Cuisines of Rajasthan and the Royal Legacy
Rajasthan is the most vegetarian state in the country as 70% of the total population in the state prefer vegetarian food. The food culture of this royal state of India is highly influenced by war-like lifestyles of the Rajputs. The non-availability of fresh green vegetables and water has also influenced the dietary habits of the Rajasthanis. My travel routine those days has helped me know a lot about many states and their cuisines and construct this series.
Most of the Rajasthani cuisines are completely unique from what you find in other states of India. These cuisines are prepared by making use of the available ingredients of this dry region. You can find a lot of different dishes as the trademark of Rajasthan. These can last for several days and could be eaten without heating. Some of these popular dishes which are popular all over India are Bikaneri Bhujia, Mirchi Bada, and Pyaaj Ki Kachori.
Food Culture of Rajasthan
Although Rajasthan is the most vegetarian state of India, the lack of vegetables and war-like lifestyles has developed non-vegetarianism among Rajputs. Due to its arid condition, the region wasn’t great for animal habitation. Hence, the people had to depend on the meat that was available.
Unlike the neighbouring state of Gujarat, Rajasthani cuisine is more inclined towards spicy dishes. They prefer the fine blend of spices that are hot and enhance the rich taste of every dish. This is also the reason why this state is also known for their variety of chutneys. Rajasthan is highly famous across the globe for its spicy variety of chutneys prepared from turmeric, garlic, mint, and coriander.
Being a region formed by combining different kingdoms of the pre-Independence era, every different city of Rajasthan has something pretty much unique and different to offer. Hence, you can find a lot of different cuisines from Rajasthan linked to a particular city.
Some of these famous dishes are:
- Paniya and Gheriya from Mewar
- Malpauas from Pushkar
- Rassgollas from Bikaner
- Mawa from Alwar
- Kachori from Jodhpur
- Bhujia from Bikaner
Today, these dishes have found worldwide fame. Although the roots remain in Rajasthan, the secret recipes for these dishes have today spread worldwide. Another such trademark Rajasthani food culture spread across the country is the concept of Marwari Bhojnalaya (restaurants). These restaurants serve vegetarian food of the Marwari people.
The most popular traditional dish of Rajasthan is Bajre ka Rotla (millet bread). It’s a thick chapatti made by hands. It is often complimented with Garlic chutney and is considered to be the most authentic meal of Rajasthan.
Types of Popular Rajasthani Dishes
Rajasthani food offers a wide variety of cuisines ranging from exotic main dishes to delicious sweets which are well complemented by some spicy snacks.
Here’s a list of appetizing food that you must try during your next visit to Rajasthan:
Vegetarian Dishes of Rajasthan:
Dal Bati Churma
Rajasthani food is incomplete without Dal Bati Churma. It is a perfect blend of round batis dipped in pure ghee, Panchkuti dal, and Churma. Try it once and you will long for more.
Gatte Ki Khichdi
Khichdi gets real in Rajasthan. Popularly known as Gatte Ki Khichdi, this exotic dish prepared with rice and soft besan dumplings. It serves as the best main dish when you are looking for something light and healthy. Blend it with some Rajasthani kadhi and you will treat yourself to some rich delicacies.
Ghevar
It’s time for some Rajasthani sweet dish and the first name that comes to mind is Ghevar. It is prepared with flour, paneer, sugar syrup, and pure ghee. You can try different varieties of Ghevar such as Malai Ghevar, Plain Ghevar, and Mava Ghevar.
Non-Vegetarian Food of Rajasthan:
Laal Maas
Laal Maas is a mutton curry made with the sauce of curd. It has lots of hot spices such as red chillies. Garlic is also the main ingredient of this exotic non-vegetarian dish of Rajasthan.
Mohan Maas
Mohan Maas is a royal meat curry especially served to the Maharajas. This meat curry is cooked using dry fruits, milk, and a lot of cream for its rich and royal taste. To make it a bit more exotic and taste enhancements, this dish is garnished with cardamom and cinnamon.
Other foods:
This is the just the tip of Rajasthani cuisine. You can also find some shades of North Indian food in this royal Indian State among dishes like Besan ki Barfi or Mohanthaal, Boondi Raita, Badam Ka Halwa, Churma Ladoo, Gujia, Balushahi, Pyaj Ki Kachori, Mawa Kachori and more. The most important point to note here is that this region has not been influenced by the imported superfoods and other exotic vegetables in their recipes. All the recipes are still made with the local produce. Be it home kitchen or in restaurants, you will find the #maximallocalinfoodandmenuofferings all over. So what will you go in for when in Rajasthan? Do let me know in the comments section below.
This article is written as a part of #SuperBloggerChallenge2018 conducted by Healthwealthbridge.com, Fashionablefoodz.com & Allaboutthewoman.com and should not be repurposed, republished or used otherwise. The content herein is owned by the blogger. SuperBloggerChallenge2018 is not responsible for any kind of infringement caused.
Want to be there this week? What are you waiting for? Check our weekly topics for WEEK 3 and add your post link here
Uttpal K
Copyright © Uttpal K
If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Uttpal K
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© Uttpal K., all rights reserved.
Copyright Notice: No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Uttpal K who holds the copyright.
A couple of years back, we had gone to Jaipur. Lal Maas was a hit, for our entire clan 🙂
Yes, even today, it tops the list there.. 🙂
This post smells like home! Wonderfully written and well researched 🙂
Thank you Prateek. 🙂
Our family has been feeling keen on visiting Rajasthan this year. I guess if it does happen, I’m sorted on the eateries. Bookmarked!
Awesome Rooshna… Looking forward to reading your experience post the visit. 🙂
I had visited Rajasthan so many times, and I love the taste of Rajasthani foods, especially dal-bati and churma is my most favourite. here in the USA, when we already missed tasty Indian outside food, your post has reminds me all those traditional mouthwatering dishes, would love to visit Rajasthan again, we come back to India. thanks for sharing this great list. #Superbloggerchallenge2018
Welcome Surbhi, you will love to read my take on the other states which you would find on the blog. There is so much to learn from each state. I love the fact that most of our cuisines are made only with the local produce. 🙂
I have visited Jaipur once but never got to stay there and savour the delicacies. It was a very short trip lasting just two days. But many of my friends studied in BITS Pilani and they told me how enjoyable Rajasthani cuisine is. I see repetitive mention of Garlic in your article. I am a connoisseur of chutneys of all kinds and sure would love to sample Garlic chutney. The non-vegetarian food you have mentioned also sound yummy especially Laal Maas #SuperBloggerChallenge2018 #Instacuppa
Yes Jai, I have myself made the laal maans in the same rustic way. No wonder it is loved so much all over the place. 🙂
So glad to know that there isn’t any influence from Superfoods. Local produce FTW! And as usual… read your post and craving Malpua now! or some ooey gooey Rosgollas
Yes of course. The sweet dish seals it all.. 🙂
It’s good that we are getting to taste foods from every corner of the country no matter virtually. The moment I read about Ghevar…along with taste many memories came back. It is also a hit in Haryana as a seasonal sweet dish. It comes out around the festival of Teej. I love ghevar. And I want to munch it right now!!!!
Ha ha Mann…I am sure you will soon give it a try and we will get to see an interesting recipe post on your blog.. 🙂
Hi Uttpal! This post is literally making my mouth water. I have never been to Rajasthan till date but hopefully in the future. However, I had a Rajasthani ex-colleague who would bring authentic Rajasthani lunch boxes to the office thanks to his Mom. So, I know how different it tastes from the rest of the Indian cuisines. I fell in love with the first bite and would look forward to sharing food with him during lunch time. Thanks to your post, those memories are revisited and I´m curious to try out some of the dishes listed in here. And I had no idea Rassgullas were from Bikaner ..I thought they originated from W.Bengal. Please read my Week 3 post for the #SuperBloggerChallenge2018
I am glad you loved the post, Tina. Rassgullas are made in many parts of the country and each has their own versions. So we as foodies should not get in the battle of “who owns the Rasgullah?” According to me, every ardent food lover who loves to taste delicious cuisines across the world is the real owner of a Rasgullah. Having said that, I will definitely check your post. 🙂
I had heard about gatte ki sabji but gatte ki khichadi is new! We have so much variety of food in India that I am surprised why not every cuisine has turned into a seperate world cuisine identity! I mean we seriously can cook anything and everything!
Yes, even today we have chefs from all over the world coming to India and going to every state to study the culinary art know there. This is the power of diversity of Indian cuisines, Neha 🙂
I had been to Jaipur a couple of years back. We loved the Rajasthani thalis that we had accompanied by a whole range of chutneys. Would have loved to try the Ghevar..
#SuperBloggerChallenge2018
Yes, you will love it Namratha.. 🙂
Wow.. Such a detailed article on Rajasthan cuisine. I don’t know that there is a majority of vegetarians in Rajasthan. Lal maas is popular even in South India. Fortunately, I tasted Rajasthan thali once in a restaurant and loved the variety.
Yes Mahati, without many resources and water, the cuisine of Rajasthan has evolved over the centuries and made a place for itself on the world culinary map. 🙂
I absolutely love Dal baati and gatte ki sabzi. Rajasthani food is quite heavy on fats but looking at the harsh weather conditions there it is understandable. This post took me on a nostalgic ride, UK.
I am glad I could bring back some memories Varsha.. 🙂
Nice and detailed post , I love their Malpuas & Chutneys 🙂
And Dal Baati is an interesting combo 🙂
#Superbloggerchallenge2018
Yes, Ghazala. They have a beautiful spread in their cuisine..:)
While reading the post, I was literally getting water in my mouth. There are many veg Rajasthani delicacies that I just adore. Pyaj Kachori, Daal Bati, Maal Puwa, Ghewar, Gatte Ki Sabzi are only a few that I never leave if given chance to relish. Thanks for this tasty post. I am going to have any of these today evening.
I would love to see the pics Shipra.. 🙂
Yummmm. Ondeed true! One must try Rajasthani Ghevar and gujiaa. Their taste Awesome. Will try some other dishes when i visit there next
I am sure you will love all of them Vidhya.. 🙂
Rajasthan has many sweet memories with me. It feels like I have a deep connection with the place. I like the spicy food and Bikaneri Bhujias are just awesome. To make things sweeter, Ghevar has its own charm.
Rajasthan has many sweet memories with me. It feels like I have a deep connection with the place. I like the spicy food and Bikaneri Bhujias are just awesome. To make things sweeter, Ghevar has its own charm. #SuperBloggerChallenge2018 #Instacuppa
Yes Geethica, some of the best delicacies are from this land.. 🙂
I loved ur post. Food n travel always make great narratives.
I ve been to Udaipur n had tasted Dal Bati Churma n Lal Mass.
Check my posts on Udaipur #superbloggerchallenge2018
You seem to have travelled many places, Aritra 🙂