Lexicon

Ayurveda is comprised of two terms - Ayur, meaning 'life', and Veda, meaning 'science' or 'knowledge of'. Indian cooking is intimately connected with Ayurveda and, therefore, its various aspects are based on Vedic principles. - Read More

According to the Vedas, India's ancient texts, the entire cosmos is made up of five elements - space, air, fire, water, and earth. Everything in the universe is a specific combination in which these elements manifest themselves. These elements don't only form matter but also influence one(...) - Read More

A thick, circular, and deep cooking pot used for deep frying. Traditionally made of copper or cast iron, karahi is now available in stainless steel as well. - Read More

Pitta is one of the three Ayurvedic doshas or psycho-physiological body constitutions. Pitta is governed by fire and water elements. Those with Pitta as a primary dosha are strong-willed and intense by nature. An aggravated Pitta leads to inflammation in the body and mind. This may manifest in(...) - Read More

Ruminants are a class of mammals such as cattle, goats, sheep, deer, giraffes, and antelope, with usually four chambers in their stomach. When these animals eat, the food enters the first chamber called a rumen. They then regurgitate the cud and chew it again to facilitate digestion. This(...) - Read More

Samosa is a deep-fried savory dumpling stuffed with cooked vegetables such as curried potato and onion. Indians enjoy this favorite snack-food in cold weather due to its warming action in the body. - Read More

A saute made from cooking down onion, and optionally garlic, and tomato along with curry spices. Tardka is the very first stage when making Indian food. It's followed by cooking the main ingredient, then mixing the two to finalize the dish. - Read More

Ancient sacred texts of India that expound the knowledge of the universe. Ayurveda is a part of Vedic texts and covers information about the science (veda) of life (ayur). - Read More