Cooking Indian food is a big part of many families’ lives. But living in New Zealand means sometimes changing recipes and ingredients to fit what’s available and affordable.
Finding Ingredients
Luckily, many Kiwi suburbs have Indian grocery stores that stock essential spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Lentils, rice, and flours are also easy to find. But for some vegetables or specialty items, families either substitute with local produce or shop online.
For example, fresh curry leaves may not always be available, so dried ones or bay leaves might be used instead. Sometimes, sweet potatoes or pumpkin replace traditional Indian vegetables like yam or raw banana.
Mixing Indian and Kiwi Flavours
Many families enjoy mixing Kiwi and Indian food. Some make butter chicken wraps or serve dal with mashed potatoes. Others might try pav bhaji pies or add paneer to a salad.
Breakfast can be a mix too — like having masala chai with toast or eating poha with a Kiwi-style smoothie. This food fusion makes meals exciting and helps everyone enjoy both cultures.
Cooking for Kids and Busy Days
For busy parents, adapting recipes to be quick and easy is important. Using pre-made spice mixes, slow cookers, or meal prepping helps save time while keeping meals tasty and nutritious.
In the end, adapting Indian food is a way to keep family traditions alive while enjoying new tastes and making life easier in a new country.