Nuts not only show up in rice dishes, but in desserts as well. Nuts are also pureed into rich, creamy sauces for elegant and savory meat dishes. Commonly used nuts include almonds, pistachios, and cashews. 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.