Cuisines of Rajasthan

The Royal Rajasthan is a land of Rajputs. This abode of Marwaris is rich in cultural heritage and delectable cuisines. Like cuisines of other states of India, Rajasthani Cuisine has its own exclusivity. The scantiness of water in this deserted land has never hampered the redolence of the savors of Rajasthan. The hallmark Flavors of Rajasthan are an exotic blend of onion, ginger, garlic paste, salt, pepper, cashew nut paste and cardamom.

You will relish the two categories of Cuisines of Rajasthan – the Marwari Cuisines and the Rajput Cuisines. The Marwari Cuisine will include the world famous Daal, Baati, Churma , Lachhedar Paratha and Besan ki Missi Puri. Yummy !! Indeed. Rajput Cuisines are basically non-vegetarian like dishes of Meat Preparations of Wild Boar, Hare and Game Birds. Foreign tourists to India simply love these dishes rich in taste and gravy.

The amalgamation of species like Red Chilli Chutneys, Chhaach (Butter Milk), Jal Jeera (Refreshing Lemon Water with Mint), Thandai (Cool Almond Milk) with a pinch of love makes the cuisine more exotic. The people of Rajasthan are fond of various kinds of 'Chutneys' made from Red Chillies, Mint, Garlic, Turmeric, Coriander. These Chutneys are condiments of Rajasthani Cuisine along with papad, badi, mangoris made from powdered lentils. Dried lentils or beans abstracted from the plants of sarigri and ker and gram flour is liberally used in Rajasthani preparations. Do check out khata, gatta ki sabzi and pakodi the wonderful dishes of Rajasthani Kitchen. People use Bajia and corn to make rabdi, kheechdi and rotis.

Not only communities but various Cities of Rajasthan have their own distinct savors. Like in Alwar you will trace Mawa- the Condensed Milk, Dil Jani in Udaipur, in Tonk you will find Sawaiyan- the Sweet Dish, Pushkar is famous for Malpua- Sweet Pan Cakes, in Bikaner tantalize your taste buds with Spicy Snacks, relish Sweet desert, Sohan Halwa, in Ajmer find Ladoos in Jaisalmer and come to the Pink City - Jaipur- for Mishri Mawa and Ghevar. All the savors are devoured immensely by foodies.

Among the preferred Dishes of Rajasthan are Rajasthani Thali, Lal Maans (Red Meat) the Spiced Dish, Safed Mass (White Meat) cooked with Almonds, Cashew Nuts and Coconut, Murgh ko Khaato (chicken cooked in curd) , Kacher Maas (Llamb), Achhar Murgh (Chicken Pickle), Govind Gatta, Papad Ki Sabzi (Veg with Papad), Aloo Mangori, Aloo Samosa, Kair Sangri. When in Rajasthan do try out the Badam ki Barfi, an almond confect made from sugar, powdered milk, almonds and ghee or the sweet dish- Ghewar, made from the paste of urad cereal crushed, fried and dipped in sugar syrup with flavor of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.

By now your taste buds must have succumbed to the temptations of Rajasthani Cuisine. Do not think twice... Just go and try the inviting savories of Rajasthan.

Swati Saxena