DiscoverIndian Food Explained by Cook Like An AuntyTarka: the most important technique in Indian cuisine
Tarka: the most important technique in Indian cuisine

Tarka: the most important technique in Indian cuisine

Update: 2025-05-08
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Today we talk about the one universal cooking technique in South Asia: tarka! It is also known as chhaunk and many other names in India. You will recognize it instantly as the popping of mustard seeds and the crackle of curry leaves in hot oil. Let’s talk about how this technique can take your Indian food to the next level and why it is so important for Indian food.

Examples of tarka:

Tarka for Lemon Rice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsrWVuZTMCY

Tarka for Khichdi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAqAelyOb1c

Tarka for Sambar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7xkIjRQuf4

Tarka for Rasam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORd-Gy-8fPQ

Credits:

Sources used to make this episode: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/tarka

Background music by Shobana Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orlHlf-t6js

Title music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flo... License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP


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Tarka: the most important technique in Indian cuisine

Tarka: the most important technique in Indian cuisine

Cook Like An Aunty