It's the careful but extensive use of spices. When spices are used in combination, the result is masala , or a mixture of flavors to create the taste of the dish. If possible, cooking should mostly be done on the stovetop using gas range.
Nothing fancy is needed.
South Asian cooking usually requires a great deal of preparation, with cleaning and chopping of ingredients well before the actual cooking takes place. It is an art to cook several dishes at once, and coordinating the combinations of different cooking times and combinations. The results, however, make it all worthwhile. This page features Vegetarian dishes only. This is more or less a standard North Indian style Rice dish served with most meals.