Rajasthan is globally known for its tradition, ethnicity, and culture. The Land of warriors is also known for its rich cuisine which includes both vegetarian and nonvegetarian dishes. Vegetarian food is most preferred as most of the area is inhabited by Marwaris. Some of the well-known dishes are Dal Baati Churma, Laal Maas, Kachori, Ghevar, etc.
Geographically, Rajasthan falls in a dry area. So less water is used in food preparation and is substituted by dairy products like milk, curd etc. This addition of the dairy products adds to the creamy texture of the dishes. Ghee is the mainstay in Rajasthani cuisine. In Nonveg dishes, goat and chicken meat, as well as hare and wild boar meat, is used. Tempting sweet dishes are served with the main meal.
- Laal Maas
It is as mutton curry which is red in color. Hot chilies constitute to the fiery red color of the gray and help enhance the spiciness of the dish. This dish is accompanied with rice or rotis. Laal Maas is one of the most favorite Rajasthani dishes.
- Mohan Maas
It is a royal dish which is composed of meat gravy stuffed with dry fruits and cooked in milk. The gravy is later garnished with spices.
- Dal Baati Churma
It is considered that Rajasthani cuisine is incomplete without Dal Baati Churma. The dal is prepared using pulses or lentils. Garlic and spices add to the taste of the dal. Baati is basically a bread made up of wheat flour. They are cooked in traditional ovens. The baati is topped with ghee and served with dal and pickles.
- Gatte ka Pulao
This dish is a combination of steamed rice and gatte. These gattes are made of Besan (Bengal gram flour) and is infused with spices.
- Kalmi Vada
Kalmi Vada consists of crunchy patties of deep fried dal. It has a crispy texture and is a perfect tea time snack. This dish is accompanied with mint chutney.
- Pyaaz Kachori
It is a variation of Kachori in which the deep fried Kachoris are stuffed with onion fillings and spices. It is accompanied with mint chutney or tamarind chutney. This snack is available in every namkeen shop in Rajasthan.
- Ker Sangri
It is a vegetable pickle dish. It is made of Ker and Sangri trees combined with berries and cooked in yogurt. This piquant side dish is accompanied with roti.
- Aam ki Launji
Aam ki Launji is a pickle chutney. It is prepared by cooking raw mango pieces with spices and sugar. The sweet and sour pickle is irresistible. It is accompanied with roti or paratha.
- Ghevar
Ghevar is a donut shaped sweet fish prepared by mixing flour with sugar syrup. This dish comes in a variety of choices – Mava Ghevar, Malai Ghevar, and plain Ghevar. The sweet is garnished with dry fruits like almond, pistachios, etc.
- Dil Kushal
This sweet dish is also known as “Mohanthal”. It is made with besan infused with bits of dry fruits. This sweet has a nice, chewy texture. Preparation of Dil Kushal involves a lot of practice and expertise.
- Badam ka Halwa
Halwa is a sweet dish which is everyone’s favorite. Badam Halwa is prepared with dry fruits, ghee, and suji.