Traditionally prepared Indian food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. And, did you know that Zari Restaurant in Crawley prides itself on making all of our tasty and flavoursome dishes from scratch? Packed full of fresh whole ingredients, we combine traditional Indian flavours with modern culinary techniques to bring you mouthwatering dishes that are packed full of vitamins and minerals to support good health.
Table of Contents:
- Freshly Prepared Spices are Rich in Antioxidants
- Core Spices Combine to Create the Best Indian Food
- How Cardamom can benefit your health
- Green Cardamom, The Queen of Spices…
- Cumin is the Antioxidant Powerhouse
- The Health Benefits of Turmeric
- Fine dining with the Best Indian Cuisine in Crawley
- FAQs
Freshly Prepared Spices are Rich in Antioxidants
The health benefits of Indian spices are widely recognised, but it is the addition of the best quality spices, that make our dishes both authentic and award winning too. We roast in-house and freshly prepare many of our signature spice mixes such as Garam Masala, to ensure the freshness and piquancy of the flavours. Bursting with essential vitamins, minerals and full of antioxidants, the health benefits of Zari’s fine dining Indian cuisine are extensive.
Core Spices Combine to Create the Best Indian Food
Much of our Zari Restaurant menu includes three core spices; Cardamom, Turmeric, and Cumin. Our authentic Indian food such as the biriyanis and Laal Maas, our famous red mutton curry from Rajasthani, contain roasted whole spices. And, our chicken makhani and paneer makhani, have a combination of these three spices, and others, to enhance and create our traditional Indian Curries. Our most popular and authentic madras, vindaloo, masala, and korma dishes are also crafted including these spices as we provide our customers with the most authentic Indian food and the most best experience of an Indian Restaurant in Crawley.
How Cardamom can benefit your health
This versatile spice offers a myriad of potential health benefits. Recognised widely for its ability to aid digestion, it is also believed to:
- Improve respiratory health
- Help control of blood sugar for diabetics
- Antibacterial properties can aid the freshening of breath
- Diuretic and antioxidant properties may help to lower blood pressure
Green Cardamom, The Queen of Spices…
Green Cardamom is heavenly and sweet, whereas Brown Cardamom is strong and smoky. Frequently referred to as ‘the Queen of Spices’, Green Cardamom’s plump lime green pods contain the brown seeds that may be used whole or ground, to flavour both sweet and savory Indian dishes.
Brown Cardamom, sometimes known as Black Cardamom is very different and lends a strong and smoky taste to savoury dishes.
Try our Zari-made Indian Kulfi ice cream, or a cardamom ice cream when next dining in our Crawley restaurant, to experience the absolute delights of Green Cardamom in a desert!
Cumin is the Antioxidant Powerhouse
Cumin is rich in iron, a mineral that is essential for many body functions including the transport of oxygen.
- Containing anti-inflammatory compounds, Cumin has the potential to reduce arthritis symptoms
- Cumin may be able to help promote weight loss
- It is widely recognised as being an antioxidant powerhouse
- Ongoing research suggests that Cumin could boost memory function
- Cumin’s possible anti-cancer properties are being investigated
As one of our chef’s most used spices, Cumin is a key ingredient in our authentic Indian cuisine. Cumin seeds can be added whole or ground to give a richly aromatic taste, that is slightly nutty, warm and with a hint of citrus. Indian dishes with Cumin have a wonderful flavour that intensifies when combined with additional spices and it is an integral ingredient in our vegetable, fish, grain and plant based dishes.
The Health Benefits of Turmeric
With its distinctive yellow colour and musky, slightly bitter flavour, Turmeric enhances and balances a combination of spice blends. This has earnt it the name ‘The Heart and Soul of Curry.’ Most frequently used in the ground form to enhance savory Indian food, Turmeric is added to Indian marinades and sauces for meat, fish and vegetable dishes giving color and a unique sensory flavour.
With the benefit of a mild fragrance suggesting orange and ginger, Turmeric is known for its skin cleansing properties, and can also be used to:
- Help the body to reduce inflammation.
- Can potentially help protect against allergies
- Current research is looking at the ability of Turmeric to ease depression
Fine dining with the Best Indian Cuisine in Crawley
So if you are looking for the best Indian food in Crawley, visit us at Zari Restaurant and Lounge to see how these wonderful spices can combine for the most authentic tastes of Indian cuisine. To make the most of your fine dining experience with us, give us a call to discuss your needs, ask our experienced team for assistance or book your reservation here. We look forward to welcoming you.
FAQs
- How do you select the best Spices for Zari? We buy our spices whole in small quantities and ground them as needed to keep the flavours at their best. Buying from a supplier who has a regular supply of fresh spices is important for us too.
- How is the best way to keep spices fresh? Spices should be stored in airtight containers in a cool dark place, so away from light and the heat of ovens.
- Do you prepare your Indian dishes with the health benefits in mind? Authentically prepared Indian food has many health benefits and the addition of fresh spices adds to this. Our Zari chefs prepare all of our marinades, sauces and dishes from scratch, so they contain just fresh wholesome food enhanced with the wonderful flavours of fresh aromatic spices. They are all additive free.