Beginner Indian recipes?

[Jasmine.]

Hello! I got this question on Facebook and thought I would go straight to the experts!

"I'd like to learn how to make indian cuisine.. do I need to take a course or just jump right in ? I am confused by all the different spices and uses.... I don't like garlic -is there another spice I can use instead of ?"

http://www.facebook.com/Food.com/posts/477254445627054

Thanks!

[duonyte]

I found "5 Spices, 59 Dishes": by Ruta Kahate to be a really helpful introduction to Indian cooking. She focuses just on a five main spices, which makes the process much less daunting. There is a great intro with detailed information on commonly used ingredients with pictures. I have looked at other cookbooks too, many of which I like, but this one I think is the least intimidating intro to Indian cooking.

I've posted a few of the recipes, so have others
Chickpea Curry With Fresh Dill (Rasa Walla Kabuli Chana)
Corn With Mustard Seeds
Black-Eyed Peas in a Spicy Goan Curry
Railway Potatoes
Anglo-Indian Beef (Or Lamb) Stir-Fry

Hope this helps!

[Stella Mae]

I really like any of Madhur Jaffrey's recipes. They're easy and delicious. Once I discovered her chutney recipe, I make it every year for Thanksgiving.

Cranberry Chutney

[Andtototoo!]

Some people use "hing" instead of garlic. It is often found at Indian spice stores in small plastic containers. It is usually in a powered form. Traditionally, a lot of people in India did not (and still do not) use onion or garlic. If you want to start making Indian food, I would start with some of the northern Indian recipes, which use spices that you are probably more familiar with like ground coriander and ground cumin. Later, you might want to try southern Indian food which uses a lot of spices that are unusual.