Indian starters, also known as appetizers, are an important part of Indian cuisine. They are typically served before the main course and are meant to stimulate the appetite. Indian starters come in many varieties, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. They are often flavored with aromatic spices and herbs that are quintessential to Indian cooking. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular Indian starter dishes.
Types of Indian Starters
There are many different types of starters in Indian cuisine. Here are some of the main categories:
- Kebabs – Minced meat or vegetable patties that are grilled, fried, or baked. Popular options include shami kebab, seekh kebab, and paneer tikka.
- Cutlets – Vegetable or meat fritters that are coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. Popular options include aloo tikki and fish amritsari.
- Pakoras – Vegetable fritters made from gram flour batter and deep fried. Options like onion pakora, paneer pakora, palak pakora.
- Chaat – Savory snack made with puffed rice, potatoes, chutneys. Popular chaats are bhel puri, sev puri, dahi puri.
- Rolls – Spiced minced meat or veggies wrapped in bread or paratha. Egg roll, paneer roll, chicken roll.
In addition to these, there are also regional starter specialties like mirchi bajji from Andhra Pradesh, poha from Maharashtra, dhokla from Gujarat etc.
Popular Vegetarian Indian Starters
Given that a significant percentage of Indians follow a vegetarian diet, there are many popular veg starters in Indian cuisine:
- Samosa – Crispy fried pastry with a savory filling like spiced potatoes, peas, lentils etc.
- Pakora – Gram flour fritters made with onions, spinach, potatoes etc. and deep fried.
- Kachori – Deep fried pastry shells stuffed with lentils, spices.
- Spring rolls – Crispy rolls filled with shredded veggies and deep fried.
- Chaat – Snacks like pani puri, dahi puri, bhel puri etc. with chutneys.
- Vada pav – Spiced mashed potato fritter served in a bun with chutneys.
Other popular veg starter snacks are masala vada, gobi Manchurian, baby corn pakora, chilli paneer, vegetable cutlets etc.
Popular Non-Vegetarian Indian Starters
Here are some of the most popular non-vegetarian starter dishes in Indian cuisine:
- Chicken tikka – Boneless chicken chunks marinated and grilled in the tandoor.
- Seekh kebab – Minced meat kebabs seasoned with spices and roasted.
- Fish pakora – Fish fillets coated in gram flour batter and deep fried.
- Egg roll – Spiced boiled eggs wrapped in paratha or bread.
- Shami kebab – Minced meat patties, usually lamb or chicken.
- Hara bhara kebab – Kebabs made with spinach and green peas.
Other popular non-veg starters are mutton cutlets, chicken 65, chilli chicken, fish fingers, prawn pakora etc.
Popular Spices and Flavors in Indian Starters
Indian starters pack a punch of aromatic spices and flavors. Here are some commonly used ingredients:
- Garam masala – Blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cumin.
- Turmeric – Adds color and earthy flavor.
- Red chili powder – Provides heat and spice.
- Ginger-garlic – Gives a pungent kick.
- Curd – Used for marination and tenderizing.
- Coriander – Fresh coriander adds flavor.
- Chaat masala – Tart, tangy spice blend.
Other flavors like tamarind, dried mango powder, mustard, curry leaves are also popularly used. The use of spices makes Indian starters bursting with complex flavors.
How Indian Starters are Served
Indian starters are served in different ways depending on the type of snack:
- Pakoras, kebabs, cutlets are often served with mint and tamarind chutneys for dipping.
- Rolls and wraps are self-contained, eaten as is.
- Chaat is assembled and served in small plates with chutneys poured on top.
- Fried snacks like samosa, kachori are served hot, directly from the oil.
- Some starters like tikka are served with sliced onions and lemon wedges.
Starters are also accompanied with drinks like masala chai, sodas, lassi, chaas or Indian alcoholic beverages like beer. Overall, Indian starters encompass a delicious and diverse range of snack options.
Popular Indian Starters By Region
Different regions of India have their own special starter snacks:
| Region | Popular Starters |
|---|---|
| North India | Samosa, chaat, tikki, golgappa, tandoori chicken |
| South India | Medu vada, masala vada, bonda, mysore pak |
| East India | Litti chokha, ghugni, alu dom, puchka |
| West India | Misal pav, patties, sabudana vada, wada pav |
So starters like samosa and chaat are pan-Indian, while snacks like misal pav, medu vada, litti chokha are specific to states.
Healthy Indian Starter Options
While most starters are traditionally deep fried, some healthier low fat and low carb options include:
- Grilled or baked kebabs and tikkas instead of fried.
- Stuffed mushrooms or bell peppers instead of heavy kachori.
- Steamed cutlets using oats instead of breadcrumbs.
- Roasted papad instead of deep fried papad.
- Baked or air-fried samosas and spring rolls.
Opting for these healthier preparations allows one to enjoy Indian starters while avoiding excess oil and carbs.
Trendy Fusion Indian Starters
With growing interest in fusion food, some modern takes on Indian starters are becoming popularglobally as well as in India:
- Tandoori momos – Dumplings stuffed with Indian spiced minced meat.
- Malai chicken tikka – Chicken tikka in creamy marinade.
- Achari paneer tikka – Cottage cheese marinated in pickle spices.
- Bullet naan – Mini bite-sized naan breads.
- Palak cheese poppers – Fried spinach and cheese balls.
Fusion starters combine Indian flavors with global influences like East Asian, Tex-Mex, Italian etc. They are popular at restaurants and as party appetizers.
Conclusion
To conclude, Indian starters encompass a mouthwatering range of crunchy, spicy and flavorful appetizers. Samosas, chaats, kebabs, pakoras are just the tip of the iceberg of diverse Indian starter options. Every Indian region has its own specialty snacks that utilize local ingredients and spices. While traditionally fried, healthier preparations are also gaining popularity. With interest in fusion food, innovative takes on classic starters are also emerging. Overall, starters are indispensable part of Indian cuisine and ideal for setting the mood for the meal ahead.