Cuisines of Rajasthan :

The cuisine that originated in Rajasthan and the surrounding region in India is known as the Rajasthani cuisine. The state of Rajasthan is famed for its rich regal culture and heritage. The arid nature of the region, the extreme climatic conditions, scarcity of water and vegetation has witnessed evolvement of unique cooking styles and food habits of the natives that is noticeably different from other Indian cuisines. The Rajasthanis have moulded their culinary styles in such a way that many of their dishes can be shelved for several days and served without heating. The royal heritage of the region as well as the gastronomic enthusiasm among locals have led to a wide variety of delectable and exquisite Rajasthani dishes starting from main courses to snacks to sweet dishes. Some items like Dal-Baati-Churma and Bikaneri Bhujia have garnered both national and international popularity among foodies.

Dal-Baati-Churma :

It is one of the signature Rajasthani dishes that have earned popularity across the globe. This delicious platter comprise of a combination of three different items namely a spicy Dal, a deep-fried Baati and a mouth-watering and slightly sweetish churma cooked uniquely with different ingredients. The baatis are baked flaky round breads made of gehun ka atta (wheat flour), rava (semolina), besan (Bengal gram flour), salt, milk and ghee that are typically served after dipping with ghee. The unsalted version of the baatis deep fried in ghee are crushed and mixed with jaggery and sugar thus forming the churma. The dal item is prepared of five different dals namely chana dal (split Bengal gram), toovar (arhar) dal, moong dal (split green gram), urad dal (split black lentils) and whole moong (whole green gram) and referred as panchmel dal or panch kutti dal.

Gatte ki Khichdi :

Gatte ki Khichdi is undoubtedly the best rice preparation one can have in Rajasthan. This flavourful dish prepared with rice and soft besan dumplings is the perfect evening snack.

Bajre ki roti and Lashun ki chutney :

Bajre ki roti made with bajra (millet) is very popular and healthy flat bread that is relished across Rajasthan. Though it can be taken with any vegetable dish or kadhi, it is generally savoured with onions and Lasun ki chutney that is a saucy preparation made with garlic. This combination has remained a staple food for the locals.

Panchmel ki Sabzi :

It is a very popular, healthy and delectable dish from Rajasthan that derives its name from the combination of five ingredients used to prepare it. This extremely luscious and dry vegetable dish is prepared out of five vegetables seasoned with a mix of aromatic spices and gets its tangy flavour from the use of dried mango powder called amchur. It is best savoured with roti/chapatti and rice.

Gatte ki sabzi :

This is an easy to digest and popular curry of Rajasthan made of gram flour balls with the gravy being prepared of buttermilk and different spices. It can be relished with both roti and rice.

Laal Maas :

This is one of the most popular and mouth-watering meat preparations of Rajasthan which is relished best with bajra ki roti, although rice can also be an option. The unique feature of this hot, spicy and rich preparation is its fiery red colour which it gets from the liberal use of red chillies.

Mohan Maas :

This regal meat preparation is counted among the yummiest and most delectable Rajasthani non-vegetarian dishes that will surely make any non-vegetarian crave for more. The juicy and tender meat prepared with mild spices and milk comes with rich gravy seasoned with cardamom, lemon and khus-khus among other ingredients, making the dish even more luscious.

Bikaneri Bhujia :

Originated from the Bikaner region of the state, this crispy snack made of besan (gram flour), moth beans and a mix of spices has become a household snack in India and has also gained much international fame.

Sweet Dishes :

Rajasthanis are known for their love for sweets. There are wide varieties of Rajasthani sweets that are made from both dairy-based as well as non-dairy based products. In Rajasthan, sweets are never referred as desserts and unlike in the case of most other traditional regional meals where sweets are usually served after the meal, in Rajasthan these are savoured prior to, during and after the meal. Different sweet dishes from different parts of Rajasthan are Rassgollas from Bikaner, Malpauas from Pushkar, Mawa from Alwar and Mawa Kachori from Jodhpur.

                                        Rajasthan being a major tourist destination of India is widely visited by tourists from various parts of the world. Besides its cultural side, it is also known for its relishing cuisine. Its unique and spicy dishes are not only popular throughout the country but among the tourist as well. As Rajasthan is a deserted state fresh ingredients are not always available to add to their dishes. Therefore, Rajasthanis prefer food that can be consumed without heating or after several days. In other words, the cooking process of Rajasthan is influenced by its location and unavailability of things.

Most of their food items include milk or milk products in order to reduce the use of water. They use pure ghee in their cuisine that gives a completely different and amazing flavoraroma.