Mughlai Magic: How Punjabi Cuisine Got a Royal Makeover
Punjabi food is like the people of Punjab - full of zest and fun. They love to eat, drink and make merry. They are also very generous with their use of ghee, butter, cream and spices. Punjabi food is a celebration of the rich and diverse culture of this region.
But did you know that some of the most popular Punjabi dishes have a Mughlai touch? Mughlai food is a cuisine that came from the medieval Indo-Persian culture of the Mughal Empire. It is a fusion of the cooking styles and recipes of Central Asia and North India, influenced by the Turkic and Persian cuisines. Mughlai food is known for its lavish and aromatic dishes, made with a variety of nuts, dairy products and meat.
Here are some examples of how Mughlai food has inspired Punjabi cuisine:
Biryani: A rice dish cooked with meat, vegetables and spices. Biryani was introduced to India by the Mughals and became popular in Punjab and other regions. Punjabis love biryani and make it with different meats, such as chicken, mutton or fish. They also add their own twist by adding potatoes, eggs or dried fruits.
Korma: A creamy curry made with yogurt, nuts, spices and meat or vegetables. Korma was a favourite dish of the Mughal emperors and was adapted by the Punjabis with their own variations. Punjabis make korma with chicken, mutton, paneer or vegetables. They also add more spice and tanginess by using tomatoes, onions or lemon juice.
Kebab: A skewered meat dish grilled over charcoal or fire. Kebab was brought to India by the Central Asian invaders and became a staple of Mughlai cuisine. Punjabis also love kebabs and make them with different meats, such as chicken, mutton or fish. They also add more flavour and colour by using ginger, garlic, green chillies or red chilli powder.
Halwa: A sweet dish made with flour, ghee, sugar and nuts or fruits. Halwa was a common dessert in the Mughal courts and was adopted by the Punjabis who added their own flavours and ingredients. Punjabis make halwa with wheat flour, semolina, carrots or moong dal. They also add more richness and texture by using milk, khoya or dry fruits.
These are just some examples of how Mughlai food has inspired Punjabi cuisine. Both cuisines are delicious and have a lot to offer to the food lovers.