When you hear the term Indian food, what comes to mind? Overly spicy? Laden with carbs? Too aromatic? While it's certainly true that authentic Indian cuisine contains lots of spices and can often be accompanied by sides like rice or naan, that’s not the whole truth. In fact, there are a lot of misconceptions about Indian food that inhibit people from enjoying all the most popular dishes.

3 Common Myths About Indian Food 

1. It’s Fattening 

Because it contains lots of fresh produce, Indian food is some of the healthiest cuisine available. Staple ingredients include peas, carrots, spinach, cauliflower, tomatoes, beans, and legumes, all of which boast numerous health benefits. If your diet’s lacking iron, calcium, or magnesium, for example, try saag paneer, which is loaded with spinach. If, on the other hand, you’re trying to get more folate, potassium, or vitamin B-6, order sambar, which is a lentil-based stew. If you’re on a diet, just limit the heavier sides like naan and rice. 

2. It's Hot 

Although Indian chefs like using chili peppers, they're not essential for achieving robust flavors. In fact, all the most popular dishes are plenty flavorful due to the milder spice blends they contain; peppers just add an extra punch for those who crave it. If you’re sensitive to spicy foods and new to Indian cuisine, order each dish as “mild” first to see how you like the base flavors without any chili peppers. 

3. It’s Complicated 

While it’s true that even the simplest Indian dishes call for a handful of spices, making delectable meals at home is relatively easy once your kitchen is stocked with the staples. If you want to foray into cooking butter chicken, samosas, and lamb kabobs, start by ordering a few dishes from your favorite Indian restaurant, and make a note of how they're put together. Then, find a few recipes that appear to contain the same primary ingredients, and try them out until you achieve a dish you love. 

If you’re craving authentic Indian food, head to India’s Best Restaurant and Bar. Located in Littleton, CO, this restaurant is proud to serve up mouthwatering dishes for affordable prices using only the freshest ingredients and spices imported directly from India. To get a taste of their offerings, check out their daily buffet, or place an order for takeout by calling (303) 484-9535.