A passage to India.
India's popularity as a tourist destination has increased drastically as has its prevalence in the ethnic food market, with the consumption in America of this ethnic food more than doubling during the last decade.
Health conscious consumers are turning to Indian food for exotic flavor that is rich in vegetarian options, as well as health benefits that have been passed down for generations. Since 1992, Sukhi's has brought the rich traditions of Chef Sukhi's family to those seeking premium ingredients, balance, and exotic tastes. Now, after experiencing success within the food service sector, Sukhi's is entering the retail market, with a line of frozen meals available in consumer portions.
Indian food is often grouped into broad ethnic categories, but the country in fact hosts a multitude of cuisines influenced by culture and region.
Northern India--Northern India is famous for Punjabi food, a cuisine that has been heavily influenced by the historic rule of India's elite. This cuisine includes the use of the intense heat of the Tandoor oven, and its popular dishes include Chicken Tikka Masala--arguably the most popular dish of Indian cuisine in America. Interestingly, its origin is a point of controversy, with restaurants in both New Delhi and Britain claiming to have been the first to create the dish. There is no doubt it is the best selling dish in the UK and the US--it is one of Sukhi's best selling entrees as well.
Southern Indian--South Indian Food is the second most popular branch of Indian food in the US and is distinguished by the use of ground lentils, rice and whole red peppers that originate from the climatic needs of the region--in such a hot climate, eating foods that are high in peppers has a cooling effect on the body. Dosas and Idli are the most popular dishes of the region. Sukhi's brings a delightful, heat-and-serve Sambar to the table with lentils and mixed vegetables. Sukhi's Madras Curry Vegetables dish also incorporates a spicy South Indian sauce.
Western Indian--Western Indian Cuisine is rich with flavor enhancing spices such as curry leaves and black mustard seeds, along with turmeric and asafetida, which are shared among all regions of India and are considered to have tremendous medicinal qualities. A mouth-watering chicken curry comes from this region, prepared by Sukhi's with delicious and flavorful combination of classic Indian spices.
Eastern Indian--Eastern Indian Cuisine adds use of other exotic spices such as niguella, or onion seeds, as well as fennel and fenugreek, along with the popular tumeric and asafetida. An extensive line of one-step spice blends and prepared cooking sauces from Sukhi's makes the most of this region's specialties. The region is well known for its desserts as well as seafood dishes.
The popularity of Indian food is on the rise, and we will see the consumer become more knowledgeable and specific about the type of Indian cuisine they want," says Chef-Teacher Sukhi Singh, founder of Sukhi's Authentic Indian Food.
Sukhi's culinary creations are sold in leading natural and gourmet food stores nationwide including Lundardis, Andronicos, Albertsons and Whole Foods, as well as farmers markets across the San Francisco Bay Area.
For information call Sarah Grolnic-McClurg at 415-434-0303.
E-mail: sgrolnic@gauger-associates.com
