FINISHING TOUCH DISHES The perfect combination of flavors, presentation, and garnishes that make up finishing touch meals elevate the dining experience are specially crafted dishes. These meals are designed to impress with their final touches that add aroma, texture, and visual appeal.
Finishing touch meals are all about adding those final details that make a dish memorable. Every meal can be transformed into a delightful culinary masterpiece that satisfies the palate as well as the eyes with the right garnishes, seasonings, and toppings.
1.ROTI CHUTNEY
Indian cuisine relies heavily on chutney, a flavorful and adaptable condiment. Known for its rich taste and variety, chutney enhances the flavor of meals with its unique blend of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients.
Chutney is a spiced relish or sauce made using a combination of ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices. It can range from sweet to tangy, spicy to savory, and smooth to chunky in texture.
Chutney is more than just a side dish — it’s a delightful addition that elevates the taste of any meal. Chutney’s explosion of flavors, whether spicy, tangy, or sweet, makes a lasting impression on your taste buds.
2.RASAM
Rasam is a traditional South Indian soup-like dish known for its tangy, spicy, and aromatic flavor. It is a staple in South Indian households, commonly served as a starter or alongside rice as part of a complete meal. Rasam is adored not only for its delicious flavor but also for its positive effects on health. Rasam is typically accompanied by vegetables, papad, or pickles when eaten hot with steamed rice. It’s also delicious as a warming soup, especially in the winter. Rasam is a comforting, flavorful, and health-boosting dish that holds a special place in South Indian cuisine. With its tangy taste, aromatic spices, and medicinal properties, Rasam continues to be a cherished favorite for people of all ages.
3.SAMBAR
Sambar is a popular South Indian dish made with lentils, vegetables, tamarind, and aromatic spices. It pairs well with rice, idli, dosa, and vada due to its tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor. Sambar is delicious and healthy because it is loaded with protein, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients.
How Sambar is Made
- Cook the Lentils: Toor dal is pressure-cooked until soft and mashed.
- Prepare the Tamarind Extract: Tamarind pulp is soaked in water and strained.
- Cook the Vegetables: Mixed vegetables are cooked with tamarind extract and spices.
- Combine Everything: Cooked dal is added to the vegetables along with sambar powder.
- Add Tempering (Tadka): Mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies are fried in oil or ghee and added to the sambar.
- Garnish: Fresh coriander leaves are sprinkled for extra flavor.
4.CREAM
During the skimming process, cream, a rich dairy product, is separated from milk. It is well-known for its silky texture, rich flavor, and numerous baking and cooking applications. Cream enhances the flavor and consistency of dishes by adding a luxurious touch. Despite its delicious and nutritious qualities, cream should be consumed sparingly due to its high fat content. For those who want to eat better, there are low-fat alternatives. Cream is an indulgent and adaptable ingredient that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. It is a common ingredient in kitchens all over the world due to its creamy flavor and rich texture, enhancing desserts and sauces alike.
5.ULAVACHARU
Ulavacharu is a traditional and flavorful South Indian dish, particularly popular in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Known for its rich taste and nutritional value, Ulavacharu is a thick lentil soup made from horse gram (ulavalu), a highly nutritious legume. This dish is cherished for its earthy flavor, tangy notes, and aromatic spices.
Ulavacharu is a delightful combination of taste and nutrition. It is a beloved South Indian dish because of its rich, tangy flavor and the earthy flavor of horse gram. Ulavacharu provides foodies with a satisfying and reassuring experience whether consumed as a hearty soup, with rice, or as roti.
6.CURD
Curd, also known as yogurt, is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with beneficial bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus. It has a creamy texture and a slightly tangy taste due to the natural fermentation process.
Curd is a staple in many cuisines, especially in Indian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern diets.FINISHING TOUCH DISHES It is rich in probiotics, which promote gut health, aid digestion, and boost immunity. It is also a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins.
Curd can be consumed in various ways—plain, mixed with fruits, in smoothies, or as a side dish with rice and chapati. It is also used to prepare dishes like raita, buttermilk, kadhi, and lassi . Its cooling properties make it a refreshing food, especially during hot weather.
