regular exercise.

Here are some reasons why a vegetarian diet is the best way to attain a healthy mind and body.

Health: This is the most important reason why you must adopt a vegetarian diet. Meat consists of very high levels of high saturated fat and cholesterol which can causes a lot of heart problems. Moreover it is a proven fat that except for b-complex, meat does not contain any significant vitamins. So it is always a good idea to lower your meat intake and increase vegetables and fruits in order to ensure a more balanced and healthy diet.

Environment: Adopting a vegetarian diet is good for the environment. Today, environmental issues like greenhouse emissions are causing large-scale damage to the planet. It is a known fact that the greenhouse effect and fossil fuels are increased due to the creation of meat. In addition, livestocks lead to the destruction of forests which are natural filters for air supply. Forests are destroyed in order to create more land for livestocks. In other words, adopting a vegetarian diet will go a long way in saving the environment and planet.

Two other important reasons why adopting vegetarianism is a good idea is because it because it prevents killing of animals who have a equal right to life. Secondly, adopting vegetarianism results in more savings as a vegetarian diet is more economical in comparison with non-vegetarian diet.

Vegetarianism has always been an integral part of Indian cuisines. That is why there are so many restaurants throughout the country that specializes in vegetarian dishes that are healthy, tasty and nutritious. South Indian Vegetarian dining restaurants are today an integral part of the culture and lifestyle of many cities including Delhi, NOIDA and Gurgoan. These cities have over the past few years seen a growing influx of people from all over the country who come here in search of a proper job and education. That is why Delhi is considered as the melting pot of various cultures and traditions. This in turn has lead to the establishment of a number of food joints and restaurants that specialize in a variety of cuisines and food cultures that are now an integral part of the culture and lifestyle of the city.

Delhi, along with its NCR namely Gurgoan and NOIDA are now home to some of the best South Indian restaurants which serve authentic South Indian cuisines that are extremely delicious, tasty and healthy. Further, these restaurants are now gaining immense popularity not just within North India but on a global stage as well. In addition, as these restaurants offers customers numerous facilities like trained service, amazing interiors and authentic cuisine, they are the ideal place for customers to meet their family and friends. In other words, the growing popularity of restaurants based on South Indian cuisine is valid proof that this cuisine is being appreciated by people across the state who want to enjoy their meals in a modern yet contemporary manner.

For more details about South Indian Cuisine Menu visit http://www.vaango.in/

South Indian Cuisine: An Important Part Of Indian Cuisine

Considered as one of the most diverse cuisines in the world, Indian cuisine is dominated by the use of spices, vegetable, grains and fruits that are grown in abundance all over the country. The cuisine of each region is different and unique; encompassing a wide range of cooking techniques and dishes of various flavors and taste. This diversity in cooking truly represents the ethnic and cultural diversity of the country. In addition, India's religious beliefs and culture has also impacted the nature and type of cuisine at every stage. For example as vegetarianism is popular among many Hinduism Buddhist and Jain communities, vegetarian dishes are immensely popular throughout the country as well. 

Today, Indian cuisines is considered as one of the most popular cuisine in the world. It is today enjoyed by not just Indian people but also by people across North America, Europe, Australia and Africa. Because of extensive immigration and intermingling of cultures, Indian cuisines has been influenced by various elements. Additionally, the diverse climate of India which ranges from tropical to alpine, has provided people with a wide range of ingredients to enhance and improve their cooking styles and techniques. Based on the region, Indian cuisine is divided into North, South, East and West. 

South Indian cuisines is based on dishes from Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Dishes from Tamil Nadu, particularly idlis, dosas, sambar and vada has today become immensely popular not just in India but in the entire world as well. Besides these immensely popular classic dishes, South Indian cuisines offers a number of other extravagant and popular dishes as well. Almost all the food items of this region is dominated by generous amount of spices and coconuts that are grown across all the four states. The final tempering with oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, dried red chillies and urad dal is almost constant for all the dishes in this region. In Kerala, the Malabar coast has become synonymous with its use of spices that even lured many foreign invaders like the Dutch, french and English. Cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg are just some of the few spices that are found in abundance in South India. The cuisine from Andra Pradesh on the other hand was deeply influenced by the Mughal rule and is known for their spiciness and hotness. The kebabs and biryanis of this region have today achieved cult status around the world.

The growing popularity of these South Indian dishes have led to the rise of many prominent South Indian Restaurant on both the national and global scale. These restaurants are based on the most authentic South Indian cuisines and are aimed at helping people taste and discover various dishes within this diverse cuisine. In addition, the menu of of these South Indian restaurants are diverse and they have a wide variety of meals and snacks for customers at almost any time of the day. This makes South Indian restaurant, the ideal place for family and friends to come together and share a meal in a modern and contemporary environment.

For more details about South Indian Cuisine Menu visit http://www.vaango.in/

Vegetarian Dishes: An Integral Aspect Of South Indian Cuisines

Vegetarianism is today becoming immensely popular among various sections and communities of people. This can be due to a number of reasons from the need to preserve Earth's natural resources to animal lovers who are ethically opposed to eating them. So why is it a good idea to adopt vegetarism? First and foremost there is an abudance of scientific research that proves that there are various health and environmental benefits of adopting a vegetarian diet. According to studies, an estimated 70 per cent of all diseases including one-third of all cancer are completely dependent on diet. According to a study conducted by the Loma Linda University, vegetarians live almost seven years longer, and vegans almost fifteen years longer, than meat eaters. 

This is because fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidant nutrients that protect the heart and its arteries while most animal food products contain a lot of dietary saturated fat and cholesterol which can prove harmful in the long run. In other words, a vegetarian diet greatly reduces the risk of chronic regenrative diseases like obesity, cornoray disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even certain type of cancer like colon, breast, stomach and cancer. 

Secondly, the mass production of meat damages the environment to a great extent. So switching to a vegetarian diet can indeed help to reduce this damage in an effective way. Approximately 70 per cent of the grain crop in the US is used for feeding animals that will be eventually killed for food. In other words, it takes 15 pounds of feed to generate 1 pound of meat, and if this same amount of grain were given directly to people, we could combat hunger in a much effective way. Animal farming also generates significant amounts of nitrous oxide and methane, which in turn causes a global warming on a massive scale. That is why giving up meat even on a weekly basis can go a long way in helping to preserving human health on one hand and improving ennvironment on the other hand.

This growing interest in vegetarianism today has promoted the growth and emergence of many vegetarian restaurants not just in India but around the world as well. With so many advanced features and facilities,South Indian Vegetarian Dining are becoming extremely popular as well. Offering customers a variety of cuisines from South Indian to Mughlai, these restaurants are extremely international and modern in their style. In addition, South Indian cuisine which is gaining acceptance not just on a national but global stage is becoming increasingly popular as well. 

This is also due to the fact that South Indian cuisine has a number of vegetarian dishes like idli sambar, dosa, uthampas, Authentic Coconut Chutney and rasam that are extremely delicious, mouth watering and healthy. These South Indian vegetarian dining offer the best facilities, making them an ideal place for family and friends as well. The increasing number of South Indian vegetarian dining units around the country is valid proof that South Indian cuisines is being appreciated by various categories of people who like to enjoy their meals in a modern yet contemporary environment. 

Source: goarticles.com/article/Vegetarian-Dishes-An-Integral-Aspect-Of-South-Indian-Cuisines/9437973/

The Significance Of Spices In Cooking

A broad term used to describe herbal by-products, spices are used to add flavor and serve as aesthetic, aromatic and therapeutic treatment to food items. Spices are made from natural sources like leaves, flowers, roots, barks or nuts of a plant. Also, spices are generally dried and ground before they are mixed with other ingredients and then finally added to various types of dishes. Spices appeal to all the five human sense and have been an integral part of cooking since time immemorial. In addition, spices have also played an integral role in the cuisine of various countries especially India. So while spices are used in almost all regions of India, South Indian food uses them in the most creative and enhanced manner. This is because South India is one of the biggest manufacturer and exporters of spices in the world and this is truly depicted in their dishes as well. In other words, because of the easy availability of spices, a number of South Indian food recipes uses a wide variety of spices in almost all their dishes and food items.

The history of spices can be traced back to the Middle Ages particularly that of nutmeg and garlic. Trading spices among different cultures and countries in the early centuries was a means of dominating the world economy, to the point that many expeditions were undertaken for this purpose. As the spices were discovered, continents like North and South America were also discovered, giving a massive impetus to trade and commerce in the global sense. In 1497 the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama discovered a sea route around the southern tip of Africa, eventually reaching Kozhikode on the southwest coast of India in 1498. Da Gama returned from his voyage with a cargo of nutmegs, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns. Later on in the Middle Ages, spices become as valuable in Europe as gold and precious stones and the single most important force in the economy of the world.  Also fierce competition among European nations for control of the spice trade was the driving force behind the colonization of India and other Asian lands. Additionally, the lack of refrigeration and poor standards of hygiene meant that spices were very useful in helping to mask the flavor of preserved food. Later, as spices become common and economical, it began to be used in a number of household for enhancing and improving the flavor of dishes. Today spices have become extremely common in homes around the world and are an essential element in many cooking techniques as well. 

As mentioned above, spices are an essential part of Indian cuisine particularly authentic South Indian cuisine which is known for its extravagant and popular use of various types of spices. Many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes of South India like sambar, rasam, biryanis use a lot of spices in order to improve the taste and flavor of the dishes. Further, many South Indian Cuisine Restaurants also prepare dishes using popular spices in order to retain the authentic taste and flavor. In short, spices are today extremely popular and well-known, making them one of the most important elements of not just South Indian food, but of global cuisine as well.

For details about South Indian Cuisine Restaurants visit http://www.vaango.in/

South Indian Food: Dishes That Make A Perfect Breakfast

It is for a particular reason that breakfast is considered as one of the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast on a regular basis can impact your health in more ways than one. People who skip breakfast tend to eat more food during the day and nibble on high calorie snacks, thereby putting their health at a great risk. That is why it is important that you have breakfast on a regular basis even when you are trying to lose weight or just trying to stay healthy. Several studies have proved that it is always better to consume smaller and more frequent meals than indulge in fewer and larger meals. Here are some reasons why breakfast is very important for your health and well-being.

Breakfast helps you begin your day on a healthy note: Breakfast provides the human body and brain with fuel after a night of complete rest and fast. Without breakfast, your body will not have the required fuel to function effectively throughout the day. According to nutritionists, breakfast should be eaten within two hours of waking and must provide calories in the range of 20-35% of your daily allowance. Further, breakfast foods must provide you with considerable amounts of calcium, iron and vitamins so make sure to have plenty of vegetables and fruits in the morning meals. Also, having breakfast is important if you want to lose weight as research has shown that people who skip breakfast tend to be over-weight as compared to those who eat their breakfast on a daily basis. 

Breakfast improves your cognitive function: Breakfast also helps to restore the glucose levels in the body, which is needed for effective brain function. Many prominent studies have shown that regular breakfast can improve memory and concentration skills, enhance your mood and lower stress levels. In children, a good breakfast can improve memory and behaviour thereby helping them to study well. 

Breakfast provide for your energy needs: Different categories of people require different levels of energy depending on their gender and lifestyle. Growing children require a lot of energy, as an example boys aged 7-10 years should consume approx. 1970 kcals per day, and girls aged 7-10 years consume approx. 1740 kcals. Adult men on the other hand, require approx. 2500 kcals and women approx. 2000 kcals per day. When people skip breakfast, they do not receive their required quota of energy needs, making them weak and unable to function effectively. 

Over all, it has been proved that breakfast is required for a healthy and nutritious life. South Indian food with its wide array of healthy, nutritious and tasty food offers you a wide array of breakfast choices. From dosa to idli to upmas, South Indian food is perfect to begin your day on a healthy note. Some South Indian breakfast dishes that you can include in your menu includes the following:

Idli: One of the most popular south Indian breakfast dishes, idli is made by steaming a batter consisting of fermented black lentils (de-husked) and rice. Popular throughout the four states of south India, idli is very nutritious and tasty as it has a very low calorie content. In addition, idlis are good sources of fibers, proteins and carbohydrates. As idlis are fermented, they not just easy to digest but are also good source of vitamins. 

Dosa and its numerous varieties: Another South Indian breakfast dish that is good for your health is dosa, which is extremely popular in a number of South Indian Restaurants around the world. Dosa has a good amount of healthy carbohydrates, making it the ideal choice for breakfast. They also provide protein and are low in calories. Served with sambar and chutney, they are extremely nourishing and delicious. 

Appam: A popular South Indian dish, this is made from boiled rice. It reduces the chances of obesity and lowers cholesterol efficiency. This dish can be served with a number of vegetable based accompaniments, making the dish extremely tasty without adding the calories. 

In short, most South Indian food recipes are made keeping in mind the health of an individual and therefore make for a very healthy yet nutritious breakfast option. In addition as the recipes of most of these dishes are very simple, a South Indian breakfast is sure to give you the energy to kick start your day in an effective manner. 

For more details visit a http://www.vaango.in/

Source: http://goarticles.com/article/South-Indian-Food-Dishes-That-Make-A-Perfect-Breakfast/9326290/

Spices and South Indian Cuisines: An Unmatched Combination

                    

One word that perfectly describes India is diversity which is ideally reflected in its culture, traditions, festivals and cuisines. For a country that has the maximum population, second only to China, the food habits here vary from region to region. In fact, food from one part of the country may not be cooked in another part. That being said, food is one of the most important factor that binds the people of this country together as almost everyone here likes to taste food from other parts of the country. In addition, one common thread that runs through Indian food is the use of numerous spices that add a distinctive flavor and aroma to all the dishes. Though almost all the regions of India use spices, South Indian food is popular for its high spice content which provides a brilliant blend of flavors, colors, seasoning, nutritional balance, taste , fragrance and visual appeal to all its dishes.

Spices are defined as 'a strongly flavored or aromatic substance of vegetable origin, obtained from tropical plants and commonly used as a condiment.' During the Middle Ages, spices were considered as one of the most luxurious products available in Europe. The most popular spices that were traded with during this time period included black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Trading of spices between the 8-15th century was very popular, with Venice having monopoly over the trade. This resulted in Venice growing very rich during this period. Most of the spices that were exported to these regions came from Asian plantations. Today, spice trade is just as successful with Indian traders exporting spices to various countries around the world. In other words, spice trade has impacted the lives of many people, especially in the manner that we eat food as meals taste so much better with the addition of a little spice.

                            

                             

Masala is a word that is commonly used in Indian cooking and is simply the Hindi word for spice. So, whenever spices are combined with herbs and other condiments, it is called masala. As there are so many spices in the market today, Indian spices can be categorized into three categories, namely basic spices, complimentary spices and aromatic/secondary spices. Further, while all regions of India use liberal amount of spices, Authentic South Indian cuisine is known for spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

Additionally, spices also have a range of health benefits, which increases their popularity in South Indian cuisines. Spices like cardamom, black pepper, clove, cinnamon and turmeric are said to have benefits from aiding weight loss to improving digestion. Most of the South Indian dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian have rich use of spices which not just aid in improving the taste but also have a lot of health benefits. Today, the popularity of South Indian food is not just restricted to India but has spread to countries all over the world. With many restaurants serving South Indian food on a global level, the popularity of these dishes is only set to rise in the future as well.

Source:http://goarticles.com/article/Spices-and-South-Indian-Cuisines-An-Unmatched-Combination/9315352/

South Indian Food: A Vegetarian's Delight

                        

Many people around the world are adopting vegetarianism as a mode of life. While some people take up a vegetarian diet for spiritual reasons, others do it for an environmental cause. According to the United Nations, livestock is one of the biggest contributors to environmental problems in the world. But one of the main reasons why adopting a vegetarian diet is good is because it boosts and improves your health to a great extent. With various programmes and initiatives, a lot of people are being encouraged to give up meat at least for a few days in a week. Unique initiatives like Meatless Monday are thriving in many countries like Brazil, Croatia, USA and Canada. These are aimed at helping people reduce their meat intake in an effective and organized manner.

According to the American Dietetic Association, a vegetarian diet is extremely safe and healthy for all categories of people from pregnant mothers to children to athletes as long as they are planned in a proper way. A lot of research has proved that eating less meat reduces the risk of heart disease and perhaps even type 2 diabetes and some form of cancer. Vegetarians have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and tend to be much less prone to obesity, therefore putting them at a lower risk of chronic diseases. In other words, a vegetarian diet tends to be low in total fat, and vegetarians tend to eat proportionally more polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat compared with non-vegetarians. (Animal products are the major sources of dietary saturated fat).

                    

In this regard, South Indian food has a wide variety of vegetarian dishes that are high on taste, flavor and nutrition. They are immensely popular in many South Indian vegetarian dining houses as they truly depict the cuisine of the region. Some popular vegetarian South Indian dishes include the following:

Idli Sambar: A traditional breakfast dish in South Indian homes, idli sambar is extremely nutritious, healthy, tasty and delicious. Idli is generally made from a batter consisting of fermented black lentils (de-husked) and rice. The fermentation process breaks down the starches, ensuring that it is easily digested by the human body. There are many variations of idlis available in restaurants and they are generally served with sambar or chutney. Sambar and idli today is one of the best possible combination as they completely balance each other in terms of flavor and taste. 

Authentic Coconut Chutney: Another important dish of South India that enjoys immense popularity is authentic coconut chutney. This serves as a perfect accompaniment with many dishes like dosa, vada and idli. Besides every state and restaurant have their own unique recipe of creating authentic coconut chutney, thereby adding a unique twist to this ever popular dish. 

  

                       

Rasam: Prepared using tamarind juice as a base with addition of tomatoes, chilli pepper, cumin and various types of seasoning and spices, rasam is a form of South Indian soup. Nowadays, rasam powder is easily available in the market, so those fond of cooking can easily make this dish at home. Eaten either as spicy soup or with rice, it has a distinct flavor that is different from sambar though they both might look similar. Rasam has many health benefits as it provides the human body with a good dose of vitamin A and C due to the addition of tomatoes and acidic fruits. It is hence a very good vegetarian dish that provides the body with a lot of nutritional benefits. 

In conclusion, south Indian cuisines is extremely versatile in terms of flavor, taste, nutrition and variety. By properly integrating all aspects of culinary science and techniques in cooking, South Indian dishes have today gained immense popularity not just in India but on a global platform as well. 

For more details visit http://www.vaango.in/

Have You Tried These Amazing South Indian Breakfast Dishes?

Encompassing dishes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andra Pradesh and Karnataka, South Indian cuisine brings together a wide array of tasty and delicious food items. Sharing a common flavor palate and varying degrees of flavor, South Indian food has a rich and strong heritage. While food from Tamil Nadu is a perfect mix of spicy and non-spicy food, dishes from Andra Pradesh are generally more spicier and hot in comparison with others. On the other hand, diversity is what truly defines the dishes from Kerala, the cuisine of Karnataka is generally mild in comparison with dishes from other states. Overall, dishes from South India are simple, easy to prepare, nutritious, delicious and healthy. This is particularly true for breakfast dishes of South Indian cuisine, as they provide all the necessary nutrients and minerals that are needed by the human body to kick start their day in a proper manner. 

                        

Breakfast is one of the most important meal of the day as it provides the human body and brain the essential fuel required to function in an effective manner. Eating a good breakfast every morning is a great way to get your metabolism working in a proper manner for the entire day. It also prevents you from eating unnecessary junk foods. Eating a healthy meal in the morning will help you remain active throughout the day. A healthy, appetizing and delicious breakfast in the morning will help to regulate your blood sugar levels through lunch time, which in turn plays an important role in regulating your mood. That being said, what you consume during your breakfast is also extremely important as the meal must be rich in proteins and vitamins Hence, eating dishes that are a part of the South Indian cuisine for breakfast is therefore one of the best ways to begin your day in a energetic way. So in this article, we look at some of the simple yet effective South Indian breakfast dishes that are popular not just in homes but even in the menu options of South Indian restaurant as well. 

Idli: A popular South Indian breakfast and snack dish, idli is usually served in pairs with an accompaniment of sambar and chutney. Idlis are generally steamed and made from a batter consisting of fermented black lentils and rice.

Dosa is a fermented crepe or pancake made from rice batter and black lentils. It is popular in many South Indian homes and is a consumed at breakfast by many families. As it is low on carbohydrates and saturated fat, it is one of the most healthy and nutritious breakfast option. There are many variations of dosa available like rava dosa, chilli dosa, paper dosa, ghee dosa, onion dosa, green dosa etc. and they are generally served with accompaniments like sambar, chutney and pickle

Medu Vada is a urad dal based fried snack that is very popular in South Indian vegetarian food restaurants. This dish is prepared by soaking urad dal and grounding it with spices, after which it deep fried till it becomes golden brown in color. It is generally served with coconut chutney and can be a good breakfast dish as it is delicious and nutritious at the same time. 

Appam is a popular dish that is a part of the breakfast menu of many South Indian homes. Appams are actually white pancakes that have a crisp side with airy, soft on touch, fluffy center. They are generally served with a number of side dishes like vegetable stew or chicken stew, sweetened coconut milk, Kerala egg cury, egg roast, korma, chutney and kadala curry.

The South Indian recipes of these dishes are therefore very high on taste and flavor while at the same time being healthy and nutritious. They are served in a number of South Indian cuisine restaurants and are extremely popular among the customers as well. With so many varieties and options, it comes as no surprise that South Indian cuisine is gaining immense popularity not just in India but in various places around the world. 

For more details visit http://www.vaango.in/

The Growing Popularity of South Indian Cuisines in Delhi

                         

The city of Delhi is a melting pot of many cultures and cuisines. It has over the years, absorbed the culture and traditions of many settlers and visitors from around the world. The emperors, nobles, kings, royalty and elite people have always promoted and encouraged the growth of various types of cuisine by giving it generous patronage over the years. Today, cuisines from all across India can be found in Delhi which is currently the capital of India. A cosmopolitan city in which people are open to new ideas and lifestyles ensure that the city has a rich and diverse base of cuisines as well. In addition, Delhi has served as a host to not just people from outside but for within the country as well. People from various places of the country be it the north-east, south or west have come to Delhi and gradually made it their home. Further, their culture and cuisines have greatly influenced the overall lifestyle and culture of Delhi. This is true for South Indian cuisines which has grown to become very popular and accepted form of cuisine in the city. Featuring dishes from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, South Indian cuisine is gaining immense popularity not just in Delhi but in the NCR regions of Gurgaon and NOIDA as well. 

 

South India cuisine is a mix between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. As these regions are coastal in nature, they have a hot and humid climate meaning they have a steady supply of rice, fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, these areas are also known for their use of coconuts, spices and a huge range of seafood which forms an integral part of their diet. Tamil Nadu is known for its Chettinand cuisine which is extremely hot spicy and flavorsome. The dishes in this cuisine are hot and pungent, made by using fresh ground masalas and a variety of sun dried meats and salted vegetables. The meat is restricted to restricted to fish, prawn, lobster, crab, chicken and lamb as Chettiars do not eat beef and pork.

Kerala is popular for its Malabari cooking, with Kozhikode and Thalassery considered as the centre of this cuisine. Influenced by various cultures and flavors of Arab, Brahmin, Zamorin and Chirakkal cuisines, Malabar cuisines is distinctive and has a mix of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. As Hyderabad is the home to the Nizams (rulers of Hyderabad), its food is rich and flavorful with a range of taste from spicy to sour to sweet. Hyderabadi cuisine is full of nuts, dried fruits and exotic, expensive spices like saffron. Hence by and large South Indian cuisine is a good mix between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and is generally centered around rice. Rice is combined with other dishes which include authentic sambar (a soup-like lentil dish tempered with whole spices and chillies) and rasam (a hot-sour soup like lentil dish), dry and curried vegetables and meat dishes and a host of coconut-based chutneys and pompadours (deep-fried crispy lentil pancakes). In addition, South Indians are great lovers of filter coffee, which is now available in a number of South Indian vegetarian dining restaurants as well. 

With a rich variety and flavorsome dishes, it is no wonder that almost all sections of people in Delhi have own to like south Indian cuisines. This is also evident from the growing popularity of South Indian Vegetarian dining restaurants that are now spread across the city and which serve authentic South Indian food in a pleasant and comfortable environment, that are at par with international standards. 

Source: http://goarticles.com/article/The-Growing-Popularity-of-South-Indian-Cuisines-in-Delhi/9199720/

3 South Indian Dishes That Are Healthy And Delicious

South Indian cuisine has a very rich and interesting history behind its evolution and growth. Encompassing the cuisine of the four South Indian states namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the food from these states is both rich and delicious. Andhra cuisine is considered as extremely spicy and hot because of the generous use of chilli powder and tamarind. On the other hand, Karnataka cuisines is very diverse and has a whole range of delicacies with generous use of jaggery, palm sugar and minimum chilli powder. Since the percentage of vegetarians are higher in the state, vegetarian dishes enjoy a lot of popularity. In addition, Udupi cuisine is an integral part of Karnataka cuisine. Kerala cuisine is very diverse and is a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. While the Hindus, particularly the Nambudiris and Nairs enjoy vegetarian dishes, the Muslim communities enjoy non-vegetarian dishes. A typical Tamil meal has a combination of both spicy and non-spicy dishes. Except for Brahmins and some non-Brahmin castes, Tamilians enjoy non-vegetarian dishes. Many of their dishes are typically mixed and eaten with steamed rice, which is the staple food of the region. So overall, South Indian dishes are not just diverse, hot and spicy but are healthy and nutritious as well. In this article, we explore three food items from South India that are high on not just flavor but nutrition as well.

Idli: A classic dish that is an integral part of the South Indian cuisine, idli is made from fermented rice and black gram. Mostly eaten at breakfast or as a snack, idlis are generally served in pairs and are generally accompanied with chutney or sambar. Some of the health benefits of idlis include the following:

• Each idli has only 39 calories and contains almost no amount of fat, saturated fat or cholesterol. Consuming less than 16 grams of saturated fat and 300 milligrams of cholesterol reduces the risk of heart diseases and stroke in a substantial manner
• A single idli has 2 grams each of protein and dietary fiber as well as 8 grams of carbohydrates. This is therefore one of those few low carbohydrate dishes that you can snack on without gaining weight. For maintaining a healthy body, a person requires 50 grams of protein and 225 grams of carbohydrates on a daily basis. When a person has adequate protein it facilitates muscle repair and carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities. On the other hand, fiber promotes healthy digestion. While men need between 28 and 34 grams of fiber and women between 22 and 28 grams daily
• Idli is steamed so it is easily digestible while the use of dal and rice is a good combination as the amino acids present in them, complement each other perfectly

                           

Sambar: One of the most common dish in the South Indian cuisine, Authentic Sambar is a lentil based vegetable stew or chowder based on a broth made with spices and lentil. It is tasty, spicy and an amazing low calorie accompaniment. The spices which include turmeric, cumin, curry leaves, etc. contain a lot of antioxidants and promote a healthy mind and body in various ways. The lentil provide protein while the vegetables in the sambar act as fiber. Additionally, adding sprouts to sambar is a good idea as this helps to lower the cholesterol and provides nutrients like folate, magnesium and vitamins.

Dosas: Made from lentil and rice batter, dosas are thin, crepe like pancakes that are a essential part of South Indian cuisine. Some of the major nutritional benefits of dosa are as follows:

Calorie and fat content: Dosas are healthy because they are low in calories and fat. An 86 gram serving of dosa contains only 162 calories which is very less compared to the daily recommendation of 2,000 gram. Additionally, they also contain very less saturated fat (2 grams) which is a good thing as saturated fat increases the risk of heart diseases. According to the American Heart Association, saturated fat should be restricted to about 16 grams per day so that the risk of heart disease is decreased effectively.

                

Protein: Dosas are relatively high in protein, as it contains 5 grams in each 86 serving. This amount is 1 gram less than the protein amount found an egg provides, but is 0.5 gram more than what a normal pancake would provide. Protein is extremely important in the human body as it helps to build muscle and may help you to reduce weight if you consume a reduced calorie diet.

Besides, these three dishes, the menu of a South Indian restaurant contain a number of dishes like rice, various types of vada, utthapam and desserts. These food item are aimed at making your meal experience not just enjoyable and tasty but nutritious and healthy as well. Further with so many South Indian restaurants that are gaining immense popularity across the country, enjoying a South Indian meal is now a very easy and convenient affair.

Source: http://goarticles.com/article/3-South-Indian-Dishes-That-Are-Healthy-And-Delicious/9180983/

South Indian Food-The Best Choice for Vegetarians

Almost all people are turning into vegan, these days, and the number is increasing every year. For vegetarians, the challenge is how to come across food that's versatile plus tempting which lets you remain within your dietary framework. It seems that Indian food, rooted in centuries worth of tradition in vegetarianism, is the ultimate food for vegans.

“Generally, it is obvious that vegetarian food is better for people," says Deepak Chopra, whose name has turned out to be synonymous with wellbeing and medicine. "Vegetarianism is better for environmental science and less vicious on life as a whole. Eating habits are established on culture, geography as well as affected by religion." And above all, Vegetarian South Indian food menu is extraordinarily varied in its flavors, too.

Grains, pulses, as well as spices make up the basis of South Indian vegetarian food. There are the famous instant go-to dishes like dosa, idli sambar, vada, uttapam, the hot, soupy authentic sambar, as well as the range of vegetable-based dishes plus pickles that form a South Indian meal.

It's a fact, people are drawn to South Indian food menu, firstly for its health benefits and particularly if they are in search of vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free choices. What's actually tempting, however, is that this sort of food is both healthy and super-tasty. Dishes in this cuisine tend to include diverse flavors as well as ingredients from the typical North Indian fare that people are used to.

These days, people are exploring a lot of the cuisines; therefore I think that also lends itself to the increasing fame of these dishes.

South Indian dishes are light as well as fresh, and the flavors are complex and completely exclusive. A lot of the recipes are focused around rice, dals as well as seasonal vegetables and spiced with coconut, black mustard seeds, chilis plus a host of added seasonings. Curry leaves are special in this cuisine and offer a fresh herb and citrus taste. In this cuisine, there are diverse treatments of pulses, including, you can stir fry it in rice and grind them for batters and chutneys. Moreover, yogurt is also used a lot in Southern part of India. It is present in almost all meals in any south Indian vegetarian food restaurant.

Every one of these flavors — hot, sugary, tangy with fresh vegetables as well as herbs — come together in nearly all South Indian Vegetarian dining.

For more details about South Indian Vegetarian dining visit http://www.vaango.in/

South Indian Food Menu-Full of Aroma and Nutrition

If you like the aromatic stews, rich curries, and nutritious dals of the Indian cuisine familiar to the majority of Americans, then you’ll love the well-known dishes made by cooks in southern India. “South Indian Tamil Brahmin food is largely vegetarian and is centered on the concept that food shapes the personality, mood, as well as mind,” explains Viji Varadarajan, a writer on South Indian Vegetarian Cooking. “Food is always prepared with a great deal of attention given to the balancing of dietary balance, taste, quality, as well as variety.”

Rice is the main food item of all the southern states

The role of Rice in South Indian Cuisine.

South Indian food recipes are focused on rice or rice-based dishes. Rice is mixed with Sāmbhar (a soup-like lentil dish tempered with whole spices as well as chilies) and rasam (a hot-sour soup like lentil dish), dry as well as curried vegetables with a host of coconut-based chutneys as well as poppadums (deep-fried crunchy lentil pancakes). Rice is mixed with lentils to make tasty dosas, idlis, vadas and uttapams. These items are wonderful and mouth-watering besides being nutritious and digestible (because of the fermenting procedure). They are mixed with Sāmbhar, rasam, dry and curried vegetable as well as pachadi (yogurt). Lemon rice and rice seasoned with coconut, peanuts, chilies, curry leaves, urad dal as well as fenugreek seeds are a number of the famous rice based dishes.

Chutneys in South Indian Restaurant menu

South Indian chutneys are prepared from tamarind, peanuts, coconut, dal, cilantro and fenugreek seeds. Chutneys are eaten as an accompaniment with the main dish. Usually, Chutneys are wet or dry that has a thick to good consistency. The wet paste prepared is pan-fried in vegetable oil. Numerous kinds of Chutneys are Coconut, Mint, Tamarind, Onion, Tomato, Mango, Yogurt chutney and several more.

Few of the preferred south Indian dishes are:

Idli

What is it? A heavy South Indian breakfast item. A fermented batter of powdered rice as well as lentils, steamed in small round moulds.

Dosa

What is it? Crunchy, flat bread (just like a crepe or pancake) prepared of rice batter, served with a lentil sauce (sambar) and a range of chutneys.

Vada

What is it? A South Indian snack prepared from a lentil or flour batter deep-fried into a doughnut form.

Vaango is the best dosa restaurant chain in India for the best south Indian vegetarian dining.

Source: http://goarticles.com/article/South-Indian-Food-Menu-Full-of-Aroma-and-Nutrition/9118690/

South Indian Food -Extensive in Nature

South Indian food is pretty extensive in nature. Each of the four Southern states have various regional dissimilarities in terms of the styles of cooking, utilization of spices, etc.

South Indian cuisine is well-known for its greater emphasis on rice as the staple grain, the abundant usage of curry leaves and coconut oil, and the ubiquity of sambar as well as rasam at meals.

South Indian cooking is a lot more vegetarian than north Indian cooking. Garam masala is usually avoided here in cooking.

The dosa, idli and vada sambar are typical South Indian snacks.

As, South Indian food is rice based, rice is mixed with lentils to make delightful dosas, idlis, vadas as well as uttapams. These items are wonderful and tasty besides being nutritious and edible (because of the fermenting procedure). They are mixed with sambhar (dal), rasam (tamarind dal), dry as well as curried vegetable and pachadi (yogurt).

Their rice preparations are also masterworks for example; lemon rice and rice seasoned with coconut, peanuts, tamarind, chilies, curry leaves, urad dal as well as fenugreek seeds.

Coconut water is a regular kind of a drink in such restaurants. Coffee is extremely famous in all South Indian restaurants all over. The South Indian food recipes are an excellent amalgamation of tastes, colors, seasoning, dietary balance, aroma, flavor, and visual appeal.

Every one of us might be in love with authentic idlis or dosa choices offered at various South Indian cuisine restaurants offering authentic south Indian food menu, however when it comes to experiencing the same authentic aromas as well as flavors of this vast cuisine, choices are limited. This cuisine seems more or less limited to humbler establishments.

Vaango is an exclusive concept where one is able to enjoy authentic South Indian food in a modern atmosphere. It is the new restaurant chain launched by Devyani International limited as a part of its expansion venture. Vaango stands for come in or welcome in Tamil.

Built on the QSR model, the list of options has old-style delicacies from South India. The brand caters to all age groups who’re eager to try something different, fun, however with an authentic flavor. This exclusive brand features have been designed considering consumer insights and likings authenticated in the internal study that was conducted between the brand’s target audiences in key markets.

So, go to Vaango to experience the modern way of having south Indian food. For details visit www.vaango.in

Source:  http://goarticles.com/article/South-Indian-Food-Extensive-in-Nature/9111718/