ANDHRA PRADESH -Poshan Maah – 28 Days, 28 States
The cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is famed for its spicy and delicious flavor. Influenced by Mughal cuisine, the food from Andhra Pradesh is peppered with spices. The inspiration behind such delicious variations of food lies in the opulent culture of the state, where exotic food was prepared for the Nawabs since the year of its origin.
The Andhra cuisine comprises of both mouth-watering vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Rice is the staple food item of Andhra Pradesh and is generally accompanied by sambar or some other types of lentils and vegetables. All Andhra meals are served with mouthwatering chutneys, pickles, papadams, and powders.
Some of the famous dishes from this state are:
Mirchi ka Salan is a popular chili and peanut curry of Hyderabad. It contains green chili peppers, peanuts, sesame seeds, dry coconut, cumin seeds, ginger and garlic paste, turmeric powder, bay leaf, and thick tamarind juice.This spicy dish is served with rice or chapati.
Hyderabadi biryani originated in the kitchens of the Nizam of Hyderabad, as a blend of Mughlai and Iranian cuisine.
The ingredients are basmati rice, goat meat or chicken or beef, dahi, onions, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom (elaichi), bay leaves, nutmeg, black cumin (shahi jeera), mace flower (javitri), star anise (biryani flower), lemon, and saffron. Coriander leaves and fried onions are used as garnish. The original dish is cooked with red meat but chicken, fish, prawns can be used for some variations. There is also a vegetarian version of the biryani which is made using vegetables such as carrots, peas, cauliflower, potatoes, and cashews.
Payasam Or Kheer: Kheer was a part of the ancient Indian diet and is mentioned in the Ayurveda. Bellam Paramannam is a traditional kheer made in Andhra Pradesh with rice, jaggery and milk.
Gongura pachadi or Gongura pickle is a popular and traditional cuisine of Andhra Pradesh which is made from the tangy flavored Gongura leaves and is eaten as a side dish for rice or chapatis. Gongura pickle with ghee rice is an all-time favorite platter for the Andhra folks.
Madatha Kaja s a sweet delicacy originated from the city of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. it is made from refined wheat flour, sugar, and edible oils.
Pootharekulu is a sweet wrapped in a wafer-thin rice starch layer resembling paper and is stuffed with sugar, dry fruits, and nuts. A yet another famous sweet from the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The next time you are in Andhra Pradesh or visit a restaurant serving authentic Andhra cuisine, don’t forget to try one of these popular dishes to relish the taste of unique Andhra style tangy spices and seasonings.
