Punjab Foods
Punjab Foods
Punjab Foods
Butter Chicken
It's arguably the most popular Punjabi dish. Restaurants across the country and often
across the world try to recreate this iconic dish in their kitchens. With its creamy texture,
succulent pieces of meat, the authentic aroma of kasuri methi and a lot of butter, this
dish is sure to blow your mind. It goes well with rumaali roti or naan.
2. Malai Lassi
Punjabis take pride in their lassi, and it is made in every household and every restaurant
in Punjab. Originally, lassi consumed in Punjab is sweet and creamy, with a generous
serving of malai (cream) on top. Lassi comes in various flavours like mango, strawberry
and rose. It is the ideal drink to consume to refresh you on a hot summer day filled with
sightseeing activities.
3. Chole Bhature
These two are a match made in heaven. This iconic dish is now found in most north
Indian restaurants and is extremely popular. Bhature is quite different from the regular
'puri'. It has a more spongy texture and is traditionally larger than puri. Spicy, yummy
chole masala accompanies it, prepared using chickpea and various spices. If you
happen to like spicy food, then chole bhature shall surely sweep you off your feet.
4. Paratha
Most of us have had paratha at least once in our life. But, authentic Punjabi parathas
flavour, fried in generous quantities of desi ghee, shall be a treat for your taste buds.
This is one of most Punjabi households' staple foods.
Parathas come with various stuffings. Aalu paratha (potato-stuffed paratha), paneer
paratha (cottage cheese stuffed paratha) and gobi paratha (cauliflower stuffed paratha)
are some of the most popular options available. These days, chefs are experimenting
with unconventional stuffings like minced chicken or mutton.
5. Dal Makhani
Punjabis's love for butter is absolute. They like to put it in most cuisines. Dal makhani is
a gravy item made of lentils (usually the black ones) and red kidney beans. It is
prepared using generous portions of butter and cream. It has traditionally been made on
a low flame, bringing out the flavours very well.
6. Amritsari Fish
Non-vegetarians shall find themselves yielding to their cravings in the land of Punjab.
As there are ample non-vegetarian options to choose from. One of them is the famous
Amritsari fish. This appetizer is said to have originated from the Mughal kitchens during
the reign of Emperor Akbar. It is usually cooked with fish fillets from Sole fish or
Singhara fish. To make the crispy outer coating, a spicy batter of rice flour containing
mustard oil and other spices is used. This item creates an explosion of flavours as the
juicy fish melts in your mouth.
7. Sarson da Saag
Punjabi cuisine also offers a lot to vegetarians. Sarson da saag is typically a winter
delicacy and is usually found in most Punjabi restaurants. It is prepared using the
mustard plant's leaves. Sometimes, spinach is also added to it. It involves using a
generous portion of desi ghee to enhance the taste.
8. Makke di Roti
Much like chole bhature, sarson da saag and makke di roti go hand in hand. This is a
flat bread made from makka (maize flour). It is prepared in a tawa or a tandoor. Though
traditionally paired with sarson da saag, it also goes well with any other form of 'saag'
(leafy vegetables). It is generally served with a few cubes of gur (jaggery).
9. Pinni
After having a sumptuous main course, it's time for some dessert. Pinni is a sweet,
savoury dish prepared using desi ghee, jaggery (gur) and wheat flour. It is garnished
with various dry fruits such as almonds and pistachios. This dish is typically made in the
winter. The rich mixture of ingredients provides a lot of energy and the heat required for
cold nights in Punjab. One should consume it moderately since the richness of the
ingredients might make you fall sick if consumed in large amounts.