Why use spices only in your desi dishes? It's time to jazz up some common cuisine and give it a South Asian twist.
The spice aisle of any grocery store is stocked with South Asian flavours but most will probably already be in your cupboards. You already use spices like masalas, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves in your South Asian dishes but what about giving these spices a fresh debut in some of your North American food faves.
Adding South Asian flavours can be as simple as substituting an ingredient or adding a couple new spices. A hint of South Asian flavour can be added to your beverages by adding a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to your coffee or hot chocolate or a knob of fresh ginger to your tea.
Adding a hint of flavour to a condiment is an easy way to add some south Asian flair to any dish. Or add some South Asian flair to sandwiches or a veggie and dip spread by adding some spice to the spread or dip. Start with a simple aioli and add one flavour to the mix to switch it up.
Photo Credit: www.indulge-ashscorner.blogspot.com
Simple Aioli
Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2-3 cloves fresh garlic, pressed to a paste
Flavour options (pick one): 1 teaspoon tikka masala, chaat masala, tandoori spices, fresh ground ginger
Directions:
Mix all the main ingredients together, add one of the flavour additions, mix well and chill. Serve with fries, chips or fresh veggies, or as a spread for burgers, wraps or sandwiches.
Personal Pizzas, Tandoori Style
Mainstream grocers have been stocking frozen naans in their freezers as Indian food has been gaining popularity; but you don't need to use them just for South Asian meals. Try substituting them in for other flat breads or sandwich breads or wraps. Even try using them as the base for personal pizzas.
Ingredients:
1 frozen naan
Topping options: (use any combo of these that sound delish to you)
2-3 tablespoons sauce (tomato, tikka masala, butter chicken, curry)
1/2 cup (chopped spinach, chopped fresh tomatoes, sautéed onions, sautéed mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, diced fried paneer, chicken)
1/4 cup grated cheese of choice
Optional: for additional flavour add
1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions, parsley, coriander, or other herbs
1 teaspoon finely grated ginger, minced garlic or fresh pepper
Directions:
Half cook naan based on package directions, the other half cooking will come after the toppings are added. Spread sauce of choice over top of naan and top with choice of ingredients. Place naan on tray and place in toaster oven. Toast for the remainder of the cooking time listed on package.
My personal faves:
Naan topped with 1/4 cup fried okra and 1/4 diced fried paneer and toast, or naan, spread with butter chicken and topped with 1/2 cup fresh tomatoes, 1 tablespoon each finely chopped green onions and coriander and 1 teaspoon each minced fresh garlic and ginger.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.whattohavefordinnertonight.com
Geeta Wahab
Author
Cultivating a life she loves, Geeta (@geets.suites) is chasing all her passions, including her love for home décor. As a brand new home owner, her current journey has launched her further into that world - check out her Instagram @geets.suites for tidbits of her story and other decorating pieces. A...
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