Where can I find the best spicy food? It is on the Indian menu. When it comes to the art of combining spices and creating magnificent delicacies, the place that pops up in everyone’s mind is India. Interestingly, India is the largest consumer, producer, and exporter of spices. There are around 75 varieties of spices produced in India, some of which are explicit to one particular region. Spices like turmeric (Haldi), cumin (Jira), garam masala, asafoetida (Hing) are some common spices found in every Indian household.
In Indian cuisine, aroma, spices, and flavor go hand in hand. Fusing a dish with spices comes from ancient practice. Back in the time, Indians used spices for digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, and this has been carried on. Many people fail to understand that there is a major difference between spice and flavor, and for spice aficionados, it is important that the spice does not overshadow the flavor. True spicy food offers flavor with a lingering heat. Further, in the article, we have listed ten Indian spicy foods that every spice fanatic should try.
1. Andhra Chilly Chicken
Infusing spicy flavors in food is prominent in Southern India. One of the most famous Spicy entrees of the south is the Andhra chilly chicken. A literal combination of chilies and chicken marks the name of the entree as chilly chicken. There are enough chilies to make your ears steam.
2. Laal Maas
As the name suggests, it is red meat (laal maas) curry with semi-thick paste. Originated in Rajasthan, an area commonly dominated by vegetarians, it is the only non-vegetarian entree in the region worthy of a capsaicinophile. It is prepared with curd and Mathania red chili, which infuses a spicy red color to the curry.
3. Rista
Rista is a spicy Kashmiri meatball curry. Meat used for the curry is repeatedly hammered with a wooden hammer to soften the meat. Kashmiri red chilies used in this entree give it a fiery taste. Rista is one of the dishes of the Wazwan and is often paired with Naan.
4. Chicken 65
Originated in Tamil Nadu, this entree gets the name because it was the 65th dish on the military menu in Tamil Nadu. This finger-licking chicken dish or snack is marinated with heavy spices, deep-fried with green chilies, and flavored with ginger-garlic paste.
5. Kolhapuri Chicken
Apart from the silk and beautiful temples, Kolhapur is also famous for its renowned red chilies and Kolahpuri Chicken. This incredibly hot lip-smacking chicken is cooked to perfection with heavy spices. It is best paired with jwarichi bhakari(Jowar/sorgam bread) or naan.
6. Madras Curry
This curry gets its name from the place where it originated. This dish consists of meatballs mixed with spicy red sauce. A hot red sauce made from garlic, turmeric, pepper, coriander, cumin, and many chilies. Chilies used in this entree can literally make you cry with a runny nose.
7. Kozhi Curry
One of the most famous menu options from the city of Kerala is the Kohzi curry. It is made using large sums of both red and green chilies. It is cooked in pure coconut oil, and a coconut paste is used to make its gravy.
8. Vindaloo Curry
This curry originates in Goa and has many different forms. It can be a chicken, mutton, or a pork meat curry coming from different regions with a slight variation of spices. Authentic ingredients used in Vindaloo gravy are garlic, jaggery, Kashmiri chilies, and pork fat. The key ingredient is loads of vinegar.
9. Chicken Chettinad
It is one of the most spiciest and aromatic Tamilian dishes. Chicken Chettinad is famous for the number of spices used in its making. It gives out the smell of fresh spices when hot. It is served with hard-boiled eggs. An alternative for chicken is fish, prawn, lobster, crab, and lamb, which can be used to make this dish.
10. Aloo Sabji
Aloo Sabji is the spiciest vegetable food, this is a top choice in the Indian Spicy Foods vegetarian category. Some basic ingredients of this dish are potatoes, lemon, coriander powder, chili, and turmeric powder. These ingredients give it a combination of spicy and tangy taste.
These were some of the popular Indian spicy foods/menu options to pick from and enjoy. People always develop misconceptions about spicy food that eating it is harmful to your health. Spicy food benefits the human body in many ways if eaten in an adequate amount. So, if you get a chance to taste any of these dishes, try at least once.
At DelhiDarbar, we love to serve all our guests with authentic entrees that meet your spice level, making us one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago. Place your order today to enjoy Chicago’s best spicy food.