Misconception Number 1: All Indian cuisine is hot and spicy.
Not true. Although Indian food often contains a lot of spices, this doesn't make every dish spicy. Chilies are just an option when making an Indian dish, and can very well be omitted.

Misconception Number 2: All Indian food is full of fat and unhealthy.
Not true, either. A dish can vary depending on who makes it, like any other cuisine. A lot of Indian cuisine might seem rich, but this doesn't necessarily mean fat. When preparing Indian food at home, you can omit as much fat as you like. You can replace cream with yoghurt. And prepare the ingredients by roasting, steaming or grilling; cutting out added fat and retaining the nutrients of the ingredients. Of course, with any national cuisine, Indian food also has its decadent dishes.

Indian cooking also includes a lot of vegetables. And they include spices such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, and chilies, which all have medicinal qualities. Not to mention the freshness of ingredients in Indian cuisine.

Misconception Number 3: Indian food is difficult to cook.
Not at all. Though the dishes may appear complex, there really is no more steps to them than with any other meal. Nor is the cooking time any longer. Try out a recipe and you'll see how simple it is to make delicious Indian food.

Misconception Number 4: All Indian food has curry powder.
You've probably heard of curries, but this does not mean curry powder. Curry powder is a blend of different spices and is NOT the key ingredient to every Indian dish. What is often used, however, is a blend called garam masala, which is added to many dishes but not all, and often in combination with other spices and flavors. And each is different and a lot of families like to make their own. So if curry powder is not in your taste, you have plenty of options.

Misconception Number 5: All Indian cuisine is vegetarian.
Not so. Although Indian food has very refined, delicious and diverse vegetarian dishes, there are also lots of wonderfully prepared meat dishes as well. India's religious beliefs and culture have influenced the evolution of many of its dishes. Chicken is popular. Cows are considered sacred by Hindus, but beef is still prepared and consumed by Muslims and Christians. Some seafood meals are popular as well.

Even a meat eater can enjoy an Indian vegetarian dish, however. They have refined cooking and seasoning lentils, eggplant, and paneer (a delicious soft non-melting cheese).

Overall, you will find Indian cooking diverse, flexible, and delicious once you try it yourself. You can easily find yourself addicted!