You cannot discuss Indian cooking traditions without grounding them in Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old system of medicine. While modern nutrition looks at calories, carbs, and proteins, the traditional Indian lifestyle looks at Gunas (qualities) and Doshas (biological energies).
The tropical climate of the south shifts the staple crop to rice. Here, meals feature fermented batters, yielding airy idos and crispy dosas . Coconut oil and grated coconut form the base of most dishes, balanced by the sharp tang of tamarind and the brightness of curry leaves. Sambar (a lentil vegetable stew) and Rasam (a spicy broth) accompany almost every meal. East India: Mustard, Seafood, and Sweets indian desi aunty mms patched