Yum-Yum Indian Food

This week's Austin Chronicle (print edition) is all about the explosion of Indian Cuisine options all around Austin. I realize not all our sponsors are Austin-ites, but about 90% of you are. The article mentions this is a national trend, not just an Austin thing. Indian restaurants are booming all over.

I issue you a challenge! In the next 2 weeks, I want you to go eat at an Indian restaurant near you!

Try out the yummy dishes that are familiar comfort food to our little bitties over in India. Then next time you write your sponsor child a letter, you can tell him all about it! They will feel so special that you went to eat Indian food because you were thinking about THEM!

In case you are a bit weary of ethnic foods (let's face it, one of the stereotypes about Indian food is that it leads you straight to the toilet-- but that's not true!!), I want to give you a breakdown of some safe & tasty options. Here is the link to a "dictionary of Indian Cuisine words", but here's a recommendation of good dishes we've tried:

• Chicken Tikka Masala (chicken in a tomato-y sauce) 
• Lamb Biryani (lamb over spiced rice)
• Channa Masala (chickpeas in a sauce)
• Saag Aloo (spinach and potatoes)
• Dhingri Mattar Paneer (mushrooms, peas and cheese)
• Vegetable Samosas (fried triangles stuffed with potatoes and peas)

If you are more adventurous, just ask the server what they would eat!