Chicken Chettinad to Laal Maas, These Iconic Indian Dishes Pair Best With A Single Malt
With its rich tapestry of spices and flavours, Indian cuisine is a perfect playground for pairing with the smooth and complex profiles of single malt whiskies. If you are someone who relishes the fusion of food and drink, embark on a gastronomic journey through India, pairing iconic dishes with complementary Singleton whiskies. Get ready for a delightful symphony of tastes!
Chicken Chettinad with Singleton 12 Highball
Chicken Chettinad Recipe:
A fiery and flavourful dish from Tamil Nadu, Chicken Chettinad is a bold exhibit of spices. Marinate chicken pieces in a paste of ginger, garlic, chillies and ground spices (turmeric, cumin, fennel seeds, black pepper, coriander seeds, dried red chillies and a dash of tamarind paste). Fry onions, add the marinated chicken and simmer with coconut milk till tender. Garnish with curry leaves, and serve hot.
Pairing: Singleton 12 Highball
The robust flavours of Chicken Chettinad need a whisky that can stand up to the spice. A Singleton 12 Highball, with its smooth and fruity notes, is an excellent match. Mix 45 ml of Singleton 12 with soda water and a dash of lemon for a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
Mutton Rogan Josh with Singleton 15 Neat
Mutton Rogan Josh Recipe:
This delight is a rich blend of mutton, yoghurt and aromatic spices. Cook mutton pieces with ginger, garlic and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, fennel, cardamom, cloves and bay leaves, combined with Kashmiri red chillies for colour and mild heat, until tender. The key is slow cooking for deep, infused flavours. Add yoghurt to create a thick, aromatic gravy. Best enjoyed with naan or rice.
Pairing: Singleton 15 Neat
The creamy and aromatic Mutton Rogan Josh pairs wonderfully with Singleton 15, served neat. Its mature, fruity character with subtle notes of oak complements the rich flavours of the dish, providing a warm and elegant tasting experience.
Goan Shrimp Curry with Singleton 18 on the Rocks
Goan Shrimp Curry Recipe:
A coastal delight, this curry combines shrimp in a tangy mix of coconut milk, tamarind, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a paste of coriander seeds, cumin and turmeric. Fry the onions, tomatoes and spices, add coconut milk and simmer. Add the shrimp and cook until done. Garnish with fresh coriander.
Pairing: Singleton 18 on the Rocks
For the coconut-y Goan Shrimp Curry, the well-rounded Singleton 18 is a perfect accompaniment. It carries deep and complex flavours with a hint of sweetness that enhances the curry's coastal notes, creating a fine balance that is going to be a hit at your next dinner party.
Laal Maas with Singleton 12 Old Fashioned
Laal Maas Recipe:
Laal Maas, the jewel in the gastronomical affair that Rajasthan has to offer, is a fiery mutton curry loaded with intense heat from Mathania chillies. To make this dish, marinate the mutton in yoghurt and red chilli paste. In a deep pot, cook with onions, garlic, and aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Add the marinated protein and cook till it is succulent and the gravy is thick. Patience is key here, and trust us, it does pay off in the end. Serve the meat with a garnish of fresh coriander for some colour.
Pairing: Singleton 12 Old Fashioned
The fire of Laal Maas requires a whisky with character. A Singleton 12 Old Fashioned, with its citrus and bitters, complements the dish's spiciness. The cocktail's sweetness and the whisky's smoothness offer a soothing counterpoint to the fiery curry.
A Toast to Indian Flavours and Scottish Whisky
Pairing these Indian culinary gems with Singleton whiskies is more than just a meal; it's an exploration of cultures and flavours. Each dish, with its unique spices and textures, finds a companion in the whisky, resulting in a dining experience that's both gratifying and enlightening.
