The royal kitchen of Rajasthan

 

Rajasthan is the most populous state in India, and has historically been the home of nobility. Some of the world's finest materials, foods and spices originate from Rajasthan. Today, this region is still rich in history culture and especially cuisine, which must be sampled to be appreciated. To understand Rajasthani food you must also understand the land's history. Most of the food here is prepared with copious amounts of milk and dairy, to substitute for a lack of water and the dishes are generally prepared to have long shelf lives, because Rajasthan has always had a dry, hot climate.

Jaipur, also known as ‘the pink city of India’ because of the colour of the stone exclusively used for the construction of all the structures is the capital and home to the royal family. Traditionally, the Maharaja’s of Rajasthan only consumed wild game meat, a practice that is now fading out. However, there are still places where visitors and residents are treated to dishes like khad khargosh, which is a whole rabbit is cooked over an open spit after being stuffed with spices and wrapped in doe. This is a succulent treat, because the doe encases the rabbit’s juices, keeping it tender.

While it almost impossible to cover the wide variety of dishes that make up the rich Rajasthan cuisine, we’ve listed some of the most popular favourites.

Aamras ki Kadhi

This is the ideal choice for vegetarians that is made when Mango puree is combined with buttermilk and traditional Indian spices to create this soup. It is as appealing to the eye as it is to the stomach. It can be topped with garnish and served as a meal, but it's traditionally eaten as an appetizer.

Lal Maans

This spicy dish gets its colour from the fiery red chillies; it is a meat curry prepared in a mixture of yoghurt and hot spices. The meat is cooked until tender and added to the thick sauce which is bursting with flavours of red chillies and garlic. It is best served with bajra rotis (Indian flat bread made of millet) or plain rice.

Mohan Maans

A meal fit for kings, this dish was commonly served at the royal courts. This meat based curry is traditionally prepared, with the meat being cooked in milk. The thick gravy is then
infused with the flavours of poppy seeds, lemon and cardamom which bring out the lovely
flavour of the meat.

 

Dal baati churma

A large part of the population is strictly vegetarian. Some even refrain from eating garlic and onion, but they still have many flavourful options. One such dish is dal baati churma, which literally translates into lentils and hard wheat rolls. The baati is baked to perfection and smothered in ghee (homemade butter), it is served with dal, a spicy lentil soup and sweet churma.

Sweets anyone

In, Rajasthani sweets aren't served as an afterthought. Instead, these treats are served throughout the meal, some of them before the main course. Popular dishes include Ghevar, a round shaped sweet prepared with ghee (butter), flour, paneer (cottage cheese) and sugar syrup. Churma Laddo, a ball shaped sweetmeat made of wheat and jaggery, and Mawa Kachori which is dough filled with dry fruits and khoya (milk solids), deep fried and then dipped in sugar syrup.

Acknowledging cultural barriers

It's important to remember that Indian food is extremely robust and flavourful. It's also important to remember that curry is not a spice, but a family of spices. Therefore, it doesn't necessarily have to be spicy, but it certainly can be. Anyone looking to dine in Rajasthan should remember to check the spice level of any dish before ordering, but don't be afraid to be daring.

Find out more about how you can experience Rajasthan

By Fatema Salim