India

Country - India

Cuisine Description - The amazing blend of vegetarian and omni-food elements in Indian cuisine make it one of the most appreciated cooking styles all over the world. Starting with the Vedic period, when fruit and vegetables together with fish, meat and dairy products were often part of the regular diet, Indian cuisine has been under constant change. With influences of Buddhism and Jainism, Indian cuisine was flexible enough to change together with the society without losing its roots. The principle of passivity influenced priests who turned to a vegetarian diet and this spread through the population.
Arab and Chinese traders also had a contribution to Indian cuisine as we know it today. Among other groups that influenced it we can name the Persians, Mongolians, Turks, the British and the Portuguese. Ayurveda speaks of food that is either satvic, rajasic or tamasic, depending on the effect that particular diet has on the body and the mind. Spices were cultivated in India since 3000 BC and rice plantations began appearing in the Ganges delta.
The Mughali cuisine is specific to India and it originated from the combination of Islamic principles with the gravies characteristic to India. New dishes appeared in Indian cuisine - pilafs, kebabs and others characteristic to different migratory populations. Mughals became known as expert cooks and their dishes were appreciated both in India and in the neighboring countries. Potatoes were introduced in India by the Portuguese in the 17th century and other European influences played their part as well. As you can see in almost any part of India today, the East and the West met in the middle of India and so there is not one style of cooking or one type of religion. India is, in its heart, the true melting pot of society, culture, and cooking.
Modern Indian cuisine has taken a global aspect, and is appreciated both at home in New Delhi and in cities like New York or Paris. The last few decades have seen a huge increase in Indian cuisine popularity and the Indian fast food industry along with Bollywood is also growing.

Indian diets are diverse in each region, state and even community within India. Over the centuries settlers brought with them the culinary practices of their heritage. Indian recipes have been influenced by environmental, social, religious and political factors during India's 2000 years of history. The recipes are as old as time, yet each recipe may have it's own heritage and orgin - each Indian chef carries the secrets passed down by family heritage for that particular recipe, the dish may vary from family to family. No two dishes are exactly the same even though the ingredients are simular. Each chef in India adds their own twist to each dish! Copyright Recipes Wiki