Introduction

Indian dishes are among the most popular in the world. Brightly coloured vegetables in richly flavoured sauces; tender meat, poultry and fish; nutty-flavoured beans and lentils; and of course, an incredible array of spices, all epitomize an exciting cuisine that warms the body and soothes the spirit. Besides offering fabulous tastes, Indian cooking can be extremely healthy, with the emphasis being firmly on freshness. Some commonly used ingredients are even believed to have medicinal properties.