Flavour Friends: Exploring Food Combinations That Taste Great Together

Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavours, aromatic spices and diverse regional cuisines. But what really elevates the Indian culinary experience is the art of combining different dishes to create a symphony of flavours that excites the palate. Just as music is composed of harmonious notes, Indian cuisine combines complementary flavours to create culinary masterpieces. In this featured article, we delve into the fascinating world of Indian food pairings by reviewing 12 delicious food pairings.

Puran Poli with Aamras: Marrying the sweet, stuffed Puran Poli flatbread with the rich, velvety flesh of Aamras (mango pulp) creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavours, showcasing the magic of Maharashtrian cuisine.

Bhakri with Thecha: Rustic Maharashtrian Bhakri, thick millet bread, pairs beautifully with Thecha, a fiery chilli and garlic chutney, creating a fiery yet satisfying dining experience.

Kachori with Ghugni: The crunchiness of Kachori, a fried pastry puri filled with spiced lentils, finds the perfect partner in Ghugni, a spicy black chickpea curry, making this combination a culinary gem.

Pesarattu with Upma: Andhra specialty Pesarattu, the green gram dosa, pairs remarkably well with Upma, a semolina-based dish, creating a balanced combination that brings together flavours from different parts of the region. 

Theple with ketchup: Served with a spicy ketchup dip, theplas create a wonderful fusion of flavours, blending the traditional Indian taste of theplas with spicy ketchup. The spicy heat of theplas goes surprisingly well with the sweet and spicy notes of the ketchup, resulting in a unique dining experience that brings together different culinary worlds.

Jalebi and fafda: Jalebi and fafda is a popular and enjoyable combination in Indian cuisine. Jalebi, a sweet and syrupy fried dough dessert, contrasts beautifully with the salty and crunchy fafda. This pairing offers a balance of flavours and textures that many love, especially for festive occasions and street food.

Gulab jamun with ice cream: The combination of warm, syrupy gulab jamun with cold, ice cream creates a wonderful contrast of textures and temperatures. The rich sweetness of gulab jamun complements the refreshing taste of ice cream, making it a popular and indulgent dessert.

Khichdi and Kadhi: Khichdi and kadhi make a classic and comforting combination of Indian cuisine. The mild, comforting flavours of khichdi, a mixture of rice and lentils cooked together, are complemented by the tangy and slightly spicy flavour of kadhi, a yogurt-based curry. This combination offers a balance of textures– the softness of the khichdi contrasts with the creamy consistency of the kadhi. It is a popular dish that is often loved for its simplicity and the way it provides a healthy and nutritious meal.

Idli with Gunpowder: Idli and gunpowder make a classic South Indian culinary pairing. Idli, a steamed rice cake, offers a soft and fluffy base that contrasts beautifully with the intense and spice of gunpowder, dry chutney made from roasted lentils, spices and sometimes dried chilies. This combination provides a wonderful blend of textures and flavors and showcases the diversity of flavors in Indian cuisine. 

Makke Ki Roti with Gur: Makke ki roti, a popular Indian spread made with corn flour, goes well with guru, which is unrefined sugar. The earthy taste of the makke ki roti complements the rich sweetness of the gur to create a harmonious blend of flavors. This traditional combination is not only delicious but also provides a balanced mix of energy and nutrients, making it a popular choice in many Indian households.

Baingan Bharta and Curd Rice: The combination of baingan bharta, a delicious roasted eggplant, and curd rice, a cool and creamy rice dish made with yogurt, creates a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures. The smokiness of the baingan bharta complements the savory and comforting nature of the curd rice, making it a harmonious combination that satisfies both the palate and the senses.

Gatte Ki Sabzi with Bajra Roti: Combining gatte ki sabzi, a Rajasthani dish of chickpea flour dumplings in yogurt curry, with bajra roti, a traditional Indian bread made from pearl millet, makes for a delicious and healthy meal. The earthy flavours of the gatte complement the nutty flavor of the bajra, offering a balanced and satisfying dining experience that is both tasty and nutritious. The richness of curry blends well with the rustic texture of bajra roti, making it a popular and culturally significant choice in Indian cuisine.