Let your gut join the flavour fest with these fermented favourites!
If you’re into exploring flavours and boosting your health, you’ve got to check out India’s fermented foods. They’re not just delicious but also deliver numerous health benefits! Fermentation might sound fancy, but it's basically just letting good bacteria work their magic to make your food taste amazing and pack in nutrients. Ready to explore some unique Indian fermented treats that you’ve gotta try? Here’s a roundup of the top picks you don’t want to miss!
If you’re up for trying something truly unique, bamboo shoot curry from Odisha is a must! This dish takes fermented bamboo shoots, rice, and coconut and transforms them into a spicy and tangy treat. The bamboo shoots are fermented with mustard oil, spices, and chilies, giving them a flavour that’s both distinctive and delicious!
Hawaijar is a real gem from Manipur! Made from soybeans, it’s super rich in protein and has a unique, sticky texture. The fermentation process involves wrapping cooked soybeans in banana or fig leaves and letting them ferment in a bamboo basket for a few days. Not only does it taste interesting, but it’s also good for your body because of the microorganisms involved.
Idli and dosa are the breakfast classics of South India that you probably already adore! Made from fermented rice and lentil batter, they’re the perfect blend of tangy flavour and fluffy texture. Add in some spicy sambar or coconut chutney, and you’ve got a combo that turns any morning into a tasty adventure!
This fermented treat from Odisha is a wonderful dessert you might want to try. It’s made by fermenting a mix of cottage cheese, sugar, and semolina. Once baked, it turns into a delicious blend of caramelised crust and a soft, spongy center. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any day!
Khorisa, or bamboo shoot pickle, is a popular dish from Assam that you have to try! To make it, bamboo shoots are fermented with mustard oil, spices, and chilli, giving it a unique sour and spicy flavour. It’s one of those fermented Indian foods that’s sure to win you over with its bold taste.
Common to almost every Indian household, dahi (yoghurt) is made by naturally fermenting cow or buffalo milk. Packed with folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin B-complex, and beneficial lactic acid bacteria, it’s a daily staple for a reason. Rich in probiotics, Dahi helps boost gut health and keeps those pesky bad bacteria, like E. coli, in check.
Sel Roti is a ring-shaped treat from Sikkim and Darjeeling made from rice soaked overnight, then mixed with sugar, wheat flour, butter, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg. After kneading the dough, it’s left to ferment, giving it a unique flavor. It's kind of like idli but with a twist, and it's packed with digestible proteins. If you’re into trying new foods, this one's a must!
This traditional Kerala dish is a treat for your taste buds and tummy! Made by fermenting yoghurt with curry and spices, it develops a tangy flavour and a thick, creamy texture. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also great for your digestive system. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out!
Pickles are like the rock stars of Indian cuisine—tangy, spicy, and always ready to add a kick to your plate! Fermented in brine, they come in all flavours, from mango to amla. If you’re not adding pickles to your meal, are you even living the Indian culinary dream?
Indian fermented foods are ancient magic in a bowl! While everyone’s just discovering the power of fermentation, we’ve been savouring these gems forever. Give these dishes a whirl—you might find they’re the surprise hit your next dinner party needs!
