Salads and Starters RAITA (Indian Cucumber Salad) Probably the most famous Indian salad known in the west, Raita can be used as salad in its own right, or as a condiment with hot curries to provide a cooling balance. This is also a very healthy and rich creamy recipe that is certain to please lovers of cucumbers. Fish and other Seafood PEPPER PRAWNS A simple South Indian Seafood dish that is quick and easy to prepare. MALAYALAM FISH SOTHI The Malayalam people hail from the South Western Indian State of Kerala. Kerala is a multicultural area that is as much rich in spices as it is in diverse religions and cultures. Fish Sothi is one of the classic Malayalam curries made all the richer by the addition of coconut milk, commonly found throughout Southern India. This is a mild curry but you can spice it up if you like it hotter. Chicken & Other Poultry INDIAN BBQ CHICKEN This is a simple and mild aromatic dish which is delicatelyvflavoured and could be spiced up with an extra couple of teaspoons of chilli if so desired. It is a great dish to make the night before so the spices marianate well, and bring out just in time to barbeque or grill. This recipe is from my adopted Malayalam "Auntie" in Johore Bahru, but it's flavours to me seem more North Indian. CHICKEN TIKKA This is a classic Indian dish which can best enjoyed baked in the oven (Tandoor style) or grilled or barbequed on skewers. The yoghurt helps to both marinate the meat and keep the juices in as it is cooked. This is a mild dish, however, that isn't anything a little extra chilli couldn't cure if you wanted. Vegetables VEGETABLE BIRYANI This was a real winner with our camera crew as they were being introduced to spicy food during the first shoot. It is mild, but very aromatic in its flavours. Biryanis are great on their own for the vegetarian or an excellent accompaniment to a spicy meat curry. This is a dish that mixes well, even with other cuisines. Feel free the alternate the spices or the vegetables to create your own unique version. You can even add meat and turn it into a "one pot wonder" for a complete meal! AVIAL (South Indian Vegetables with Yoghurt) - A smooth tasting vegetarian dish RAITA (Indian Cucumber Salad) Probably the most famous Indian salad known in the west, Raita can be used as salad in its own right, or as a condiment with hot curries to provide a cooling balance. This is also a very healthy and rich creamy recipe that is certain to please lovers of cucumbers. CHEATER'S SAMBAR (Lentil and Vegetable Curry) While the classic Sambar recipe has a teaspoon or two of Sambar Masala - a classic South Indian spice mixture - this is the lazy man's version of this delicious dish from the South West of India. Classic Sambar can be a thick curried stew filled with vegetables, a meal to itself, or made runny in a soup or dhal version spooned over rice or served as a side dish. If you have Sambar Masala, add a teaspoon or two to this recipe, if not, this is still a winner. A great meal for a cold night. Drinks and Deserts LASSI (A Fruit Yoghurt Drink) - Quick and Easy