Is it doable to present an 11 out of 10 score to a spot simply based mostly on service and hospitality? I imply, sure, the meals at Highland Park’s new Indian restaurant, Indus, is nice however have you ever ever actually felt like a part of the household from the second you walked by way of the door? A door that both of the homeowners, Sukhu and Ajit Kalra, open for you and warmly welcome you in. A door that represents a threshold through which you go into their “dwelling” and so they ensure each want is met.
The Kalra’s, additionally homeowners of Bhoomi Fashionable Indian Grill, need you to stroll out as a member of their ever-expanding household of visitors that need to discover a wealthy but darkish historical past by way of delicacies. The menu is laced with an array of daring, genuine flavors from customary classics to regional specialties. The choices are for these new to Indian delicacies and people which are spice mix veterans. Listed here are our favorites:
Ordering a handful of Small Plates + Salads is an effective place to start out. Are you a fan of baba ghanoush? Strive the Indian spin with the Baingan Bhartaa, a smoky, grilled eggplant mouse whipped with a tempered spice mix and served with quintessential naan bread.
For all you okra-haters, take an opportunity and check out the Kurkuri Bhindi, a crispy model of the controversial meals. Accompanied by thinly sliced pink onion and tomato, even essentially the most hesitant of eaters will benefit from the simplicity of this shareable plate.
On the opposite spectrum, falafel fanatics will love the Katthal Tikki, crispy jackfruit desserts paying homage to their chickpea-based cousins. Be sure that to swipe every chew by way of Indus’ scrumptious San Marzano DOP spicy mirchup for the right taste blast on the palate.
Excellent as a shareable starter and a private entree, the Navaabi Risotto is a name out to the posh of previous within the palaces of the Indus Valley. A mixture of rice and lentils, this extremely wealthy bowl of consolation and delicacy is accompanied by 4 accoutrements: mango pickle, papad, smoked daal + ghee and a roasted garlic yogurt. Rotate amongst the sauces with every chew or benefit from the risotto in its personal glory, your palate will thanks!
Whereas paneer is taken into account a “protected” selection for these much less acquainted with Indian meals, it’s a go-to for vegetarians and carnivores alike due to its wealthy taste and flexibility when making a dish. The Paneer Fritters Salad is a refreshing timeout from the opposite heavier choices on the menu. Paddleball-sized fritters nestle atop a mattress of arugula, vibrant slices of watermelon radish, and chewy dried figs earlier than being drizzled with a beautiful tamarind-balsamic dressing.
Curries and daal are staples in Indian delicacies and are due to this fact lovingly highlighted on the Indus menu. For a easy but filling bowl of consolation, attempt the Daal Indus, black lentils which were sluggish cooked and smoked for a whopping twelve hours. It solely takes one chew to grasp the love and care that goes into even the humblest of recipes.
An alternative choice for the traditionalists is the Rooster Tikka Masala. Our favourite off the menu, Gerber Farms pasture-raised rooster is charred earlier than leaping right into a pool of creamy tomato sauce. Spoon a heap onto the accompanying basmati rice, high some garlic naan or eat it as is, you possibly can’t go fallacious.
The Lamb Shank Curry is one other must-have dish. The extremely tender lamb falls off the bone and comes smothered in a wealthy but delicate curry sauce that pairs completely with the basmati rice.
If you would like a show-stopping dish to reach at your desk, we advocate the Bone-In Gradual Cooked Goat Biryani. Father Time works his magic with this fragrant rice-based dish infused with saffron, sautéed onions, recent herbs and ghee all served in a dough-sealed pot.
Irrespective of the dish, bear in mind to mop the whole lot up with some naan or roti. And when your candy tooth lastly beckons, cleanse your palate with the Lychee Kulfi, a refreshing and light-weight plate to finish your luxurious Indian meal. Ice cream, Indian type, is whipped up with recent lychee fruit and accompanied by a slice of cardamom spice cake and recent berries.
For those who’d prefer to proceed on the journey of richness, the Rasmalai Creme Brulee ought to hit your desk with a spot of espresso earlier than you go. Harking back to tres leches, this fragrant Indian milk dumplings can have you linking the plate clear!
Indus Progressive Indian is positioned in Highland Park at 617 Central Ave. It’s only a few minute stroll from the Highland Park Metra cease making it handy to commute to and from the town. They’re open Tuesday by way of Saturday starting at 5pm.
