What is a traditional Indian meal? Thaali (Thali)

In India, entire meal is served at the same time including starters main-entree desserts, and beverages. The system is called Thali (Platter).

Thali is a round platter, small bowls (Katrori) are arranged around the rim to serve with food. In the center, the staple food (bread or rice) are piled up.
Indian meal may be as simple as a Roti (bread) with Lehsun-Chatni (Ground Garlic salt and peppers) and a glass of cold water. On the other hand, Ain-I-Akbar documents typical meal served at the royal court of Akbar with over 100 items. The 'Hillary Platter' served to Mrs. Hillary Clinton (US Secretary of States visit to India, July 2009) consisted of: Fresh tropical fruit juices, Dal Bukhara, Snacks (Paneer Tikka, Tandoori Aloo, Murgh Malai Kebab, Tandoori Jhinga, Seekh Kebab), Mixed Raita, Main entree (Sikanderi Raan), Naan, and Kulfi
Traditional Indian meal consists of nine basic components. In a given meal, all components need not be present, each component varies by region, and may contain several items. Some components may be in the form of a combined food such as Biryani

1. Condiments

Condiments include various types of pickles (Achar), Murabba (Sweet preserves), Papad, and Chatni (Uncooked Chutney, and Conserves). Popular pickles include 'Aam Achar' (Mango pickle), and 'Nimboo Achar' (Lime pickle). Papad is a thin round wafer (about 7" diameter) made of dried-beans and spices. The wafer becomes very crisp like a potato-chip when cooked (deep-fried or dry roasted). Popular chutney include: 'Dhania Chatni' (fresh cilantro onions and spices), and spicy sweet 'Imli Chatni' (Tamarind sugar and spices). In South India, fresh coconut chutney is used.

2. Salaad (Salad Plate)

Indian Salaad consists of: thinly sliced onions, sliced tomatoes, sticks of Mooli (Indian white long radish), sliced cucumber, wedges of limes, matchsticks fresh ginger-root, and fresh green hot chili peppers called 'Hari Mirch'. Salt, ground cayenne and few drops of Sirka (Sugarcane vinegar) or fresh lime juice may be used for dressing.

3. Snacks

Snacks consist of deep-fried foods (Samosa, Pakora), dry-cooked Kebab (Tandoori Jhinga, Chicken Tandoori, Shami Kebab, Seekh Kebab, Paneer Tikka, Tandoori Aloo, Murgh Malai Kebab), and Chaat (Goal Gappa, Aloo Chat, Paapri, Dahi Bhalla)

4. Raita

This a cold soup made of yogurt containing: bits of fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced onions, grated fresh cucumber. It is spiced with salt, ground cayenne, and crushed dry roasted cumin seeds.

5. Dal

This is a dried bean soup. Popular dried beans or legumes are used: Urad (Black bens) Moong (Green Mung beans) Toor (Pigeon-peas), and Cholay (Chickpeas). North Indian Dal is thicker than South Indian Dal. Dal Bukhara (creamy black bean soup) is popular at pricey restaurants. Mulligatawny soup served at Indian restaurants in UK and USA is an Anglo-Indian concoction.

6. Curries

Whether you are a vegetarian or not, you vegetable curries. These may be dry stir-fry (Sookhi Subzi), or soupy (Rasedaar), and various levels of moisture in between. Most common vegetables used are Potatoes, Kaddu (Indian Pumpkin), Greens (mustard, spinach, fenugreek leaves). Chicken and Chevon (Goat meat) curries are common among non-vegetarians. Most of the curries are garnished with finely chopped Fresh Cilantro.

7. Staple food (Bread and/or Rice)

In North India, the staple food is Roti (flat unleavened whole-grain wheat bread). There are many bread varieties: Naan Paratha Poori Baati. Plain boiled rice is very seldom used in North India. Rice is staple food of South India.

8. Mithai (Sweets)

Common homemade desserts are Gajar Halwa (Carrot Cake) and Kheer (Rice pudding).

9. Beverages

Water is a must with an Indian meal, perhaps due to its spicy nature. Beverages include: seasonal fruit juices (sugarcane, orange , pineapple), Warm sweetened milk with ground nuts (Almond, Pistachios), Thandai, Garam Chai (Hot tea latte), Lassi (sweetened whipped yogurt) and Coffee. Coffee is popular in South India, while Lassi is popular in Punjab region of India.

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