As we know, Punjab is the land of rivers, that’s why it’s covered with vast agricultural lands, which help to produce huge crops. Moreover, the five rivers have made this valley one of the greenest regions in India. For producing different kinds of bread, this place is also known as the breadbasket of India. Agriculture and dairy farming is the traditional industry of Punjab. Maybe that is the reason why Punjab comes with several yummiest dishes.
In this region, a wide variety of bread and cheese are used to prepare many dishes which can be loaded with Butter. The famous Indian Basmati rice also comes from this state. Most interestingly, tandoor (clay oven) originated from this state and is commonly used in Indian kitchens.
The Golden Temple is in Amritsar, where several people are fed daily without any cost. Several people in this state are vegetarians. But some people eat non-vegetarian food. Chicken and mutton dishes are quite popular among non-vegetarian people.
Dishes you should try when you visit Punjab
Popular Punjabi dishes are known for their rich buttery flavours. Punjab’s extensive vegetarian and meat dishes are also famous for their spiciness. People can find a diverse range of dishes here.
Dishes that are made Restaurant-style contain large amounts of ghee or Butter. Some food items are eaten daily, but some are cooked only on special occasions or festivals. Some popular Punjabi dishes like Butter chicken, Paneer tikka, Rajma Chawal, etc., rule over the food lover’s heart. The preparation of these dishes is quite simple yet unique in its way.
Exploring the Culinary Delights of Punjab: 10 Traditional Punjabi Dishes You Can’t Miss:
If you are planning to try some delicious Punjabi dishes, then you may consider the top 10 dishes which are listed below-
1. Amritsari Kulcha
Kulcha is made with wheat flour. Most commonly, this dish is served with Chole curry or chickpea curry. Kulcha is mainly cooked in a tandoor or on a grill. Then it’s usually brushed with lots of ghee. This food is served while it is still hot.
The texture of this food is Chewy and soft. Kulcha can be easily cooked on a traditional tawa also. This dish is accessible to everyone as it is quite a simple food. Kulcha comes under one of the popular dishes in North India.
Some types of Kulchas are typically stuffed with vegetables and meat. Nowadays, one of the most popular versions of this Kulcha is the Amritsari Kulcha. It is stuffed with potatoes. This delicious dish is served alongside the famous Amritsari chana masala.
2. Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is the most preferred dish among non-vegetarian people in Punjab. This dish comes with authentic flavours. In this mouthwatering dish, Juicy chicken pieces float in a creamy gravy.
Classic butter chicken is also a favourite Indian meal of several people. It is made with chicken, Indian spices, tomatoes, and thick cream. Classic butter chicken has the yummiest creamy gravy. This gravy is lightly spiced as it is made from Indian spices.
In Punjab, no occasion can be celebrated or completed without this tasty food. This unique dish can be served with basmati rice, rumali roti, or naan bread.
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3. Punjabi Kadhi Pakoda
In this dish, soft fried pakoras are dipped in delicious creamy gravy. The pakoras are made from gram flour, spices, and chillies. This amazing Punjabi kadhi is quite a popular lunch dish in an Indian household.
These pakoras are generally made of besan and onions, but there are also some alternatives. To add a different flavour, some peas, and spices can also be put in it. This popular food item is served with rice. Moreover, it can also be topped with laal-mirch ka tadka.
4. Rajma Chawal
Rajma Chawal is the most consumed food combination in every north Indian household. This nostalgic dish is also the favourite among all Punjabis. Rajma is made from red kidney beans. These beans are cooked in a thick gravy with several Indian spices.
This food combination is served with pickled onions to enhance the taste. Some people love adding a little bit of crushed papad to this dish. Papad gives this dish a nice crunch.
5. Makki di Roti and Sarson ka Saag
Sarso ka Saag and Makki di Roti is a regularly consumed food combination in Punjabi households, especially during winter. It is a very healthy food combo, generally served with lots of white Butter or ghee. But sometimes, it’s also served with jaggery. This dish can provide all the essential nutrients our body requires during the winter.
Sarso ka Saag is a thick green gravy from Punjabi cuisine. In general, it is made with green mustard leaves. But sometimes, some spinach can also be put in to enhance its taste and nutritional value. Besides adding vibrant green colour, this spinach adds thickness to the gravy. On the other hand, Makki di Roti is yellow and is made from corn meal. Just like other Indian flatbreads, it is also baked on a tava.
6. Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is another most-liked food item among vegetarian people in Punjab. It is the yummiest Butter loaded main course Punjabi dish. This food item can be consumed with roti or naan and sometimes rice. Dal makhani is generally made from Urad dal, Kidney Beans, and Indian spices.
This dish contains a thick gravy. It has a creamy consistency. This dish is served with Butter and fresh cream on top of it. A lot of Butter made this dish even richer and more delicious.
7. Paneer Tikka
Tikka refers to a piece of meat or vegetarian food item primarily marinated with a special kind of Indian spices. Then this marinated piece would be cooked in a tandoor. When it comes to paneer tikka, fresh paneer, and healthy vegetables are used in this dish.
As we all know, paneer is a famous food item among vegetarians, so paneer tikka has become their most preferred dish. It is a must-have dish in North Indian weddings.
8. Amritsari Fish
If you are a fish lover, Amritsari Fish is a must-try food item. You enjoy the flavour of Amritsari cooking style by consuming it. This dish also comes under a fabulous appetizer.
The main ingredient of this recipe is Freshwater Fish. The Fish is marinated with gram flour and several spices. This dish is also popular by name of Amritsari Macchi. This deep-fried Fish can be served with naan.
But most of the time, it is served just like that as it is a dry food item. However, it seems dry, but it is juicy and succulent on the inside. It is a little spicy. Amritsari Fish with Cold Lassi is the best combo ever.
9. Phirni
Phirni is the most popular dessert item in Punjab. This sweet dish is made with ground rice, milk, and sugar. Some special ingredients, such as- almonds, cardamom dust, and saffron, are added to enhance the flavour. This dish is also garnished with nuts and rose petals on top of it. Some people also add silver paper to make it even more delicious.
It is a favourite food item of North Indian people. Several North Indians made Phirnion their special occasions or festivals, such as Diwali, Karwa Chauth, and many more.
10. Lassi
Lassi is a must-have drink in summer for every Punjabi. However, they prefer Lassi throughout the whole year. It can be salty, but the original Lassi is very sweet. The creaminess and Butter make it richer. Several flavours can be added to Lassi. To twist it, flavours like mango, rose, or strawberry is added to the Lassi. Keshar Lassi is also a popular Lassi.
Every Punjabi restaurant serves Lassi in its food combo. Beating the summer heat also played an important role. It is a must-have drink if you visit Punjab. As per the information, the classic Lassi is made with sugar, cardamom, cream, or malai. Sometimes saffron is put on top of it. Punjab is popular for its dairy industry. That’s why fresh milk is available here for making delicious Lassi.
In the hot summer months, Mango lassis are the preferable drink. This special mango drink is garnished with several dry fruits such as almonds, cashew pieces, and pistachios.
Conclusion
Not just in India but also abroad, Punjabi food is quite famous for its flavorful deliciousness. Punjab offers very aromatic hearty meals. It doesn’t matter if it is Home cooked or restaurant made; all dishes have their uniqueness. People can also check out authentic Dhaba-style Punjabi cuisine.
Large amounts of Butter, or you can say, desi Ghee, is used for Restaurant style cooking. On the other hand, if food is homemade, it mainly focuses on masalas or spices for delicious flavour. Traditional Punjabi dishes are not just spicier but also healthier.
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