The cuisine of Punjab has a large fan base both domestically and internationally. People from various nations are often seen attempting to prepare or sampling traditional Punjabi cuisine. When making Punjabi food, a few basic items are a need regardless of where you live in India. Without them, there’s no way you can duplicate original flavors. We can help whether you are someone who finds it difficult to do this or if you are just beginning to cook. To assist you, we have compiled a list of essential goods that you need to have stocked in your kitchen in order to complete the task flawlessly. Without further ado, let’s get right into the list.
The following are the five essential ingredients for making Punjabi cuisine:
1. Butter
Any Punjabi person you speak to will tell you how much they like putting butter on their meal. Every time they see a dish in front of them, it nearly acts as a reflex. Ultimately, adding a generous amount of butter only enhances the flavor of the dish. Always have this item on hand for recipes calling for it, such as butter chicken, dal Makhni, and parathas. Even better is white makhan, if you can find it.
2.Kasuri Methi
Kasuri methi is another important component in most traditional Punjabi cuisines. These are fenugreek leaves that have been dried and used to improve flavor. They may be found in curries made with chicken or paneer, as well as several sabzis. Before cooking, some prefer to sprinkle it over their lachha parathas. It is an essential component that you should not omit!
3. Oil of Mustard
In Punjab, mustard oil is one of the most used cooking oils. Although it is utilized all year round, during the winter months, its use rises even more. This is due to the fact that mustard oil aids in bodily warmth—and who wouldn’t want that? In addition to this, it gives the meal a distinct flavor. The traditional sarson ka saag is a prime illustration of this. Without mustard oil, it won’t taste as wonderful.
4. Yogurt or Cream
You’ve probably noticed that the majority of Punjabi curries have a creamy texture. This is because they include cream and yoghurt. When making curries, you may not be able to cook without these two items. So, be sure to keep them stocked in your pantry at all times. They will give the curry a greater consistency the fresher they are.
Also Read: 7 Non-Veg Punjabi Snacks You Can Enjoy This Weekend, Part of Our Weekend Special
5. Besan
Besan, or gram flour, is another essential component for cooking Punjabi cuisine. Most appetizers, curries, and desserts include some kind of besan. A few traditional instances of each of them include besan ladoo, kadhi, and pakodas. In addition, it is used in the preparation of certain breads, including missi roti. It is so essential that you cannot master Punjabi cookery without it due to its frequent usage.
Now that you know what these items are, fill your cupboard with them so you can make delicious Punjabi food. To help you get started, here are some of the greatest recipes.