Known for their intense relationship will food, Punjabis offer a bevy of delightful dishes for you to choose from. Want something relatively lighter? Opt for a pair of crispy, golden brown bhaturas with tangy chole. Guests coming over for dinner? Lay it all out for them with a selection of delicacies like butter chicken, sarson ka saag, paneer tikka, and what not.
While it’s easy to lose control when you indulge in the wondrous world of Punjabi food, the inherent nature of the dishes makes them filling enough for you to know that you’ve had enough. Isn’t that convenient!
Here’s a list of Punjabi delectables that should definitely make the cut the next time you host a party:
Butter Chicken: While the inclusion of the classic butter chicken is a no-brainer, this finger-lickin dish definitely deserves a special shout-out. Imagine tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based gravy! Need we say more
Paneer Tikka: While Punjabi cuisines generally tip toward your average meat eater’s favour, the paneer tikka more than makes up of that fact. Small cubes of freshly procured paneer are marinated in a spicy mix and then slow roasted in a tandoor. What you get is a perfectly cooked snack that works great as a starter. To further enhance its flavor texture, try one with the tangy green chutney, and trust us when we tell you, there is no greater joy!
Dhaba Dal: The food of a particular region reflects the culture and heritage that shape up that place. For Punjab, the roadside dhabas form a big part of the culture. From a range of amazing dishes offered at these local establishment comes the savoury dhaba dal. Generally cooked in a handi for an authentic touch, this dish is prepared using locally grown, hand-picked spices that lends it a rustic flavor.
Chole Bhature: No Punjabi food party is complete without the quintessential serving of steaming chole and maida-based bhature. Having gained popularity all around the country, this snack is offered at pretty much every eatery you’ll visit. But the original taste of Punjab is hard to replicate, what with the potent mix of spices and other ingredients pertaining to the region.
Tandoori Chicken: India’s answer to KFC, the tandoori chicken offers a taste, unlike anything you’d ever experience. Laced with a tongue-tickling spice base, each piece of chicken is marinated overnight to let the spices find a home in the chicken. Then comes the fun part! A tandoor is set up and the chicken is roasted in the flames.
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Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti: Wondering why these items are listed together? Like brownies with vanilla ice cream or oreos with a milkshake, you HAVE TO have Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti together. The saag, another word for vegetable, is prepared with the healthy combination of spinach, mustard, and bathua. The roti is made from makki (corn) and together the two create a flavor that will take you right to the essence of India.
That caps off our list of amazing Punjabi dishes that must find a place in your next social gathering! Get your groceries ready and whip up a meal that will leave your guests talking for days!
Author Bio: Rahul Joseph is a professional health expert based in Delhi who’s spent 8 yrs. in the healthcare industry. After completing an M.Phil in nutrition, he worked with several healthcare majors before kickstarting a private career as a diet consultant. He regularly writes about nutrition on various popular health magazines, website, journals, and blogs. Apart from assisting people to achieve a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise, Rahul genuinely enjoys healthy cooking and loves fresh fruits and vegetables.
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