The Origins of Indian Cuisine lie with the ancient Indian civilization.  Indian food has evolved over centuries and has flourished under the many rulers that India had. Chefs vied with one another to create exotic delicacies for their rajah's. The result is centuries of patronage to the art of cooking and a large repertoire of delicious recipes. Indian Cuisine is becoming popular due to its exotic flavors and healthful preparations. While there are an enormous variety of local styles within India, most of the cuisines are related by similar usage of spices.  Southern region of India is called Dhakshin. Dhakshin has a distinguished style of cooking and their snacks (Idli, Dosa etc..) are extremely popular.

Typical South Indian cuisine is rice based. Rice is combined with lentils to make wonderful dosas, idlis, vadas and uttapams (Please see Dhakshin Appetizers). These items are delicious besides being nourishing and digestible due to the fermenting process and spices. They are combined with Sambhar (Soup made with Lentils), Rasam (Soup made with Tamarind/Dal) and variety of Chutneys (made of tamarind, coconut, peanuts, dal, fenugreek seeds, and cilantro). Rice preparations are also immensely popular like Biryani from Hyderabad and Lemon/Tamarind rice (rice seasoned with coconut peanuts, tamarind/Lemon, chilies, curry leaves, Lentils and fenugreek seeds). Chettinaad style preparations of chicken & fish using various spices are popular among culinary enthusiasts. 

A typical North Indian meal would consist of chappatis, paratha or pooris (flat breads),  Dals (Lentils), Curries that are mild and made in ghee, thick, creamy dals, Vegetables seasoned with yogurt or pomegranate powder, lots of greens like spinach and mustard greens cooked with Paneer, north Indian pickles, fresh tomato, mint, cilantro chutneys and yogurt raita.  North Indian desserts and sweets are made of milk, Paneer, lentil flour and wheat flour combined with dried nuts and garnished with a thin sheet of pure silver. Lassi (iced buttermilk)is popular drink of the North India. Tandoori cooking is a north Indian specialty and famous the world over. Tandoori chicken, Tandoori kababs,  Naan, Tandoori Roti are favorites

Universal Appeal: Dhakshin Cuisine has got immense power and universal appeal. The taste of the ingredients is not swamped by spices and it is ideally not "hot". Locally available rich spices such as coriander, cumin, pepper, fenugreek, anise and sweet stick are ground and added judiciously to make each dish a gourmet's treat. 

 Idlis, Vadas, Dosas, Pongal, Fried Rice, Biryani, Vegetarian curries, Chicken and fish curries are Dhakshin’s favorites.

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