(spicy soup). Coconut and curry leaves are prominent flavors. The Balanced Plate
To understand Indian cooking, one must first understand the Indian worldview. The ancient science of (the "science of life") is the foundational code of the traditional Indian lifestyle. According to Ayurveda, health is not merely the absence of disease but a balance between the body, mind, and spirit, achieved through the harmony of three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
While tastes vary across the subcontinent, a "typical" meal usually balances a main starch with several side dishes. Association for Asian Studies North India : Heavy use of wheat-based breads like , often cooked in a clay . Meals frequently include dairy like and yogurt-based gravies. South India : Rice is the primary staple, typically served with (lentil stew) and
