Fruit, nuts and seeds

Indians love fruit and, as well as eating fresh varieties raw as a snack or for dessert at the end of a meal, they will also cook them in savoury dishes. Fruit is often preserved by being sun-dried or converted into spicy chutneys, and these invaluable ingredients are cherished in the months when the fresh version is not available. Nuts and seeds - especially cashew nuts, almonds and sesame seeds - are often used as a thickening agent in curries, or are scattered on top of dishes to add an extra layer of flavour and texture.