A Day in the Kitchen: What Goes into Preparing Traditional Indian Meals
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Experience the bustling heart of Tower Tandoori’s kitchen, where every day begins with dedication and a passion for preserving traditional Indian cuisine. As one of London’s oldest Indian restaurants, we take immense pride in creating dishes that are both authentic and full of flavour. Our kitchen is a place where ancient recipes come to life, and meticulous techniques are upheld to bring you the best of Indian culinary heritage.
The daily routine at Tower Tandoori starts early, with our chefs arriving to set up and prepare the freshest ingredients. This is followed by the careful crafting of spice blends, a cornerstone of Indian cooking that ensures each dish is packed with distinct and harmonious flavours. Our chefs then embark on the magical process of cooking signature dishes, using the wisdom passed down through generations to perfect each recipe.
Quality control is pivotal in our kitchen. Every dish is tasted and tested to ensure it meets our high standards. The art of plating and presentation is also key, as we believe that food should be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Join us for a detailed look at what goes into preparing the traditional Indian meals that have made Tower Tandoori a beloved dining destination.
Early Morning Preparations
Our day at Tower Tandoori begins in the early morning when our chefs arrive to set up the kitchen. This initial setup is crucial, laying the groundwork for the day’s culinary journey. Each chef is assigned specific tasks to ensure smooth operations throughout the day.
First, we organise all the tools and equipment needed for the day. Sharp knives are set out, cutting boards are sanitised, and pots and pans are prepped. We also check our stock to ensure we have all the necessary ingredients and supplies. This organisation helps us maintain efficiency and high standards in every dish we create.
Next, we move on to prepping the fresh ingredients. This involves washing and chopping vegetables, marinating meats, and preparing dough. Freshness is key, so we source our vegetables, meats, and dairy from trusted suppliers who provide the best quality. Chopping and marinating not only enhance flavours but also shorten the cooking time, allowing us to serve dishes promptly without compromising quality.
Crafting the Spice Blends
Once the kitchen setup and ingredient prep are complete, we focus on crafting the spice blends. Spices are the cornerstone of Indian cuisine, and their proper blending and preparation significantly impact the final flavours of our dishes.
We start by selecting the spices needed for the day, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fennel. Each spice is measured carefully to maintain consistency. Toasting spices is an essential step as it releases their natural oils and enhances their aromas. The spices are then ground using traditional methods, ensuring they retain their full flavour and potency.
Creating these specific spice mixtures is a meticulous process. Different dishes require unique combinations of spices. For example, our garam masala blend is crucial for adding warmth and complexity to curries, while a simple cumin-coriander mix might be used for lighter dishes. These blends are what give our dishes their distinctive taste and make each meal a memorable experience.
Cooking the Signature Dishes
The true artistry of our kitchen comes to life when cooking our signature dishes. Each dish involves a detailed, step-by-step process to ensure that the final result is perfect every time. Take our beloved chicken curry, for example. The process starts by sautéing onions until they are golden brown, which lays a flavourful foundation. Next, we add our freshly prepared spice blends along with ginger and garlic, letting these ingredients meld together to create a rich base.
Once the base is ready, we add marinated chicken, allowing it to absorb the flavours of the spices and aromatics. Cooking the chicken slowly ensures the meat remains tender and juicy. The final step involves adding tomatoes, cooking until the oil separates from the masala, indicating it's perfectly cooked. A final garnish of fresh coriander and a sprinkle of garam masala complete the dish.
Throughout the day, we use different cooking techniques such as grilling, frying, and simmering, depending on the dish. These techniques are crucial as they enhance specific flavours and textures. Grilling gives our meats a smoky flavour, while simmering allows for a slow infusion of spices into our curries. Each method is chosen with care to bring out the best in our ingredients.
Quality Control and Plating
After cooking, quality control is paramount to ensure every dish meets Tower Tandoori's high standards. Each dish is tasted by our head chef to check if the flavours are balanced and the seasoning is on point. Adjustments are made as needed, whether it’s adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavours.
The presentation of our dishes is just as important. We believe that the visual appeal of a dish can enhance the dining experience. Our chefs take pride in their plating skills, ensuring that each dish looks as good as it tastes. They carefully arrange each element on the plate, adding garnishes like fresh herbs or a drizzle of sauce to make the dish visually appealing.
By focusing on quality control and presentation, we uphold the reputation of Tower Tandoori. These final touches ensure that every dish served is not just a meal, but a work of art that delights the senses.
Conclusion
Preparing traditional Indian meals at Tower Tandoori involves dedication, precision, and a love for authentic flavours. From the early morning preparations, through blending unique spices, to mastering various cooking techniques, and finally ensuring quality control and beautiful presentation, each step is significant. Every day, our team strives to bring the true essence of Indian cuisine to your table.
For those who wish to savour these meticulously prepared meals, visit Tower Tandoori. Experience the blend of traditional methods and fresh ingredients that make our
Indian cuisine in London exceptional. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience and taste the difference passion and precision make. Visit Tower Tandoori today and immerse yourself in the rich flavours of traditional Indian cuisine.
