Rajasthani cuisine facts for kids
Rajasthani cuisine is the traditional food from the Rajasthan region in North West India. This food style was shaped by the tough lives of its people and what ingredients were available in a dry area. People preferred food that could last for several days and could be eaten without needing to be heated up. Not having much water or fresh green vegetables also changed how they cooked.
Rajasthan is famous for its tasty snacks like Bikaneri bhujia, Mirchi bada, and Pyaaj kachori. Other well-known dishes include Dal Baati, a special creamy lassi (a yogurt drink), and Lashun ki chutney (a spicy garlic paste). You can also find Mawa lassi from Jodhpur, Alwar ka mawa (a sweet milk cake), Malpauas from Pushkar, and rasgulla from Bikaner. From the Marwar area came the idea of Marwari Bhojnalaya, which are vegetarian restaurants now found all over India.
The history of Rajasthan also affected its food. The Rajput warriors often ate meat, while Brahmins, Jains, and other groups preferred vegetarian food. Because of this, Rajasthan has a wonderful mix of both meat and vegetarian dishes. A survey in 2014 showed that about 75% of people in Rajasthan are vegetarian, making it the most vegetarian state in India!
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What is Rajput Cuisine?
The food of Rajasthan was also shaped by the Rajputs, who were mostly meat-eaters. As warriors, they often hunted for their food. Their meals included different types of game meat. Some famous meat dishes are Laal maas (meat in a red gravy), Safed maas (meat in a white gravy), and Jungli maas (game meat cooked with simple ingredients).
Sweet Treats of Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, sweet dishes are not called 'desserts' because they are not just served at the end of a meal. Instead, Rajasthani sweets can be enjoyed before, during, and after the main meal!
- Balushahi
- Besan Chakki
- Churma
- DilKhushaal
- Sutar Feni
- Ghevar
- Gujia
- Seero (Halwa)
- Imarti
- Jhajariya
- Kadka
- Milk-Cake (also known as Alwar ka Mawa)
- Makkhan-bada
- Mawa Kachori
- Jalebi
- Ras malai
- Gulab halwa (from Pali)
- Tillpatti (from Beawar)
- Diljani (from Udaipur)
- Laapsi
Popular Rajasthani Dishes
- Panchkuta/Ker Sangri
- Kabuli—Veg layered Pulao
- Dal Baati Churma
- Pittod ki sabzi
- Besan Childa Sabzi
- Ker Dak (Raisins) sabzi
- Gatte matar khichadi
- Gatte ki sabzi (Gravy/Dry)
- Lacha Pakori
- Gulab Jamun ki Sabzi
- Govind Gatte
- Bajra Roti with Kadi
- Mogar ki sabzi
- Aloo matar ro saag
- Beans ro saag
- Besan Gatte/patod ro saag
- besan purala
- Childa
- dahi mein aloo
- Dal Chawal Kutt
- danamethi, papad ro saag
- Gajar ro saag
- Govind Gatte or Shahi Gatte
- Guwar fali ro saag
- Haldi ro saag
- Jaipuri
- Kadahai
- Bajra ri raab
- Kakdi & Guwar fali ro saag
- Karela ro saag
- Ker-saangri ro saag
- Kicha ro saag
- Kikoda ro saag
- Lauki ra Koftey
- Makki ri ghaat
- Makki ri raab
- Makkai ro saag
- Badi
- Masala Gatta
- Matar ro saag
- Meethi danamethi
- Moranga ro saag
- Motha ro saag
- Papad, Badi ro saag
- Papad ro saag
- Pyaaz Paneer
- Raabdi
- Rabori ro saag
- Sev Tamatar
- Dal Tadka
- Bajra ki roti
- Gutte ki Khichadi
- Bharma Tinda
- Aam ki kadhi
- Jaipuri mewa Pulao
- Kalmi vada
- Dal Banjari
- Bajra ka Khichda
- Besan ki Sabzi
- Achar of Mutton
- Dal Baati Churma
Different Types of Breads
- Ghehu roti (Wheat bread)
- Bazare ki roti (Millet bread)
- Makai roti (Corn bread)
Refreshing Drinks
- Jaljeera (a spicy, tangy drink)
- Butter Milk
- Bajra Raab
- Masala Chaach (spiced buttermilk)
- Makhaniya Lassi (creamy lassi)
- Bael Juice
- Shikanji (lemonade)
- Gulab Sarbat (rose syrup drink)
Tasty Snacks
- Kadke sev
- Lahsun sev/namkeen (garlic-flavored crispy snack)
- Kadhi kachori
- Methi mathhri
- Bikaneri bhujiya
