Indian cuisine is renowned for its diverse and rich flavors, offering a range of dishes to satisfy any palate. For those who follow gluten-free or dairy-free diets due to health reasons or personal preferences, there’s no need to miss out on the incredible experience of Indian food. Many traditional Indian dishes are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free or can be easily adapted to suit these dietary needs. In this article, we are going to talk about the best Indian dishes that are gluten and dairy free.
Ingredients for Gluten and Diary Free Dishes
Indian cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, thanks to the wide variety of ingredients used. For those following gluten-free or dairy-free diets, it’s important to understand which ingredients in Indian cuisine are naturally gluten and dairy-free and which ones may pose a risk of cross-contamination or may need to be substituted or omitted.
1. Gluten-Free Grains and Flours:
Rice: This is a staple in Indian cuisine and is naturally gluten-free. It is used as a primary ingredient in dishes like biryani, pulao, dosa, and rice-based desserts.
Lentils: Lentils are a major source of protein in Indian cuisine, especially in vegetarian dishes. They are naturally gluten-free and are used to make dishes like dal, sambar, and various lentil-based snacks.
Chickpea Flour (Besan): This is a versatile gluten-free flour made from ground chickpeas. It is used in a variety of Indian dishes like pakoras, chilla, and laddoo.
Corn and Sorghum (Jowar) Flour: These flours are also gluten-free and are used to make traditional Indian bread, such as makki di roti and jowar roti.
2. Dairy-Free Alternatives:
Coconut Milk and Coconut Oil: Coconut milk is a creamy, dairy-free alternative that is often used in Indian cuisine, especially in South Indian and coastal dishes. It adds richness and a hint of coconut flavor to curries, stews, and desserts. Coconut oil is also widely used as a cooking oil in Indian cuisine.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is commonly used for frying and sautéing in Indian dishes. It is naturally dairy-free and can be used as a substitute for ghee or butter in many recipes.
3. Common Ingredients to Be Aware of:
Ghee (Clarified Butter): Ghee is a type of clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking. It adds a rich, nutty flavor to dishes but is a dairy product and should be avoided by those following a dairy-free diet.
Yogurt and Cream: These dairy products are often used in Indian cuisine to add creaminess and tanginess to dishes. They can be substituted with coconut milk or dairy-free yogurt alternatives in most recipes.
Spices: Indian cuisine uses a wide variety of spices to enhance the flavors of dishes. Most spices are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it’s important to check the labels of spice blends or pre-packaged spices for any hidden gluten or dairy ingredients.
4. Cross-Contamination Risk:
It is essential to be aware of the risk of cross-contamination, especially when dining out or purchasing pre-packaged foods. Naturally, gluten-free ingredients or dairy-free may come into contact with gluten or dairy products during preparation or cooking.
When dining at an Indian restaurant, it’s a good idea to inform the staff of your dietary restrictions and inquire about the ingredients and preparation methods used in the dishes you’re interested in.
Understanding the ingredients commonly used in Indian cuisine and being mindful of potential sources of cross-contamination is key to enjoying delicious and safe gluten-free and dairy-free Indian dishes.
Delicious Gluten & Dairy Free Main Course Dishes
Biryani:
Biryani is a classic Indian dish known for its flavorful rice and richly spiced meat or vegetables. It’s made by layering cooked rice with a mixture of meat (like chicken or lamb), seafood, or vegetables that have been sautéed with spices. The dish is then baked to allow the flavors to meld together.
Biryani is naturally gluten-free, as it’s primarily made of rice. However, it’s essential to check the spices and sauces used in biryani, as some may contain gluten. It’s also typically dairy-free unless it’s garnished with yogurt or butter, which can easily be omitted.
There are many regional variations of biryani, such as Hyderabadi Biryani, Kolkata Biryani, and Malabar Biryani, each with its unique taste and ingredients.
Chana Masala:
Chana Masala, also known as Chole, is a hearty vegetarian dish made from chickpeas cooked in a spicy and tangy tomato-based sauce. It’s often served with rice or bread.
The dish is typically gluten-free, as the main ingredients are chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and spices. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the spices used are gluten-free. It’s also typically dairy-free, as it doesn’t usually contain any dairy products. However, some recipes may use butter or ghee for cooking, which can be replaced with oil for a dairy-free version.
Chana Masala is a popular dish in North India and can be made as mild or spicy as you prefer by adjusting the amount of chili used.
Baingan Bharta:
Baingan Bharta is a smoky and flavorful dish made from roasted eggplant. The eggplant is roasted until the skin is charred, giving it a smoky flavor, then peeled and mashed. It’s then sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
This dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. The main ingredients are eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s essential to ensure that the spices used are gluten-free.
Baingan Bharta is a popular dish in North India and is known for its smoky flavor and creamy texture.
Chicken Tikka:
Chicken Tikka is a popular Indian dish made by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then skewering and grilling or baking them. The result is tender and flavorful chicken with a smoky taste.
Chicken Tikka is typically gluten-free, but it’s crucial to check the ingredients used in the marinade, as some may contain gluten. It’s also typically dairy-free, as it doesn’t usually contain any dairy products other than the yogurt in the marinade, which can be replaced with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Chicken Tikka is popular all over India and is known for its spicy and tangy flavor.
Lamb Korma with Coconut Milk:
Lamb Korma is a rich and creamy dish made from lamb cooked in a spiced sauce. Traditionally, the sauce is made with yogurt or cream, but a dairy-free version can be made by substituting it with coconut milk.
The dish is typically gluten-free, as the main ingredients are lamb, coconut milk, and spices. However, it’s essential to ensure that the spices used are gluten-free.
Lamb Korma is a popular dish in North India and is known for its mild and creamy flavor.
Scrumptious Snacks and Appetizers
Poha:
Poha is a popular Indian breakfast dish made from flattened rice. The flattened rice is soaked in water for a few minutes to soften it, and then it’s sautéed with mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves, and often topped with peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Poha is naturally gluten-free, as it’s made from rice. It’s also dairy-free, as it doesn’t typically contain any dairy ingredients. However, it’s essential to ensure that any added toppings or garnishes are also gluten-free and dairy-free.
Poha is a popular dish in the western states of India, especially Maharashtra and Gujarat. It’s known for its light and fluffy texture and its balance of savory, tangy, and nutty flavors.
Chana Chaat:
Chana Chaat is a tangy and spicy chickpea salad often served as a snack or appetizer. It’s made by mixing boiled chickpeas with chopped onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and then it’s seasoned with spices like chaat masala, cumin, and chili powder. It’s usually topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Chana Chaat is naturally gluten-free, as the main ingredients are chickpeas, vegetables, and spices. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the spices used are gluten-free. It’s also dairy-free, as it doesn’t typically contain any dairy ingredients.
Chana Chaat is popular all over India and is known for its tangy and spicy flavor. It’s a refreshing and healthy snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Pakoras with Chickpea Flour:
Pakoras are deep-fried fritters made from various ingredients like potatoes, onions, spinach, or cauliflower. The ingredients are dipped in a spiced batter made from chickpea flour (also known as besan or gram flour) and then deep-fried until crispy.
By using chickpea flour instead of wheat flour, you can enjoy gluten-free pakoras. Pakoras are also typically dairy-free, as the batter doesn’t usually contain any dairy ingredients. However, it’s essential to ensure that any added spices or seasonings are also gluten-free and dairy-free.
Pakoras are popular all over India and are known for their crispy texture and savory flavor. They’re often served with chutney or ketchup for dipping.
These snacks and appetizers are perfect for those following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, as they’re made from naturally gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients. However, it’s essential to ensure that any added toppings, garnishes, or accompaniments are also gluten-free and dairy-free. By choosing these dishes, you can enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine without worrying about your dietary restrictions.
Delectable Sides and Accompaniments
Chutneys:
Chutneys are flavorful condiments that can be made from a variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices. They can be sweet, tangy, spicy, or a combination of these flavors. Chutneys are often used to enhance the taste of snacks, appetizers, and main dishes.
Most chutneys are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, as they are typically made from ingredients like tomatoes, tamarind, mint, coriander, and spices. However, it’s crucial to check the ingredients for any hidden gluten or dairy components.
Examples of popular chutneys include mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, and coconut chutney.
Raita:
Raita is a refreshing yogurt-based side dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as cucumber, onion, pineapple, or boondi (small fried balls made from chickpea flour). It can be served with biryani, pulao, or other spicy dishes to provide a cooling contrast.
Traditionally, raita is made with dairy yogurt. For a dairy-free version, you can use a plant-based yogurt made from coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
Raita is usually gluten-free, as the main ingredients are yogurt and vegetables or fruits. However, it’s essential to check the ingredients of any added spices or seasonings.
Papadum:
Papadum is a thin, crispy cracker that is typically served as a side dish or snack. It can be made from a variety of flours, such as lentil flour, chickpea flour, or rice flour, and is usually seasoned with spices like cumin and black pepper.
Papadum made from lentil flour, chickpea flour, or rice flour is naturally gluten-free. However, it’s crucial to check the ingredients for any hidden gluten, especially in pre-packaged papadums.
Papadum is typically dairy-free, as it doesn’t usually contain any dairy ingredients. However, it’s essential to check the ingredients for any hidden dairy components.
Pickles (Achaar):
Pickles, or achaar, are a popular accompaniment in Indian cuisine. They can be made from a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as mangoes, lemons, carrots, and chilies, which are preserved in oil, vinegar, and spices.
Pickles are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, as they are typically made from fruits, vegetables, oil, vinegar, and spices. However, it’s crucial to check the ingredients for any hidden gluten or dairy components.
Pickles can be quite spicy and tangy, providing a burst of flavor that complements many Indian dishes.
These sides and accompaniments add an extra layer of flavor and texture to Indian dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. By choosing these options, those following gluten-free or dairy-free diets can enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine without worrying about their dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Indian cuisine offers a wide array of delicious dishes that can be enjoyed by those following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet. By understanding the ingredients and making mindful choices, you can savor the rich and diverse flavors of Indian food without worry. Whether you’re trying these dishes at a restaurant or cooking them at home, you’re sure to enjoy the tantalizing tastes of gluten-free and dairy-free Indian cuisine.
