Indian cuisine has been a part of the British culinary landscape since the reign of Queen Victoria. Today, curry is one of the most popular takeaway choices and has even made it onto pub menus. But did you know that Indian food has had a much bigger impact on British cuisine than simply the adoption of curry? Here, we list some of the dishes that you won’t find in traditional Indian food places, but that are nevertheless inspired by the Indian subcontinent.
Coronation chicken
Perhaps the most obvious dish to have been influenced by the Indian subcontinent is coronation chicken. Developed for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, it uses curry powder to add flavour and interest. Since then, of course, coronation chicken has become popular as a sandwich filling or a topping for salads.
Pumpkin soup
There’s no better dish in the autumn than a warming soup. Come October, pumpkins can be found in every supermarket, greengrocer and pick-your-own farm across the UK. But pumpkin can lack flavour – especially if it has been grown for its size as a Halloween decoration. The solution? Adding a few Indian spices to create a dish packed with flavour. Spiced pumpkin soup uses cumin, coriander and garam masala to turn this vegetable into a tasty treat that’s perfect for lunch.
Kedgeree
A hearty, savoury breakfast dish made of rice, smoked haddock and eggs, kedgeree is based on the Indian dish, khichdi. This simple, comforting food mixes rice and lentils with mild spices and was adapted for British tastes during the British Raj in India. Modern kedgeree recipes use curry powder to add warmth and flavour.
Piccalilli
Often used to accompany salads or spice up a sandwich, piccalilli has its roots in the Indian subcontinent. Thought to have originated in the 18th century, it was inspired by the Indian pickle and makes use of coriander seeds, turmeric and mustard. These were combined with English vegetables such as cauliflower and courgette to create the condiment that so many Brits love today.
Rice pudding
Rice is thought to have found its way to the UK in the Middle Ages, but it took until the 15th century for it to be commonly eaten – often as a pudding. Rice pudding has its roots in the Indian subcontinent, where rice is cultivated, and is known as ‘kheer’ or ‘payasam’. The Indian version is cooked with milk, sugar, cardamom and unsalted nuts, while the British version often contains nutmeg and vanilla.
Christmas pudding
Although Christmas pudding has its origins in the Middle Ages, the version that we know and love today was developed in the Victorian era and used cinnamon and sugar, both of which were imported from India in the 19th century. So even some of the greatest British traditions have roots on the Indian subcontinent!
A taste of India in London
If you are looking for Indian food in South Kensington, Little India offers authentic cuisine from the Indian subcontinent, as well as a selection of Anglo-Indian favourites that have been developed here in Britain. Simply search ‘India food near me’ while out and about in Kensington and Chelsea, or book a table online.
