When it comes to cooking, nothing beats the taste of fresh, homegrown ingredients. Unfortunately, in a country like India, this is often not an option. International ingredients are often inaccessible or too expensive for the average Indian cook. Luckily, there are a number of Indian alternatives that can be used to create delicious, authentic dishes.
Here are just a few Indian alternative to international ingredients
Ajwain And Thyme
Ajwain is a spice that has been used in Indian cooking for centuries. It has a flavour that is similar to thyme but with a slightly peppery taste. Ajwain is a good substitute for thyme in recipes and it can also be used to make a simple tea.
Curry Leaf And Basil
When cooking Italian food, most people reach for the basil. But what if you could use curry leaves in its place? Curry leaves have a similar flavour to basil and can be used in many of the same dishes. They’re native to India so they’re an excellent alternative to international ingredients. Plus, they’re easy to find in Indian grocery stores.
Lauki And Zucchini
Lauki, also known as bottle gourd, is a good Indian alternative to international ingredients like zucchini in many recipes. It has a mild flavour and a slightly tougher texture than zucchini so it can hold up to longer cooking times without becoming mushy. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C.
Onions And Leeks And Chive
If you want to make Western food, leeks are an important ingredient. In India, they can be expensive and hard to get your hands on. It can be hard to find chives in India too. Chives are also quite a popular ingredient in Western food. You can use onions instead of both these ingredients to get similar taste without having to spend a lot money.
Radish and Wasabi
Although it might not have the same kick as wasabi, radish has a slightly spicy taste that can add a new dimension to Indian cuisine. It is also a healthy option, being high in fiber and low in calories. Additionally, radish is easy to find and relatively affordable.
