Join the contemporary Indian cuisine movement with new Lion range

It’s been almost three years since Yawar Khan, head of the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), predicted 50% of curry houses in Britain, around 17,000, would close by 2027.

The reason? Chef shortages and rising costs were to blame, along with a change in consumer demands for more lighter, healthier dishes, incorporating fish and vegetables, and genuinely authentic regional food. There was a need for innovation and creativity – fresh recipe inspiration and new takes on classics.

Fast forward to 2019 and Indian food has seen something of a renaissance. The Michelin Guide reported earlier this year that “modern and progressive” styles of Indian cuisine were sweeping across the high-end restaurants of South-East Asia. This trend is being mirrored in the UK, with “Contemporary Indian” one of the five fastest-growing cuisines in the eating out sector, according to research by MCA.

Moving away from the classic chicken tikka masala or lamb pasanda, todays talked-about Indian dishes increasingly reflect the experiences of chefs spending time working around the world, before returning to India with fresh ideas and fusion recipes. They are influenced by Europe, with tapas-style sharing platters of Indian snacks and small, taster dishes becoming popular on menus, along with a rise in the number of Indian street food trucks.

At Lion, our new product development is heavily aligned with trends, and what chefs want and need from sauces. This is why we have created a new range of sauces that fit the bill when it comes to Contemporary Indian cuisine …

Lion Tandoori Ketchup
A smokey, spiced Indian take on classic ketchup. Serve as a dip with chicken tikka bites or mini lamb mince samosas.

Lion Indian Sweet Chilli Sauce
Serve a pot of this fragrant sweet chilli sauce on an Indian sharing platter board, or drizzle on skewers of tandoori grilled prawns (or paneer, as a veggie alternative) with slices of tomatoes and green peppers.

Lion Tamarind Sauce
Sharp, with a dark flavour, this tamarind sauce is fantastic in curries – especially a creamy, coconut-based variety, or a veggie dhal.

Lion Aromatic Baste/Marinade
Infuse fish with this aromatic baste, which has a roasted spice and coriander flavour with a masala profile. Marinate overnight before grilling and serving with steamed basmati rice or potatoes.

Lion Green Chilli, Coriander, Lime & Mint Sauce
Drizzle this sauce over bhajis as a zingy starter or serve as a dip with battered king prawns.

Lion Indian Spiced Lemon Dressing
Creating food to go? Be inspired by the humble chip butty – but with an Asian twist. Load a chapati with saag aloo, drizzle with Indian Spiced Lemon Dressing and wrap up like a burrito.

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The perfect match