UTTAR PRADESH – Poshan Maah – 28 Days, 28 States
The most populous state of India, Uttar Pradesh has the most interesting recipes of the country. The cuisine of Uttar Pradesh is as diverse as its geography and irrespective of your food preferences it has something to tantalize your palate. Everything from chat, samosas, ras malai, and kebabs are part of the cuisine. Food of Uttar Pradesh is divided into three distinct zones namely Western UP, Awadh, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Exceptional feature of Awadhi tradition of cooking is the ‘Dum Pukht’ process of preparing food. The bawarchis (royal chefs) of the Nawabs of Lucknow, had pioneered this cooking style. The food is cooked for many hours under a low-flame to pack in all the rich earthy flavours and aromatic spices. This method of cooking is unique to Lucknow. Food is cooked in an earthen vessel called handi, the food is cooked in the handi under a crackling fire for as long as three days. Although this may be a long-drawn-out way of cooking, the food is remarkably delicious and well worth the wait.
The most famous cuisines in Awadh are Kebabs, Biryani and Nihari. This is because of the Muslim dominance and influence on the culture and cuisine of this region, you will find that most of the items chiefly concentrate of meat.
In western UP or Rampur region, the most famous delicacies that are relished by all are Rampuri Rohu and Zamindoz; both items made from fish. The kabobs that are famous in Rampur region are Pasanda Kabab and Shab Deg. The most well-known vegetarian dish of this region is Paneer Pasanda.
In eastern UP, Tahri and Reshmi kabobs are in high demand. Besides, Murg Musallam is another preferred dish of this region. Among the sweets, Mathura and Agra will pamper you to the fullest!
Let your taste buds travel through Uttar Pradesh with these popular recipes from the land of legendary food:
LUCKNOWI BIRYANI:
A nation-wide favourite, Lucknowi Biryani is prepared with cashew nut paste, saffron, curd, mace powder and star anise. Awadhi cuisine is incomplete without this star dish where the meat(mutton or chicken) is cooked on a slow fire.
ALOO BEDMI:
Bedmi is an Indian flatbread known to have originated in Uttar Pradesh. Crisp and fluffy, the puris are made with whole wheat flour and urad dal. It is paired with potato curry and both make for a happy combination.
SHEERMAL:
Sheermal is a sweet flaky naan that is slathered with generous amounts of butter and honey. Certainly one of Lucknow’s most decadent desserts and maybe even their tastiest. This dish actually originated in Iran, and the Persians brought this dish to India when they invaded the country.
KEBABS:
The city of Lucknow holds global patronage for kebabs and other dishes. Kebab is a dish prepared with minced meat, loads of onions and tomatoes, and some additional ‘secret’ ingredients. Some of the famous kebabs in UP are:
Tunday Kebab
Kakori Kebab
Galouti Kebab
Boti Kebab
PETHA:
Petha is a translucent, sweet, soft candy from Agra. Usually rectangular or cylindrical, it is made from the ash gourd vegetable (winter melon or white pumpkin) and sugar. The Petha is said to have originated in the kitchens of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
BANARASI PAAN:
Uttar Pradesh cuisine is incomplete without the Paan of Banaras or the Banarsi Paan which is renowned for its taste and ingredients. The Banarasi paan comes in different flavours and colours. Traditionally, paan is simply maraschino cherries, gulkand, and tutti frutti all wrapped up in a betel nut leaf. Sometimes it is coated with silver leaf and best served cold. It is an absolute delight after a heavy meal.
Uttar Pradesh is one of the very few regions of the country which has a generous platter to offer both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. It is a melting pot of various cultures and cuisines. Next time you are in Uttar Pradesh, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the food of the kings from this amazing state.
