The Sights and Sounds of India

1
The Sights and Sounds of India

• Indulge Into Its Fine Cuisine

2
Indian Agriculture...

• India is notoriously known for its wheat and
  grained products.
• Agricultural intake consumes 33 of the economy.
  It is reported that approximately two thirds of
  the population have jobs pertaining to this
  livelihood.
• Although the fishing industry is another
  important component of the Indian culture, it is
  superseded by agriculture and farming.

3
Food and Table Etiquette

• There are several longstanding customs in
  relation to food and eating.
• In the most traditional sense, individuals are
  seated on the floor, although modernization has
  adopted for individuals to sit on low stools
  and/or cushions.
• Interestingly, food is to be consumed without the
  use of utensils or silverware. Individuals must
  eat using the fingers of only their right hand.
• Although there is no explanation about the
  elimination of silverware, deviation from these
  values are considered a direct defiance.

4
Rice The Main Ingredient

• Considering that rice is the
• primary sector of economic
• goods, it is not surprising that
• many Indian dishes use some
• element of it in their meals.
• It is reported that rice appeared in the Belan
  and Ganges valley regions, (located in Northern
  India,) as early as 4530 BC and 5440 BC.
• Its extension into modern day has certainly
  impacted the way of living and cooking for India.

5
Rice The Main Ingredient

• Although there are several varieties of rice to
  choose from, the two most popular are
• Basmati (translation the fragrant one.) This
  rice is known for its distinct aroma and nutty
  flavor. Used mostly for entertainment purposes,
  rather than daily consumption.
• Patina (similar to the Americanized version of
  rice.) This is a starchier rice in comparison to
  others. To avoid an undesired taste, rinse the
  rice kernels in cold water prior to cooking.
• Unlike basmati, patina increases 2-3 times in
  volume when cooked.

6
India Likes It Hot!

• Spices are the staple to Indian dishes.
• The most common ingredients to any dish generally
  will include the following
• Chili pepper, cinnamon, cumin, fenugreek,
  garlic, ginger, mustard seeds, nutmeg, saffron,
  and turmeric.
• A well balanced Indian meal will
• blend flavors from mild to hot
• and sweet to sour.
• Spices are the cornerstone of
• Indian cuisine.

7
Pictures of Indias Spices

• Chili Pepper Cinnamon
• Cumin
  Fenugreek
• Garlic Ginger
• Mustard Seeds Nutmeg
• Saffron Tumeric

8
Vegetables

• Vegetables consume a large portion of the Indian
  diet.
• Despite its popularity, this is one of the few
  instances where spices are not used.
• It is reported that almost 1/3 of Indians are
  vegetarian.

9
Beverages of Choice

• Tea is the most requested beverage of choice in
  India. However, Indians prefer that tea remains
  pure and strong. They do not rely on artificial
  sweeteners, rather, a stick of cinnamon may be
  used to enhance its natural flavor.
• For reasons unknown, it is not traditional to
  have a beverage with dinner. Drinks can only be
  consumed after the table has been cleared.

10
Happy Ending to a Meal- Dessert

• It has been said that Indian desserts are so
  sweet and rich, that a small portion is enough to
  satisfy taste buds.
• Since Indian dishes are generally spicy in their
  orientation, sweet textures and desserts help aid
  in the digestion process.
• The most common dessert in the Indian culture is
  rice pudding.

11
Nutritional Facts

• In comparison to other cultures that are overly
  reliant on oils and fried food, Indian food is
  healthy! Prepared fresh, and cooked in woks or
  tandoori ovens, it satisfies both the taste buds
  and an individuals figure.
• A constant mixture of carbohydrates, proteins,
  and vegetables, makes for an extremely well
  balanced diet!
• Research studies have deduced and proven that
  consumption of Indian food protects an individual
  from heart related issues, strokes, cancer, and
  obesity!

12
Recipes to Explore!

• These dishes are relatively easy to make in the
  classroom or at home.
• Please use the following link for navigational
  purposes. Select a recipe that you would like to
  prepare and share with the class. This is a
  culminating activity that compounds information
  learned about the Indian Culture and their
  exquisite dishes.
• http//www.indianfoodsite.com/cooking_techniques.h
  tm

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Webliography

• http//www.indianfoodsite.com/spices.htm
• http//www.food-india.com/