| Have you ever tried tasting one and the same recipe | | | | being more - earth (kapha), wind (vata) and fire |
| yet felt like it was entirely two different things? You | | | | (pitta). Indians believe each individual is a varied |
| recognize the individual flavors of the ingredients and | | | | composition of all three. Knowing which way you lean |
| yet, the overall tone and aromas are distinctly | | | | toward would help determine what food items you |
| different. Strange but it is quite possible. | | | | need to avoid or consume more to attain that |
| The coming together of the natural flavors and | | | | balance spiritual, mental and physical state trio. |
| aromas of the very same ingredients make food | | | | This non-dietary, spiritual notion of food intake is |
| unique. If you throw in a mix of seasonings, a | | | | unique to Indian recipe and cuisine. It points to a |
| selection of herbs and spices, the flavors merge into | | | | deeper meaning and purposes of food experiences |
| a vibrant mix of delightful sensations. A unique blend | | | | besides the pursuit of the physical pleasures of |
| of flavors is but one aspect of the many features of | | | | delightful and tasteful sensations. It also goes beyond |
| Indian cuisine. | | | | the aesthetics of eating right and being healthy. |
| Interestingly, food as a part of daily Indian life is but | | | | Food as a tool to spiritual, mental, and physical |
| a tiny parcel of a whole that is centered on the | | | | well-being is an intriguingly holistic approach to |
| attainment of a sound, peaceful, and secure being. | | | | something many consider mundane. It gives more |
| Indian recipes are more than just aromatic, savory | | | | meaning than the mere enjoyment of a sumptuous |
| concoctions that please your palate. Food is seen to | | | | meal. Chefs in this context are almost brought to a |
| help attain that spiritual, physical and emotional | | | | level of being spiritual guides or visionary consultants. |
| balance. | | | | Perhaps this core concept of overall balance is what |
| In Indian society, food is viewed not as an integral | | | | gives Indian cuisine its innately unique flavors. Even |
| part of living but merely as a satisfying tool to | | | | Indian desserts are not presented as enticing |
| achieve and maintain a peaceful oneness with nature. | | | | indulgences. The message is always moderation and |
| A sound, balanced mental, physical and emotional | | | | balance. It's quite difficult to imagine using the word |
| state is the core concept behind many Indian dishes. | | | | "sinful" to describe even the tastiest of Indian |
| Indian belief system attributes irritability, restlessness | | | | pastries and sweets. |
| and nastiness as being out of balance. For peace and | | | | Indeed, the Indian cuisine is one with a rich history |
| harmony to reign, the balance in these three aspects | | | | and is very unique. The Indians are proud of it, and it |
| of personality must be restored. | | | | is a favorite throughout the world. Eating food is |
| Dosha is an Indian word that means "what you are | | | | never just a fleeting moment and physical activity |
| made of." It is the core of the Indian recipe. Knowing | | | | with Indian food. For the Indians, it is reflection of a |
| key personality traits point to what constitutes your | | | | way of life. |