The richness of the Punjabi lifestyle is reflected majorly in its Food. Food is the beating heart of any Punjabi, literally. While most people travel to explore different parts for its iconic places, Punjab in any season is visited for the Golden Temple followed by a food walk.
Listed here are some of the delicacies you must try this summer :
- Dahi Bhalla Chaat – Blow the roof of your mouth off with a Dahi Bhalla chaat customized as per your spice standards, with optional add ons like kalmi vade, papdi and kachaloo. One of the best chaat items to be consumed in the summer, this has the power to tickle your tastebuds.
- Fruit Cream – Punjabis literally replace butter with fruit for summers, and add fruits in fresh cream, which can be consumed as a dessert or a replacement of a meal. Being a rich dairy preparation, it’s a favourite among all age groups.
- Kadhi Chawal- Made in a yoghurt or buttermilk based, kadhi eaten with rice makes a staple lunch meal for most Punjabis. You can eat it bland since its very flavourful or add a dash of mirch tadka suited to your spicy tastebuds. You can add some cut onions, which add to the taste and keep the heat away.
- Chana Kulcha – Take some time off from fried food, as you find a substitute for the same in a plate of Chana kulcha. A dry chana preparation with masalas and salad on top, this is eaten with kulcha or paratha. It’s light on the stomach and makes a popular street meal for lunch.
- Amritsari Naan – Chhole – Punjabi food menu begins with chickpea in any sort of preparation, thus this one happens to be a summer favourite. A plate of Amritsari Naan and Chhole gravy, is accompanied by a slurry salad with chopped onions and chutney that are the best North Indian condiments that ever can be.
- Chole chaat – A street or snack special, boiled chickpea is also consumed with chopped onions, cucumber and tomatoes with a tinge of lemon as Salad. This one makes for a great fulfilling snack between the meals and controls the munchies.
- Aam ras ke Aloo – A preparation unique to Punjab, mango pulp is used to prepare potatoes. The recipe is very individualistic, yet is something that can only be prepared by our Granny’s generation.
- Tandoori Pineapple – While pineapple is known to be an exotic fruit, Punjabis make the most of it in summers. It is used in Raita, salad and now even in the Tandoor. Since, most of the other tandoor items are heavy to digest in summer, Pineapple comes in play. Chewy, sweet and tastes yum when tendered further in a tandoor.
- Aam Papad – A mouth freshner or a dessert, you haven’t lived your childhood in the North of India properly if you haven’t tried this one. A chewy flat bread like candy made of mango which comes in different flavors such as sweet, savoury or sour.
- Kesar Shrikhand – A dessert unique to summers, this is completely made out of milk and topped with saffron. A yummy milk-based dessert that is extremely fulfilling and droolworthy.
