Salan is a spicy curry or gravy in Indian cuisine, especially in the state of Telangana. It is a spiced, tangy, and often nutty sauce that is typically served as an accompaniment to rice, biryani, or flatbreads. The term "salan" derives from the Persian and Urdu word for curry or stew, reflecting the Islamic culinary influences in the region, particularly from the era of the Golconda Sultanate and later Hyderabad State.
A salan usually features a base made with ingredients like tamarind, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, coconut, and spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which are ground into a smooth paste. This base is then simmered with vegetables (such as chilies in mirchi ka salan) or proteins like meat or eggs.