indian dark horse custom

Introduction

If you are a fan of Indian cuisine, then you must have heard of the term “Dark Horse Custom.” It refers to those dishes that are not commonly known but are equally delicious as the popular ones. These dishes are usually made with ingredients that are not commonly used in Indian cooking, making them unique and flavorful. In this article, we will be exploring five Indian Dark Horse Custom that you can try right now.

Ingredients to Prepare

Before we proceed to the recipes, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need to prepare. These ingredients can be found in most Indian grocery stores or online.

• Ghee (clarified butter)
• Mustard oil
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Amchur (dried mango powder)
• Garam masala (spice blend)
• Asafoetida (hing)
• Black salt (kala namak)
• Cardamom pods
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cumin seeds
• Coriander seeds
• Fenugreek seeds
• Red chili powder

How to Make It

1. Besan Khandvi

Besan Khandvi is a traditional Gujarati dish made with chickpea flour and yogurt. It is a light and savory snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

To make Besan Khandvi, you will need:

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 cup yogurt (dahi)
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp green chili paste
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp grated coconut
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
• Salt to taste
• Oil

Follow these steps to make Besan Khandvi:

1. Mix the chickpea flour, yogurt, ginger paste, green chili paste, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add water to make a smooth batter.
3. Heat a non-stick pan and add the batter.
4. Cook on medium heat, stirring continuously, until the batter thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
5. Spread the batter on a greased surface and let it cool.
6. Cut the cooled batter into thin strips.
7. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, and asafoetida.
8. Add the strips and cook for a minute.
9. Garnish with grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves.

2. Baingan Bharta

Baingan Bharta is a popular North Indian dish made with roasted eggplant and spices. It is a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed with rice or bread.

To make Baingan Bharta, you will need:

• 1 large eggplant (baingan)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp Garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp mustard oil
• Salt to taste
• Cilantro for garnish

Follow these steps to make Baingan Bharta:

1. Pierce the eggplant with a fork and roast it over an open flame until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
2. Peel off the skin and mash the flesh.
3. Heat mustard oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and coriander seeds.
4. Add onion and sauté until golden brown.
5. Add ginger paste, garlic paste, and tomatoes.
6. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
7. Add the mashed eggplant, Garam masala, red chili powder, and salt.
8. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined.
9. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

3. Aloo Posto

Aloo Posto is a Bengali dish made with potatoes and poppy seeds. It is a creamy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed with rice or bread.

To make Aloo Posto, you will need:

• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds (posto)
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 3 tbsp mustard oil
• Salt to taste

Follow these steps to make Aloo Posto:

1. Soak the poppy seeds in water for an hour and then grind them to a fine paste.
2. Heat mustard oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
3. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until they are golden brown.
4. Add the poppy seed paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, sugar, and salt.
5. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined and the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

4. Methi Matar Malai

Methi Matar Malai is a creamy and flavorful dish made with fenugreek leaves, peas, and cream. It is a popular North Indian dish that can be enjoyed with rice or bread.

To make Methi Matar Malai, you will need:

• 2 cups fenugreek leaves (methi), chopped
• 1 cup green peas (matar)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp Garam masala
• 1 tsp kasuri methi
• 1/2 cup cream
• 2 tbsp ghee
• Salt to taste

Follow these steps to make Methi Matar Malai:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and add onion.
2. Sauté until golden brown.
3. Add ginger paste, garlic paste, and tomatoes.
4. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
5. Add fenugreek leaves and green peas.
6. Cook for a few minutes until the leaves are wilted and the peas are cooked.
7. Add Garam masala, kasuri methi, and salt.
8. Cook for a few more minutes.
9. Turn off the heat and add cream.
10. Mix well and serve hot.

5. Khaman Dhokla

Khaman Dhokla is a popular Gujarati snack made with chickpea flour and yogurt. It is a fluffy and spongy snack that can be enjoyed with chutney or sauce.

To make Khaman Dhokla, you will need:

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup yogurt (dahi)
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp green chili paste
• 1 tsp Eno fruit salt
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Cilantro for garnish

Follow these steps to make Khaman Dhokla:

1. Mix the chickpea flour, yogurt, ginger paste, green chili paste, sugar, oil, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add water to make a smooth batter.
3. Add Eno fruit salt and mix well.
4. Pour the batter into a greased plate and steam for 10-15 minutes.
5. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
6. Spread the tempering over the steamed dhokla.
7. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Presentation Tips to Make it More Attractive

Now that you know how to make these delicious Indian Dark Horse Custom dishes, let’s talk about how to present them to make them more attractive.

• Use colorful plates or bowls to serve the dishes.
• Add a sprig of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for garnish.
• Serve the dishes with a side of chutney or sauce.
• Add a dash of red chili powder or paprika for color and spice.

Additional Tips About Indian Dark Horse Custom

Indian Dark Horse Custom dishes are unique and flavorful, but they may not be as well-known as the popular Indian dishes. Here are some additional tips to help you explore the world of Indian Dark Horse Custom:

• Try new ingredients like fenugreek leaves, poppy seeds, or dried mango powder.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Garam masala or chaat masala.
• Explore the cuisine of different regions of India like Bengali, Gujarati, or Punjabi.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations at Indian grocery stores or restaurants.
• Get creative and try new combinations of flavors and ingredients.

Benefits of Indian Dark Horse Custom

Indian Dark Horse Custom dishes are not only delicious but also have some health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of the ingredients used in these dishes:

• Fenugreek leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Poppy seeds are a good source of essential fatty acids and minerals like calcium and iron.
• Dried mango powder is rich in vitamin C and has antioxidant properties.
• Spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

Recommendations for Indian Dark Horse Custom

If you want to try more Indian Dark Horse Custom dishes, here are some recommendations:

• Dhokar Dalna – a Bengali dish made with lentil cakes and potatoes
• Undhiyu – a Gujarati dish made with vegetables and spices
• Chilla – a savory pancake made with chickpea flour
• Kerala Fish Curry – a spicy and tangy fish curry from Kerala
• Rasam – a tangy and spicy soup made with tamarind and spices

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