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Dairy products have been an integral part of Indian cuisine for centuries. From milk and yoghurt to ghee and paneer, dairy plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavours, textures, and nutritional value of Indian dishes. Not only do these ingredients add a unique richness and creaminess to Indian cuisine, but they also provide numerous health benefits, making them an essential component of a balanced and wholesome diet. From savoury curries to sweet desserts, dairy is an essential component that makes Indian cuisine so mouth-watering and unique. So, in this article, let's dive deep into the world of dairy and explore dairy products and their indispensable role in Indian cooking.
Milk
Milk is a key ingredient in Indian cuisine and is used in a variety of ways. In fact, milk is so important in Indian cuisine that it's considered one of the five sacred gifts of the cow in Hindu mythology. One of the most common ways that milk is used in Indian cuisine is to make desserts. Milk-based desserts like ras malai, gulab jamun, and kheer are beloved by many and often served at special occasions like weddings and festivals.
Milk is also used to make paneer, or cottage cheese, which is an essential ingredient in many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Milk is also used to make chai, which is a staple beverage in Indian culture. Chai is made by steeping tea leaves and spices in milk and is often enjoyed with breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Milk is also used to make lassi, which is a refreshing yoghurt-based drink that's perfect for hot summer days. In addition to its culinary uses, milk is also an important ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. Milk is believed to have a cooling effect on the body and is often used as a base for herbal remedies and tonics.
Yoghurt/ Dahi
Yoghurt, or "dahi," as it is known in India, is a superstar ingredient in Indian cuisine. It can be used as a side dish, for dips, and more. For starters, yoghurt is a great marinade for meat. It helps to tenderise the meat and infuse it with flavour. Plus, it's a great way to cool down the spice level of a dish. Yoghurt is also the base for many Indian dishes, such as raita and kadhi. Raita is a yoghurt-based condiment that's often served with spicy dishes to cool down the palate. Kadhi, on the other hand, is a yoghurt-based curry that's usually made with chickpea flour and a variety of spices.
Apart from its versatility, yoghurt's health benefits make it an important element in Indian cuisine. Yoghurt is a great source of probiotics, which aid in digestion and gut health. Plus, it's high in protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to any diet. And let's not forget about the sweet side of yoghurt! Indian desserts like shrikhand and lassi are made with yoghurt and sweetened with sugar. Shrikhand is a sweet and creamy dessert that's often infused with saffron and cardamom, while lassi is a refreshing drink that comes in many flavours, from sweet to salty. Whether you're cooking a curry or a dessert, yoghurt is sure to add a delicious touch to your dish!
Paneer
It's hard to imagine Indian cuisine without this delicious cheese. Paneer is made from milk and is an essential ingredient in many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Paneer is used in classics like saag paneer (paneer in a creamy spinach sauce) and paneer tikka (marinated paneer that's grilled or baked to perfection). The iconic butter paneer masala is an indulgent curry that features tender chunks of paneer, smothered in a rich and aromatic tomato-based sauce. And let's not forget about paneer bhurji, which is essentially scrambled paneer; it's a great vegetarian alternative to scrambled eggs.
Paneer is an excellent source of protein and calcium, which makes it a great choice for vegetarians who may be looking to include protein in their diet. Plus, it's incredibly versatile; it can be grilled, fried, or crumbled, making it suitable for many dishes.
Ghee
Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is a staple in Indian cuisine and has been used for centuries. It's made by simmering butter until the milk solids separate from the butterfat, resulting in a clear, golden liquid that's incredibly flavourful and aromatic. Ghee is often used as a cooking fat in Indian cuisine, as it has a high smoke point and adds a rich, buttery flavour to dishes. In fact, many Indian dishes start with frying spices in ghee to release their full flavour potential. Ghee is also used as a condiment. It's often drizzled on top of rice or used as a dip for breads like naan and paratha. Plus, it's a key ingredient in Indian sweets like halwa and laddu, which are made with ghee, sugar, and other ingredients like nuts and dried fruit. Despite being a type of fat, ghee is actually quite healthy when consumed in moderation. It's rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as healthy fatty acids. Plus, ghee is lactose-free, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant.
Butter
One of the most iconic uses of butter in Indian cuisine is in the popular dish, butter chicken. This creamy and flavourful dish is made by marinating chicken in a blend of spices and yoghurt and then cooking it in a rich tomato and butter sauce. The butter gives the sauce a velvety texture and a rich, buttery flavour that's simply irresistible. But butter is also a key ingredient in many vegetarian dishes like dal makhani and palak paneer. In these dishes, the butter adds richness and depth of flavour to the creamy tomato-based sauces. Butter is also used as a cooking fat in Indian cuisine, particularly in the northern regions of the country. It's often used to fry spices at the beginning of a recipe to release their full flavour potential. Plus, it's a popular spread for breads like naan and paratha, adding a rich and savoury flavour.
Now that you know the essential dairy items that are used in Indian cuisine, here are some of the most popular dairy-based dishes in Indian cuisine that are worth trying.
• Paneer Tikka Masala: A vegetarian dish made with marinated and grilled paneer (a type of Indian cheese) in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The paneer is first marinated in spices and yoghurt, then grilled or baked before being added to a rich and flavourful tomato-based sauce.
• Butter Chicken: A non-vegetarian dish made with chicken cooked in a rich tomato and butter sauce, often served with naan or rice. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and yoghurt, then cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce that's finished with butter and cream.
• Palak Paneer: A vegetarian dish made with paneer (Indian cheese) cooked in a creamy spinach sauce. The paneer is cooked in a blend of spices and then added to a creamy spinach sauce, giving the dish a rich and flavourful taste.
• Ras Malai: A sweet and creamy dessert made with paneer (Indian cheese) soaked in a milk-based syrup. The paneer is first cooked in hot water to make it soft, then soaked in a sweetened milk syrup flavoured with saffron and cardamom.
• Kulfi: A traditional Indian ice cream made with milk, sugar, and various flavourings like cardamom, saffron, and pistachios. The mixture is frozen in a mould and then served in slices or scoops.
• Lassi: A yoghurt-based drink that's often flavoured with fruit and spices like mango, strawberry, or cardamom. It's a refreshing and cooling beverage that's perfect for hot summer days and is often enjoyed as a breakfast drink or as a midday snack.
