Meaning of Tarkari: The History Behind the Word and Its Significance to Our Michelin-Star Chef
If you have a strong interest in Indian cuisine, you might know the meaning of Tarkari. It represents a key aspect of its rich variety. If you’re less knowledgeable, there’s still much to discover. It’s worth learning about key terms to deepen your understanding of this vibrant cuisine.
One such term is ‘tarkari’. It is significant to our Michelin-starred chef, Rohit Ghai. His highly rated cookbook, Tarkari: Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Dishes with Heart and Soul, reflects this importance.
What is tarkari exactly? Also, what does this term mean for the dishes at Kutir? Rohit and his business partner Abhishake Sangwan lead the establishment on Chelsea’s Lincoln Street.
Meaning of Tarkari: The definition and traditions of ‘tarkari’
The term ‘tarkari’ itself simply means ‘vegetable’ in Urdu, although of course, there are many rich traditions bound up in that. People commonly use the term to refer to a spicy vegetable curry. This dish strongly associates with regions of the Indian subcontinent, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and India.
Many gastronomically discerning natives of the aforementioned countries grew up being frequently served curries with mixed vegetables, and all manner of combinations of such curries have arisen down the years, ranging from mixed veggie sagu to Gujarati sambhariya shaak. In fact, one of the key aspects of tarkari is its adaptability; one can use various different types of vegetables, encompassing the likes of potatoes, carrots, cabbage, green beans and/or peas.
This helps make it the ideal kind of dish to prepare for those occasions when one might need to use up whatever veggies are left in the refrigerator, the formula typically being that one uses two or three of the aforementioned veggies in the production of the dish.
We’re all about tarkari, and the many things that make it special
At Kutir, we deeply value the many fine aspects of tarkari. This affection shines through in our colorful and flavor-rich curries. Our chef, Rohit Ghai, has gained great renown for these dishes.
As we touched on above, significant numbers of those who hail from the Indian subcontinent associate tarkari with all the charms and love of home – and those are strong associations for our chef, too. Tarkari links directly to the best of Indian culinary variety and invention.
It is a world you can explore as a diner at Rohit and Abhishake’s first ‘solo’ London restaurant, Kutir, which continues to go from strength to strength after opening its doors to considerable acclaim in 2018. And while you are in our company, you would be very welcome to take the chance to purchase a copy of the Tarkari cookbook, too, for just £25.
Before you know it, you’ll be creating memorable vegan and vegetarian dishes. Moreover, Rohit himself would be proud of your creations, from Malabar Cauliflower and Jackfruit Masala to Lotus Root Kofta. You’ll also master making rewarding breads, dips, rice, and pickles.
In summary, tradition and homeliness can blend with innovation and refinement. Our Michelin-starred chef will guide you in appreciating this balance. You can experience it firsthand by reserving a table at Kutir or exploring our offerings in other ways.