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7 Dishes That You Thought Are Originally From India But Are Not

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Know more about the origin and the gastronomic journey of these 7 popular and scrumptious food items to rewrite your understanding about the history of Indian cuisines

Text credits: Lakshmi Priya

India has always been known for its exquisite mouth-watering varieties of delicacies. For years, you have enjoyed, relished, and praised the taste of Indian delicacies. But there are some surprising facts behind your favourite dishes which you are probably unaware of. Read about the interesting stories behind the origin of seven popular dishes which you thought originated in India, but are from outside.

Biriyani

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India’s all-time favourite delicacy Biriyani is not an Indian dish but originally from Persia. Between 1501-1736 in Persia, a dish named as Berian Pilao, a mixture of marinated lamb/chicken with herbs, spices, dry fruits and many more was made and served with steamed rice. There are several theories on how this rice and meat dish made it’s way to India. Most of the food historians believe that biriyani came to India through the Mughal invaders. It is also said that it was Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Shahjahan who demanded the chef to prepare Biriyani as a nutritious food for the soldiers when she found them to be undernourished. Legends believe that Mughals redefined Berian Pilao into Biriyani by making certain changes in recipes and style of cooking. According to Prathibha Karan, the author of the book Biriyani, the dish was introduced to South India from pilaf varieties brought to the Indian subcontinent by Arab traders. Now, India has innumerable varieties of Biriyani named Thalassery Biriyani, Malabar Dum Biriyani, Hyderabadi Biriyani, etc.

Chai (Tea)

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Chai (Tea), the saviour of Indians in the mornings and evenings is originally from China. While today, the over-consumption of the modern version of tea is considered to be unhealthy, the traditional small-leaf Chinese tea was used as a healthy drink by the people in China. It eventually garnered the attention of the British and became an international drink. Now, most of the countries have their own varieties of tea.

Kaapi (Coffee)

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Coming to Kaapi (Coffee), it was the people in Ethiopia who first recognised the energising factor of the coffee plant. But the tradition of roasting the coffee beans and brewing the coffee was begun in Yemen. It made its way into India through Baba Budan, who smuggled seven coffee seeds from the middle east to India and planted them at Mysore.

Samosa

Image source: myfoodstory.com

The origin of Samosa, the most beloved tea-time snack of Indians is unfortunately not in India. The samosa was born in the Middle East and was known as ‘sanbosag’. Samosa was introduced to India by the middle east traders in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Jalebi

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The origin of Jalebi is from West Asia and was brought to Medieval India by Persian speaking Turkic invaders. It is believed that the word ‘Jalebi’ originated from the Arabic word zulabiya or the Persian word zolbiya. In the 15th century India, jalebi was known as Kundalika or Jalavallika.

Chicken Tikka Masala

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Even though a majority of Indians believe Chicken Tikka Masala is from India, there are several disputes going on in the name of its origin. Chicken Tikka Masala, a dish of roasted marinated chicken in a spiced curry sauce is said to be a dish originated from Glasgow in Scotland. Contradicting this, the legends have also claimed its origin in the Punjab region of India. Chicken Tikka Masala is the national dish of the United Kingdom.

Idli

Image source: tasteofindiamelbourne.com

One of the common and favourite breakfasts of South Indians, Idli, a type of savoury rice cake, has its origin in Indonesia. According to food historian KT Achaya, the route of Idli to India was from Indonesia which is famous for a long tradition of fermented food. He speculates that the cooks of Hindu kings in Indonesian kingdoms might have invented this cake-like breakfast which was back then called as ‘Kedli’ there and brought to South India in 800-1200 CE. There are many more theories claiming the origin. But let’s be happy with this and eat our idlis.

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Food

Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet

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Crab has all the attraction of seafood without the fishy flavor that some people want to avoid. It is delightfully salty with a delicate mineral sweetness. Crabs were reportedly among the foods that coastal societies eaten a hundred years ago. On the menus of the greatest restaurants today, it stands out as the highlight dish. Crab is famous for its distinctive, exquisite flavor as well as for the health benefits it provides.

Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are abundant in crabs. The Food Experts advise two servings of fish and seafood every week, which is not difficult. 

 Good Protein Source

Crab is a low-fat, nutritious protein source that boosts metabolism and gives you energy. In reality, crab has less saturated fat and about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats. 

Strengthens Heart Health

Consuming a lot of crab meat can actually benefit your cardiovascular system. The Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein found in crab are all beneficial sources of lowering cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol lowers your chances of heart attacks and strokes. 

Increases Brain Activity

Crabs are healthy for you since they are a high source of selenium, vitamin B2, copper, and other vital vitamins and minerals. Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients support healthy brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia. They aid in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and other elements that may have an impact on the growth and health of the brain. 

Strengthens bones

You may already be aware of the significance of calcium for bone health. However, did you realize that phosphorus plays an equal role? Due to its high phosphorus content, crab flesh can aid in the development of strong, healthy teeth and bones. 

Contains selenium

Compared to other meats, crab offers a substantially higher supply of selenium. As an antioxidant, this necessary mineral not only assists in preventing cell damage from free radicals but also strengthens your immune system. Selenium aids in the regulation of your metabolism and is essential for healthy thyroid function. 

An aphrodisiac

The aphrodisiac property of crab meat promotes libido and sexual energy. They have high quantities of zinc and substances that increase estrogen and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual desire.

Makes the blood flow faster

Copper is yet another significant mineral present in crab meat. One significant advantage of copper is that it facilitates the body’s absorption of iron, which enhances the creation of red blood cells. After injuries and illnesses, proper circulation aids in the healing process. 

Consuming excessive amounts of crab can have certain unfavorable impacts, just like with most other foods. If you eat too much of some of the nutrients in crab, such copper and zinc, you could get sick. Crab, however, is a fairly nutritious item to eat in moderation unless you have a seafood allergy, and adverse effects are uncommon. Before consuming any seafood, always make sure you don’t have any allergies.

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The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden

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A Kochi-based malayali is creating a sensation by preparing Kerala Cuisine in the foreign swedish kitchen. Devi Nair, who has been settled in Sweden with her husband for almost 10 years, wanted her daughter to experience the delicacies of the Malyaali culture along with her International palette. The sense of homesickness and nostalgia has a part to play in this venture as well. In recent years, as the pandemic hit she chose to share her cooking extravaganzas on Instagram which led her to become more known to the public. Her recipes featured celebratory treats like the Bengali confection Rosbora, local parotta, and non-vegetarian Kerala foods that are popular on social media because they’re simple to make yet delicious to eat and look at. Devi whips up a storm of authentic Kerala delicacies during Malayali festivals. Tender, plump unniyappam, spongy kozhukkatta, rice dumplings, Vishu ada, and Vishu katta are just a few of the items on her Vishu menu this year. She prepared undaputtu with spicy prawn filling, kilikkoodu with meat and egg white, and ammini kozhukatta, a spicy rice dumpling, for Eid. It is also heard that she is planning to launch her own bakery in Sweden as well. 

Words By : Goutham Satheesh

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Some Flavourful Delights to Savour this Festive Season

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Vishu and Easter festivities are around the corner. Along with dressing up and gathering around for some fun family time, you would definitely want to indulge in these simple but festive special treats.

Lilly’s Pattisserie

What if we told you could have Payasam cakes? Yes. You heard that right. The Lilly’s Patisserie, Thrissur is offering Payasam cakes on it its Vishu Special menu as a distinct highlight. Try out their Palada and Pazham Pradhaman cakes which are available in two sizes.They have also got you covered for Easter with a range of Hot Cross Buns from traditional to chocolate and candy berry flavours. You can also spice up your Easter treats with their artisanally crafted Easter Eggs.

 

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Pandhal Cake Shop

The Pandhal Cake Shop, Kochi is shelling out some amazing Easter Egg Surprises this Holy Season. Their marzipan-based eggs come in varied sizes and colours vibrant enough to cheer the grimmest of the lot. Also, check out their Easter Egg Baskets that are sure to surprise you!

 

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Lebanese Grill

No Easter is complete without some spicy meat-based main course to savour. This Kottayam-based Arabian restaurant is all about gifting your loved ones with some flavourful rice for the festive season. This Easter they are introducing the Mutton Cask Biriyani. The cask comes along with pappad, pickle and raita. These are only available on a pre-order basis. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and order now.

 

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Words By: Mariam Thankam Mohan

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