Common dairy products include milk, cream and yogurt. Yogurt is used in marinades, salads, and sauces. Milk is used to make paneer, a firm cheese made from the curds of whole milk. Although some vegetables in Indian cuisine cannot be found in the U.S., many are common. Some of these include eggplant, cauliflower, green beans, carrots, peas, mustard greens, okra, spinach, squash, potatoes, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Indian breads consist primarily of unleavened flatbreads which resemble thick tortillas.
Some are deep fried, and others are baked in tandoors - underground clay ovens which reach 1,000 degrees. Flatbread is often used in place of silverware. Most Indian spices and herbs are available to the home cook. If you enjoy cooking Mexican food, you already probably own cumin, cinnamon, cloves, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, saffron, and coriander. If you cook, you are probably already familiar with chiles, onions, garlic, and cilantro.