Indian food, with its unique delicacies, welcomes you with open arms. So, it is only natural to turn to Indian cuisine for comfort whenever you feel down or depressed. Not everyone has the same kind of binge. While the ever-favourite dal Makhani is the preferred dish for some, others like the usual parathas or samosas. There is a vast array of Indian dishes that can lift your spirits throughout good times and bad. Here are a few of the most popular options for takeout.
Chicken
According to a survey, when it comes to comfort food, chicken meals managed to top the list. Indians enjoy their chicken in every possible way, whether it is fried, roast, grilled, or baked. Thanks to their unique spices and elaborate preparations, they always hit the spot. The best part is there are so many options.
So, for days you feel a bit under the weather, try a decadent Chicken Korma which is warm and comforting and for days that feel extra long, go for a spicy and tangy Chicken Tandoori to lift your mood.
Curd Rice
Second place went to Curd Rice. When it comes to Curd Rice, not much can go wrong. It's also a staple in India, and there's nothing quite like holding a bowl and sinking your teeth into soft rice.
Serve the rice with pickles or papads. There are numerous variants that Indians enjoy serving with their Curd Rice. Some choose to add a tadka to their rice, while others prefer to add finely chopped garlic pieces or grated cucumbers. We can guarantee that every kind is equally calming.
Khichdi
It has been scientifically confirmed that Khichdi is a comfort food. Did you know that in India, khichdi is a staple meal in every hospital and is typically given to unwell patients? Indians immediately identify khichdi as comfort food or food that lifts their spirits because they grew up eating it while they were sick.
When under stress, it is only natural to turn to khichdi. So the next time you feel a bit low, look for khichdi in takeaways near you order yourself some and let it heal you.
Gajar Ka Halwa
Many people have a special place in their hearts for the popular Indian dessert Gajar Ka Halwa, also known as carrot halwa. Grated fresh carrots are cooked in ghee (clarified butter) until they release their natural sweetness, creating this delicious sweet delight. Then, the grated carrots are boiled in milk to absorb their richness and give the meal a creamy texture.
A lovely symphony of taste and perfume is created by adding sugar, cardamom, and a generous number of nuts such as cashews and almonds. Gajar Halwa is an ageless classic that delights the palette of all those who enjoy sweets because of its vivid orange colour, rich texture, and the warmth of aromatic spices.
This pot of sunshine will make you feel better any day and leave you craving for more. So the next time you need a little pick me up, make sure to look for Gajar ka Halwa in takeaways near you.
Aloo Paratha
People love the tasty and pleasant food known as Aloo Paratha, an Indian stuffed bread. This classic flatbread is produced by pressing a mashed potato mixture flavoured with herbs and spices into a dough made of wheat flour. The dough is then flattened out and baked, using ghee or oil on a hot griddle, until crispy and golden brown.
Aloo paratha is renowned for its savoury and cosy flavour, combining the ideal amount of mashed potato softness with a hint of crunchy griddling crust. Indian homes love Aloo Paratha for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's a flexible and filling dish that's often served with yoghurt, pickles, or a dollop of butter. Aloo Paratha is so popular that you will surely find it at any Indian takeaway near you.
Biriyani
Biriyani needs no introduction; with its fragrant rice, flavorful spices, and tender meat, Biryani is a dish that tastes well everywhere. This one-pot marvel is a fragrant concoction that perfectly harmonises flavours, providing a heartfelt and soul-satisfying experience.
For most Indians, Biriyani brings back memories and emotions; hence, no celebration is complete without this delicacy. But that doesn't mean you need an occasion to enjoy Biriyani. The delectable fragrance and soft and decadent rice can give you an instant boost anytime you need it.
Masala Tea
Spiced tea, or Masala Chai, is more than just a drink; it's comfort food in a cup. The combination of milk, tea leaves, and aromatic spices produces a warm, energising drink that calms and relaxes the senses and satisfies the palate.
Caffeine is known for mood-boosting and energising effects. The addition of aromatic spices takes it to a whole new level, to the point that it becomes an addiction. Most people wait for their morning cup of tea and feel fully awake only after having it.
Chaat
Did you know the name chaat was derived from the word 'chaatna', which means to lick one's fingers due to the dish being so delicious? The name says it all. Once you try chaat, you won't be able to stop craving for this melt-in-your-mouth Indian dish. And there are so many varieties of it that you can never get bored.
This tangy, spicy dish will make you forget any problem you might be having. Feeling a bit teary today? Try an especially spicy chaat that will wash away everything with the tears the spice will unleash.
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you feel a bit stressed, make sure to turn to these delicious Indian dishes and feel the warmth. Be it a good cup of Masala Tea or a bowl of cooling Curd Rice, you will feel like yourself in no time.
