Blending Indian Traditions (Foodways)
I have the best of both worlds. I really do, sincerely. And I tell that to my kids, that you have the best of the both worlds, and it's up to you, how much you want to maintain and carry on, pass on.
- Veena Khandelwal
India is a highly diverse country, with more than a dozen official languages. Each of the country's 28 states has its own history and culture, and its own food.
Traditional South Indian rice-based dishes include steamed idlis and pulihora (also called pulihogra), which is often used as a temple offering. North Indians typically eat vegetables with chapatti bread.
Indian cooks who make U.S. their home often mix, match and add to these traditions. Meals can combine breads from wheat-growing North India and rice dishes from rice-growing South India plus new U.S. creations such as Indian lasagna.
Lasagna is an Italian-American dish. But Bharti Patel of Charlotte liked it so much that she invented an Indian version. It's one of her family's favorite foods.
