Indian halal food features a wide variety of flavors and dishes, cooked according to halal dietary laws (permissible under Islamic law). Some popular Indian halal dishes include:
1. Biryani:
- A fragrant rice dish made with meat (chicken, mutton, or beef), spices, and saffron. It’s often served with raita (yogurt sauce).
2. Mutton/Chicken Curry:
- Rich, flavorful curry made with tender meat, simmered in a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.
3. Kebabs:
- Grilled meat skewers, often marinated with yogurt and spices like turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Popular varieties include seekh kebabs and chicken tikka.
4. Paneer Dishes (for vegetarians):
- Paneer is a type of Indian cheese used in dishes like Paneer Butter Masala and Palak Paneer (paneer with spinach).
5. Naan/Roti:
- Flatbreads served with curries, naan is soft and fluffy, while roti is thinner and more rustic.
6. Samosas:
- Triangular pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or minced meat, then deep-fried to a crispy texture.
7. Haleem:
- A slow-cooked stew made from wheat, meat (usually mutton), and lentils, often enjoyed during festivals like Ramadan.
8. Korma:
- A mild, creamy curry, often cooked with yogurt, cream, and ground nuts.
9. Pulao:
- A flavorful rice dish cooked with spices and meat (chicken, mutton, or vegetables).
10. Desserts:
- Gulab Jamun (fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup), Jalebi (crispy, syrupy treat), and Kheer (rice pudding).