Punjabi Thali : A Delicious Culinary Experience

 Punjab is  a state in northwest region of India and is one of the most prosperous states. The word Punjab is made of two words 'Punj' meaning five  and 'Aab' meaning water that is land of five rivers . They are Sutlaj , Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, Chenab. The presence of five rivers is the reason why Punjab's soil is conducive for wheat cultivation hence it is also called the wheat bowl of India.  Punjab is very famous for its culture, heritage, history , and different delicacies. 

Hi I am Riddhi Gandhi. Here I am up with another blog which is a  rollercoaster of flavors. Todays blog is about Punjabi thali a blend of flavors, spices that gives a mesmerizing experience. Punjabi cuisine is well known  for tandoori style cooking, rich and buttery flavors. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by agricultural farming communities that settled in the region hundreds of years ago. Rajma Chawal , Sarso ka Saag, Makke di roti , Chicken Tikka , Butter chicken are some of the special dishes  eaten in Punjab region.

A authentic Punjabi Thali comprises of Dal Makhani, Shahi Paneer, Sarso ka Saag, Makke di Rotti , different indian breads like Amritsari kulcha, butter roti, laccha paratha, stuffed paratha and to end the meal a dessert is serves like Gajar ka halwa or Gulab jamun. And then to finally complete the meal a full glass of lassi is served.

Dal makhani is a dish originating in Punjab region. A relatively modern variation of traditional lentil dishes. It is made with Urad dal and other pulses and includes lots of butter and cream. Kundan Lal Jaggi and Kundan Lal Gujral both Punjabi Hindu migrants from Peshawar had already invented butter chicken and were looking to create a vegetarian dish that would complement it. A regular diner at Moti Mahal the restaurant that Jaggi ran in Daryaganj suggested that  something exciting could be created out of Urad dal commonly used in traditional dishes leading to invention of dal makhani .The dish has been around for centuries but it gained popularity in the 20 century particulary after the partition of India in 1947. 

Shahi Paneer is a preparation of paneer consisting of a thick gravy of cream ,tomatoes and Indian spices. The dish is prepared by combining tomatoes, onions, ground cashews, clarified butter and cream into a curry with addition of  variety of spices and paneer cubes. similar dishes include paneer butter masala and kadai paneer . The subtle difference between paneer butter masala and shahi paneer is that more of whole spices are used in paneer butter masala where as shahi paneer has a sweeter taste when compared to paneer butter masala.

Sarson ka Saag is a dish of mustard greens cooked with spices . It originated in the north of the Indian subcontinent and is popular throughout the region. Mustard is widely grown in the region for the plants leaves , seeds and seed oil. It is harvested in winter and spring , making Sarson ka Saag popular warming dish in the cooler months. there are many recipies for the dish usually cooking the leaves in oil or clarified butter with spices such as garlic, ginger and chilli . Other spices used vary according to region and taste.

Makke di Roti is a flat unleavened bread made from corn meal . Makke di Roti is eaten in many parts of India popularly eaten in Punjabi Cuisine. Makke di Roti is often served with warming winter dishes based on greens such as Sarson ka Saag and Channa Ka saag.

Gajar ka halwa is a carrot based sweet dessert pudding made by placing grated carrots in a pot containing a specific amount of water ,milk, sugar, cardamom and then cooking while stirring regularly. It is often served with a garnish of almonds and pistachios. 

Gulab jamun is made from milk solids, traditionally from Khoya, which is reduced to a consistency of a soft dough. modern recipes call for dried or powdered milk instead of khoya. it is often garnished with dried nuts such as almonds and cashews to enhance flavor.

Sweet Lassi is a popular north Indian drink made from yogurt, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom . This refreshing and creamy summer drink is served chilled and doubles up as a dessert too.

I hope you all liked reading this blog . Will come up with another blog  soon till then goodbye.