What You Need To Know About Indian Food Garnishing And Presentation

Garnishing and presentation are important parts of good Indian cooking. An ordinary Indian dish can be turned into something really special via the imaginative use of garnishes. You should choose your garnishes carefully because your choices should allow a dish to look both appetizing and decorative. But that’s only scratching the surface. A garnish should be treated and viewed as an affectionate gesture. It is akin to paying a compliment to the food as well as a compliment to your guests.

Basic Presentation Rules

Using a large tray or thali is the traditional way to serve Indian food. Oftentimes, these trays come as beautifully wrought metal. Next, each different dish will be placed in a small earthenware or metal bowl. It is then perched around the edge of the tray. In some cases, banana leaves are also used as disposable plates.

Rice, dahl, and yogurt are always present on an Indian tabletop. Make sure to use special compartment plates and bowls to present these items. After all, what’s always present should not go unnoticed, and you should give what’s expected an unexpected twist.

Don’t be Afraid to Use Contemporary Presentation Techniques for Traditional Indian Food

Today, don’t be surprised to find that an Indian restaurant in Kelowna can serve traditional Indian food via a contemporary presentation. While still following their tradition, some restaurants are known to add a modern edge to the tabletop with unique food presentation designs. For example, sauces and coulis are served in glass condiment caddies.

India is recognized as the country of diverse colors – blues, oranges, deep reds, and vibrant yellows. Each color has a distinct place in an Indian table setting. Hence, it is important to choose dinnerware in a different array of vivid colors so that your color choices correspond to the colorful Indian tradition.

Remember to Spice Up Your Presentation

As you might already know, spices are the core of Indian cuisine. If used correctly at the time and dish, you can easily enhance the flavor of the dish and provide a distinctive taste to one’s diners. Whether you are serving a buffet or food on a tabletop, always keep in mind that each distinctive taste should be still represented in a special place.

Garnishes and Decoration

Did you know that decorating Indian dishes is actually a pretty simple task? In many cases, all you need are coriander leaves, lettuce, tomatoes, lemon slices, chopped herbs, and nuts. They are sufficient to add a crisp texture and color to savory dishes. Here are more quick tips:

• Onion rings: They can be used as a garnish or for decorating salads, egg dishes, vegetables, and spicy dishes. You may wish to also select onions that are brown, white, or medium-sized red. Do make sure that they are firm as well. To achieve those good-looking rings, simply turn the onion on its side and cut slices about a quarter of an inch thick.
• Tomato roses: If you are preparing an egg, vegetable, fish, or cold meat dish, tomato roses are one of the best garnishes to consider. It is best to opt for firm, medium-sized, and ripe tomatoes for this type of garnishes.
• Chili flowers: Hot and spicy dishes are never complete without chili flowers. To get the desired petal designs, you should drop them into iced water after cutting. This allows the “flowers” to blossom.
• Julienne strips: Julienne strips make fine garnishes for oriental dishes, curries, poultry, meat, salads, and soups. Apart from using oranges, other alternatives include limes, lemons, and grapefruits.
• Lemon slices: Grooved lemon slices that are about 1/4 inch or 0.5 mm thick can be used to decorate kebabs, chicken dishes, as well as fish and shellfish dishes. No lemons? Don’t worry. You can use limes or oranges instead.