The Tastes of Rajasthan
The Rajwadi land of Rajputs is known for its delectable food tastes and varieties. It is a gastronomic delight for any foodie. Influenced by its legacy of battles and the availability of ingredients in this arid region, the Rajasthani cuisine is inspired by the Royals of Rajasthan. So, when visiting the royal state, even the buffet is served on the table as “self-service” is considered impolite.
Coal Fired Rotis
Prepare yourself to be royally pampered as warm hospitality seems to be of utmost importance. As they like to welcome everyone by saying ‘Khamma Ghani’.
The best part about Rajasthani cuisine is that most of it is prepared using pure-ghee (clarified butter) and whole grains like gram flour and millet. So, enjoy the pampering and overeat a bit. Indulge in the tangy flavour, which is due to the use of buttermilk and curd, and not tomato. Yes, due to lack of vegetation and farming in this region, in olden times, people here are used curds and buttermilk instead of tomato and tamarind.
Likewise, water scarcity in this part of India, made people use milk in their food preparation instead of water. Rajasthani’s prepared food which could last a couple of days, did not require reheating and much water for digestion.
Inspired by the rich Rajasthani culture and arid region, the cuisine here is definitely a treat for food buffs. If you are a spicy food-freak, especially homegrown red chilli has a special place in Rajasthani cuisine. The variety of chutney’s, papads and sweets, which are treated as food accompaniments, are sure to leave you craving for more. So, people have sweets before, with and after meals. The garlic chutney, different papads, jalebis, malai ghevar are some of the treats in which one must try.
Here is what not to miss out on, when in Rajasthan:
- Pyaaz Ki Kachori: Eat it, take it along and relish it as a snack anytime. You can get it for breakfast or evening snack and enjoy it with chutney and kulhar wali chai (tea served in earthen post). Stuffed with onions and spices, you cannot afford to miss this delectable snack.
- Dal Baati Churma: Synonymous with Rajasthani cuisine, Dal Baati Churma dipped in clarified butter is a must try. The spicy, Panchmahel dal, a mix of five pulses, crunchy baatis made on tandoor and immersed in ghee is served with churma, which is sweet is a signature dish, should not be missed.
Laal Maas and Ghewar
- Gatte Ki Subzi: Another signature dish, you should have it steamed hot with white rice or chapattis. Its gravy is prepared with savoury buttermilk and dumplings made using gram flour. This is a typical Rajasthani preparation and takes special skills to make it.
- Laal Maas: If you thought, you will have to stay off non-vegetarian food during your stay in Rajasthan, well you are mistaken. The delicious laal-maas is one of its kind preparation, which you will get only in Rajasthan. Its taste is due to the red-hot chillies which you get only in this region. Along with chillies, there are other spices and lots of tomato used in this meat preparation.
- Ghevar: Pamper your sweet tooth with this crunchy delight. Coming in various variations like made of paneer with malai you literally cannot have enough of it. And so you end up packing some for home too.
Daal, Baati, Churma and Pyaaz Kachori
The list is of course, endless when it comes to food treats from the land of Rajasthan. Tangy, spicy and sweet, you will love the delectable spread. Moreover, here you get to enjoy your meals with a view, yes backdrop of lake, inside a fort or simply a picturesque backdrop.
Planning a trip to the state of Rajasthan during winters is advisable as temperatures soar to 50 degrees centigrade during summers. Best months to visit Rajasthan are between October – February. Long weekend coming up – 29th to 2nd October 2017.
HAPPY TRIPPING.
