Indian cuisine is a vast and varied one. It is reflective of the myriad cultures and traditions that make up this vibrant country of ours. Every region has its own way of cooking and serving food, as well as customs and practices concerning food. The food of each region is greatly influenced by not just the local availability of vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices, but also by the historical and cultural background of that community. Indians are so fond of the traditional food that they take along the knowledge and practices even when they go abroad.
With the advent of cookbooks and online portals, recipes do get passed on from region to region, but still, you can find distinct differences in the way the food tastes, because of the availability of ingredients and common cooking practices in each region. Pav Bhaji made in South India, for example, is quite different from how it tastes in the North; and likewise, Idli and Sada Dosa made by North Indians might be quite different from how the South Indians make it!
Indian Veg recipes are categorized mainly based on the region – Punjabi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Maharashtrian, South Indian, Bengali, Hyderabadi, Mughlai and so on. Depending on the region, the main course might focus on Roti or rice, with accompaniments like Subzis, Dal, Sambhar, etc. Bajra Roti and Green Pea Pulao together with Pyazwali Bhindi and Dum Aloo could make an interesting meal, just as Cabbage Poriyal, Sambhar, Rasam and Rice would too.
The cuisine of North India includes not only Punjabi food but also, Amritsari, Kashmiri cuisine. Each state has something different to offer. While Punjabi’s use lot of ghee and dairy products, Kashmiri cuisine is majorly non-vegetarian with use of saffron and other spices. People from Punjab, Amritsar and Delhi believe in having heavy breakfast of parathas smeared with white butter along with a tall glass of sweet lassi and accompaniments like fresh curd and mango pickle, Chole Bhature or Chole Kulcha. They also indulge in delectable street food like Momos, Samosa, Aloo Tikki chaat, Ram laddoo, Golgappe.
Apart from that Tandoor is an essential cooking method in North Indian Cuisine. From tongue-tickling appetizers like Paneer Tikka & Mushroom and capsicum tikka to flatbreads ranging from Tandoori Naan, Roti and Kulcha, they love everything baked and grilled in clay pot ovens. Rich gravies, spicy vegetable, sizzling appetizers, delectable desserts sum up North Indian food!
Mughlai Veg Indian Recipes
Descending from the Mughal empire, Mughlai cuisine is known for heavy use of aromatic and rich ingredients resulting in spicy, fragrant, lip-smacking delights. It has been one of the much admired and popular cuisines among food lovers across India. The preparation of Mughlai food is time-tested and involves slow cooking and vast preparation. Dishes like kebabs, kofta, pulao, sabzis and biryani typically include Mughlai blend and flavours. Some of the popular dishes are Mughlai Vegetable Biryani, Shahi Pulao, Baingan Musasalam, Nawabi Curry, Mughlai Makhani Paneer, Mughlai Roti.
Rajasthani Indian Veg Recipes
Rajasthan being dearth of water uses curd and buttermilk widely in cooking and vegetables being limited in supply, they eat lots of pulses and dal. It is known for its endless varieties of Kachori. Pyaaz ki kachori, Shahi raj kachori, Khasta kachori are some popular local breakfast dish in Rajasthan and sold at most 'namkeen' shops.
Maharashtrian Indian Veg Recipes
Maharashtrian cuisine is a zingy and spicy one, which makes abundant use of aromatic and flavourful ingredients like peanuts, sesame seeds , chillies, kokum, cashew nuts , coconut, and so on. Mumbai , the city of dreams has some out of the box street food delights to offer like Schezuan Chopsuey Dosa, Mysore masala dosa, Tawa Pizza, Toasted Samosa sandwich and how can you forget the famous Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Bhajji Pav !
Going down South, people are very fond of rice which is also their staple food. South Indian cuisine relies on extensive use of traditional spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, red chillies, broken urad dal and chana dal that impart flavor when added as a tempering to the food . Breakfast delights like Idli, Dosa and uttapams are much loved all over India.
Kadubu, Benne dosa, Neer dosa, Bisi bele bhath are some classic Karnataka dishes. Mangalorean cuisine is different from Udupi, which is different from Mysore, and a food connoisseur can easily tell the difference! So, every corner of Karnataka has a culinary anecdote to tell with distinct flavours, native ingredients and exclusive cooking techniques.
There is a lot of similarity between the food cooked in Kerala, and that of coastal Tamil Nadu. Tamil cuisine is a balance of spices and dals along with a combination of different masalas. Kitchen shelves are stocked with sambhar powder, milagai podi , rasam powder and popular tempering ingredients like coriander seeds, red chillies, chana dal, ginger, green chillies, garlic and curry leaves. Coconut is abundantly found in Kerala and hence widely used in food preparation. Even curries make use of coconut milk instead of water. Native fruits and vegetables like jackfruit, yam, raw banana, yellow banana, ash gourd and pumpkin are used to cook an array of dishes.
The region spanning Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have their own cooking style which is a spicy one. Unlike other cuisines where pickle is merely an accompaniment, here it is the best part of the meal! Pesarattu dosa or Moong dal dosa is a classic dish from the Andhra cuisine. Gongura leaf is a quintessential Telugu ingredient, used to make delicious pachadis and peppy rice preparations.
Hyderabadi Veg Indian Recipes
What comes to your mind when you think of Hyderabadi food? Biryani ! Hyderabadi food has much more to offer than the famous Biryani with Mirch Ka Salan. It is highly influenced by Mughlai, Persian and Arabic cuisine. Rich and flavorful sabzi, desserts loaded with dry fruits, delectable side dishes and unique flatbreads. Haleem, Double ka Meetha, Bidari Paratha, Osmania biscuit, Hyderabadi Tutti Fruti biscuit and endless varieties of Biryani are some famous food from the city.
Bengali sweets like Sandesh, chum chum, rasgulla are popular not only in India but also, around the globe. Bengalis love fish and all things fish but, when it comes to vegetarian food they are big fans of chaat like Puchka, Jhalmuri, Ghugni, Doi Bora, Batata Puri. Also, Kolkata is known for street food like kathi roll, egg rolls, momos, Chowmein. They make extensive use of Panch phoran masala in their cooking. It is a spice blend made using fennel seed, mustard seeds, nigella seeds, fenugreek seeds and cumin seeds.
Indian cuisine is also famous for its mithai, which includes an unending list of delightful
recipes like ladoos, halwas, rabdis, jamuns, malai sweets, etc. The deeper one ventures into Indian cuisine, the more they can appreciate the diversity and limitless variety it offers.
We hope you enjoy our collection of Indian Veg recipes.
If you want to have a meal that satiates your tummy, tickles your taste buds and stays in your memory for a long time, try Punjabi! Punjabi cuisine ranges from semi-spicy to spicy, and is almost always rich, with abundant use of ghee and butter.
Have a Punjabi Paratha and a tall glass of their creamy Lassi for breakfast and you will not feel hungry till lunch-time! From signature Punjabi food recipes like Sarson ka Saag and Makki Di Roti, breakfast delights like Chole Bhature, Bread Pakora, parathas with mango pickle to homely treats like Aloo Paratha and Aloo Gobi, and lip-smacking delicacies like Paneer Tikka and Baingan Bharta, this section will introduce you to several ‘famous and favourite’ Punjabi treats.
All dairy products are abundantly used in Punjabi cuisine, but paneer is one ingredient cooked in every way possible – marinated, fried, sautéed, crumbled, and so on, to make delicacies that span every course of the meal, from appetizers to desserts. Check out Punjabi Paneer recipes to explore dishes that will help satiate your Punjabi food craving.
Punjabi Recipes, Shorba
Shorba are famous across South, Central and Middle Eastern Asia. But, Punjabis have adapted them according to the Indian palate. Start your meal with a bowl of thick and often spicy shorbas like the curd shorba with comforting flavor that will surely soothe you when you had a long day. Also, our Punjabi Shorbas, Soups recipes section has varieties of shorba made using dal, vegetables or a combination of both.
Punjabi Recipes, nashta
Tandoor is a traditional aspect of Punjabi cuisine and used for baking or cooking flatbreads and a wide range of starters like kebabs and tikki. Marinate baby potatoes in a spicy red red chilli-based masala paste, fenugreek leaves and fresh cream and create these aromatic Tandoori aloo that are a perfect party starter! In the same manner you can marinate multiple vegetables and cook them to make a scrumptious and tasty, Tandoori Aloo Gobi Sukhi Subzi. Spicy potato curry served with piping hot puris, the Punjabi Aloo Puri is one of Delhi’s most favorite street foods. Boiled aloo with peppy chaat masala, lemon juice, mint and coriander makes tempting Aloo Chaat.
Local 'halwaais' deep-frying samosas in huge kadhai is a common sight in nearly any part of India. Oh-So-crisp on the outside and soft and spicy on the inside Punjabi Samosas are simply irresistible. They can further be enhanced by adding curd and tongue-tickling chutneys and turning them into delicious chaat or by adding hot chole, crunchy onions and crisp sev. Chole Samosa Chaat and Samosa Chaat are a perfect evening snack to surprise the whole family! To explore more such treats, have a look at our Punjabi Swadisht Nashta recipes
Punjabi Recipes, main course
You can also bake an array of flatbreads like Pudina Naan, Whole Wheat Coriander and Sesame Seeds Naan or Whole Wheat Masala Paneer Naan and relish with subzis or accompaniments Punjabi Raita / Chtutney / Achar recipes. To know more about Punjabi flatbreads, have a look at Punjabi Roits, Parathas recipes Punjabi subzis are not simple accompaniments. Even the easiest of their subzis are a delight with rich flavour and luscious texture. Expose your taste buds to some real excitement! This easy to make Jeera aloo tastes amazing with puri. Bharwan Baingan is made by stuffing brinjals with an onion-coconut paste and slowly cooking them in a kadhai.
Apart from the Punjabi Subzis, there are heavy gravy preparations because of ungrudging use of ghee, cream and other dairy products, which is what makes them so tasty too! Toss in some vegetables, paneer and spice powders to whip up delectable gravies. Treat your palate to all-time favourites Punjabi veg dishes Paneer Makhani, Kadhai Khumbh Sabzi or Matar Tamatar.
Dal and Kadhi provides with the nutrition required for proper development and help in balancing the meal. Punjabi Dals / Kadhis recipes has some quick and easy to prepare dals and kadhi that can be included in your daily routine. Dal tadka and Dal Makhani are famous Punjabi dishes.End your meal on a sweet note and savor on some Phirni served in earthenware bowls called ‘shikoras’. These are popularly known as ‘matki phirnis’ and are served at most Punjabi restaurants and functions. Also, you can make Dry Fruit Barfi with a rich milky flavour and amazing melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Enjoy our Punjabi Recipes collection. Below you will find other Punjabi recipe articles of interest.
19 Punjabi Dals Kadhis Recipes
23 Punjabi Jaalpan, Lassi Recipes
268 Punjabi Paneer Delicacies Recipes
50 Punjabi Pulao Biryani Recipes
83 Punjabi Raita Chtutney Achar Recipes
310 Punjabi Rotis Parathas Recipes
23 Punjabi Shorbas, Soups Recipes
361 Punjabi Subzis Recipes
156 Punjabi Swadisht Nashta Recipes
78 Punjabi Sweets Recipes
Happy Cooking!
Perhaps due to the royal heritage of the region, or due to the unique characteristics of the cuisine brought about by the region’s extreme climate and rare vegetation, Rajasthani cuisine is quite different from all other cuisines and is very fascinating too! Rajasthani food is usually spicy and makes use of loads of ghee, without which no dish is complete.
Heart-warming meal combos like the Dal-Baati-Churma and other specialties like Panchmel ki Subzi, Gehun ki Bikaneri Khichdi and Mangodi ki Dal are popular all over the country and this section shows you how to recreate the magic of Rajasthan food in your own kitchen.
Enjoy our selection of Rajasthani recipes like Rajashtani Sabzis with the famous Rajashtani Rotis and ever popular Achars. Top of your meal with some amazing rich, mouthwatering Rajasthani Sweet and Rajasthani snack.
The Rajasthanis specialise in serving sweet and savoury dishes in combinations that steal the heart and delight the taste buds . Dal bati churma a three-in-one treat, is a traditional combination of sweet dish churma, spicy dal and deep-fried Bati and a wonderful way to warm yourself up on a cold day!
Rajashtani Food adapats to water shortage
Because of the climatic conditions, there is scarcity of water resulting into a dearth of fresh vegetables, the available vegetables are often combined with pulses, lentils and dried/ preserved foods like papads and wadis. Also, water is substituted with dairy products like milk and buttermilk. Gram flour dumplings perked up with a myriad of spices then steamed and cut into small bite sized pieces are cooked in a curd based gravy till thick to make Gatte ki subzi that tastes amazing with both rice and parathas. Papad ki subzi, a combination of moong dal mangodi and papd to make Papad Mangodi ki Subzi are some other delectable Rajasthani subzis. Also, try your hands on other Rajasthani dishes like Ker sangria, Gavarfali ki Subzi, Bharwa Lauki.
Complement your meal with nourishing dals/kadhi that will complete your meal. Rajasthani recipes like Pakoda kadhi or pithore kadhi are flavorful, irresistible accompaniments that you must try.Also, finger-licking dals like Dal Banjari, Mooli moong dal or Palak toovar dal with a tempering of ghee and authentic Rajasthani flavor are some delights that will surely replace your regular dals.
Rajasthani Snacks
When we talk about snacks, Rajasthan Food is synonymous to kachori. The endless varieties of kachoris found at most 'namkeen' shops are famous worldwide. Pyaaz Kachori, Shahi Raj Kachori, Matar ki Kachori are some popular kachoris.
Rajasthani Mithai, Rajasthani Sweets
Rajasthanis don’t hold back on the use of full-fat milk and ghee in their mithai. No wonder the sweet dishes of Rajasthan tastes so heavenly! Apart from the savoury kachoris, you can also found sweet varieties like Mawa Kachoris that are stuffed with a rich mixture of khoya and dry-fruits, deep-fried and dipped in sugar syrup. Malai Ghevar, a honeycomb shaped delicacy made using plain flour and ghee is an authentic sweet made on auspicious occasions and festivals.
People love to gather around the warmth of the kitchen fire, to enjoy rustic, homely rotis right off the tava. Wheat flour rotis, parathas, masala baati generously drizzled with ghee are enjoyed with subzis. Winters are harsh in this region. Steaming hot Khichdi, Gaund ke ladoo, Moong dal halwa, Badam ka halwa are some vegetarian dishes eaten to keep the body warm on a cold winter’s night!
We hope you enjoy our collection of Rajasthani Recipes and will find the below related Rajasthani Food articles interesting.
15 Rajasthani Achar, Launji Recipes
20 Rajasthani Dry Snacks Recipes
17 Rajasthani Kadhi, Dal Recipes
Rajasthani Khichdi, Pulao Recipes
30 Rajasthani Mithai, Sweets Recipes
50 Rajasthani Naashta Recipes
23 Rajasthani Roti, Puri, Paratha Recipes
43 Rajasthani Subzi Recipes
14 Rajasthani Traditional Combinations Recipes
Happy Cooking!
Gujarat has a wide-ranging cuisine, which includes everything from sweets and snacks to subzis and one-dish meals. The farsaans and mishthans especially are much-loved aspects of Gujarati cuisine. It is an amalgam of flavor and mostly vegetarian. Gujarati Recipes like Khaman Dhokla, Bhatia Kadhi, Dabeli and Patra have an unmatchable and unique regional touch.
Come lunchtime and Gujaratis do not like to settle for anything less than a balanced meal, which they fondly call the “Dal Bhaat Rotli Shaak” combo. But, when in a hurry, one-dish meals like Dal Dhokli will come to your rescue. Let’s talk about the different aspects of the grand Gujarati thali. It generally consists of rotli (roti)/puri ,dal/kadhi, shaak (subzi) , bhaat (rice), farsaans with a wide range of chutneys, kachumber, homemade athanu (pickles) and finally mishtaan(sweet) to end the meal on a sweet note. Meals are incomplete without a bowl of curd or glass of buttermilk.
A stack of leftover rotli, rotla, rice or khichdi are transformed into delicious treats like Whole Wheat Roti Chivda, Wagharelo Rotla, Bhaat Na Poodla. Crunchy on the outside and chewy inside, this flavourful Khichdi Pakoda is made by enhancing moong dal khichdi with besan, sesame seeds and coriander, shaping this ‘dough’ into balls and deep-frying till nice brown and crisp. Dahiwali Roti is a zesty soup-style breakfast made with a balance of refreshing ingredients like bland buttermilk, sweet jaggery, spice powders and finally an aromatic tempering. At times of emergency or in a mood to eat something spicy instead of the basic dal-bhaat, this tasty Vagharela Bhaat can be made in a jiffy with a handful of ingredients that are easily available in our kitchen shelves.
Tea-time or Diwali, if the kitchen shelves are not filled with air-tight containers hoarding suka nasta (dry snacks), it’s not a Gujarati house. Chakli, Chivda, Nimki, Shakarpara, Namkeen Shakarpara, Khakhra, etc. are some jar snacks that come to rescue when hunger strikes. You can even take them to work and relish anytime! Coarse besan mixed with spices to make cylindrical rolls, that are deep-fried to make delicious Phoolwadi is a crispy snack that tastes amazing with a cup of hot chai. Also, fafda/ ganthia are other savory snacks that are popular tea accompaniments. My grandmother prepares snacks like Papad Poha, Sev Mamra in bulk and stores in an airtight container so that we can munch on it whenever we are hungry. Along with this, a wide variety of farsaans or snacks prepared on different occasions and to entertain guests, but also enjoyed with tea on any normal day. Soft, steamed dhoklas, pankis, deep-fried kachoris, ghughra, masala puri, tava-cooked pudla, simple delights like khichu, dabeli,… the list is endless!
Gujaratis are hardcore sweet lovers. Dabbas of laddoos, Golpapdi or Mohanthaal are always present in the kitchen. Also, special occasions are celebrated with rich desserts like Basundi, Shrikhand, Fada ni Lapsi, Doodh Paak. Try your hand at Gujarati special mishthans and enjoy with your friends and family!
Phulka smeared generously with ghee / Chapati / Bhakri with a texture similar to biscuit is a quintessential part of most Gujarati meal especially lunch. These flatbreads are accompanied with shaak made using vegetables especially local produce,combined with an array of spices, a dash of jaggery or sugar and sometimes tamarind too. These subzis are tongue-tickling because they believe in balancing the khatash-methash (sour-sweet) flavours and can also, be enhanced by the addition of Gujarati farsaans like muthia, patra and sev.
Gujarati’s believe in eating seasonal vegetables and make elaborate preparations like Oondhiya and Panchkutiyu Shaak with a myriad of native vegetables and special combinations of spices to season them, resulting in homely and satiating dishes. Dry subzis are generally combined with batata (potato) to make delectable delights like Kobi Batata Nu Shaak, Tendli Batata nu Shaak, Karela Bateta Nu Shaak. They even eat a lot of kathol (pulses). Khatta Moong/ Sukha Moong on Wednesday and Rasawala Chana on Friday are a fixed menu at my home and I believe it is consumed this frequently in every Gujarati household. Vaal Ni Dal, Mixed Kathol, Masala Chawli are other popular Kathol cooked on a regular basis. A side of Gujarati Dal, Khatti Meethi Dal and Kadhis like Bhinda ni Kadhi and Dapka Kadhi are some of the everyday favourite fluid preparations to make food easier to ingest. Check our Gujarati Dal & Kadhi section to explore more delicacies from this region.
Thepla is a popular Gujarati flatbread that is an important part of their travel food bag because they stay fresh for almost over a month. They can be perked up with the addition of nutrient-rich vegetables like methi, mooli, doodhi to make Methi Thepla, Mooli Thepla and Doodhi Thepla. Also, you can add multigrain flour to gehun ka atta and make Multigrain Methi Thepla. As I mentioned earlier, they love seasonal produce , be it vegetables or fruits. Come summers and most households are seen enjoying keri no ras (aam ras) with garma garam puri or Padvali Roti which is an authentic flatbread made with a pair of the rotis layered for rolling and cooking, in order to make thin rotis that can be cooked perfectly without crisping them on a tava.
Also, they make Fajeto that is a special type of curry made by combining mango pulp with dahi and besan and finally tempered with aromatic ingredients. Shrikhand is replaced by Aamrakhand and refrigerator are stuffed with Doodh Keri. Bajra no rotlo with Ringana no olo , jaggery with safed makhan is a classic Gujarati winter special. Rotla can also be made using jowar or nachni flour, ensure you roll the rotlas uniformly to make them puff up. They can also be blended into smooth powder and cooked with ingredients like onions, ginger, garlic and green chillies, to make Wagharelo Rotla which is surely an irresistible dish.
Chaas is aptly called a Gujarati’s beer since the meal is incomplete without it. Also, Komal is another refreshing, delightful beverage made by combining curd and coconut milk, mildly spiced with chillies. Similar to the Punjabi sweet lassi, Piyush is an authentic Gujarati drink made using shrikhand and buttermilk, this thick and luscious drink is simply irresistible!
Appease your hunger and pep up your mood with mouth-watering Gujarati one-dish meals. Khichu is an authentic Gujarati snack, soft, melt in the mouth, it has a soothing taste, and is sure to warm your soul. A drizzle of oil and sprinkle of red chili powder or koro sambhar perks up the taste. This one-dish meal is quick and easy to make, usually made with grain-based flours like rice flour or jowar flour, try this different variant Yellow Moong Dal Khichu and enjoy it hot.
Handvo is a traditional savory cake made by mixing a myriad of vegetables, an array of spices and mixed dals/flours. Mixed Dal Handvo, Moong Dal Handvo, Mixed Vegetable Handvo, Potato Handvo are some varieties you must try! Looking for a sumptuous meal to prepare in a jiffy after a long day? Fada ni Khichdi made with nutritious broken wheat and yellow moong dal simmered with vegetables and spices is quite wholesome and takes not more than 25 minutes. Ek Toap Na Dal Bhaat is another Gujarati rice-dal combination dish cooked together with vegetables and spices.
Dinner generally consists of simple khichdi made by combining dal and rice. They can even be enhanced by substituting/adding vegetables, pulses and various spices to make different preparations. The humble Moong Dal Khichdi is surely my comfort food. Khichdi ke chaar yaar – dahi, papad , kadhi aur achaar is rightly said! Instead of moong, you can even make Toovar Dal Ni Khichdi, Bajra and Moong Dal Khichdi that take hardly any effort. Also, kathiyavadi popular Ram Khichdi, or the royal Badshahi Khichdi, nutritious Panchamel Khichdi are some other variations that you must try!
Let us discover many more such marvels of this cuisine!
Try Our Other Gujarati Recipes articles given below…
Gujarati Drinks recipes
Gujarati Dry Snacks recipes
Gujarati Faral, Faraal recipes
Gujarati Breakfast recipes
Gujarati Dal / Kadhi recipe
Gujarati Farsans recipes
Gujarati Kachumber / Chutneys / Achar recipes
Gujarati Kathols recipes
Gujarati Khichdi recipes
Gujarati One Dish Meals recipes
Gujarati Rotli, Gujarati Thepla recipes
Gujarati Shaak Sabzi recipes
Gujarati Sweet Mithai recipes
Jain recipes. Jain food recipes. Jain customs require them to follow strict rules regarding what and when they eat. In general, ingredients like onion, garlic, potatoes and other root vegetables are totally avoided by Jains. This often makes people think that their cuisine is uninteresting, which is not so. Most dishes, ranging from traditional to modern, can be prepared tastily without using these ingredients. You just need to know the proper substitutes and intelligent methods of preparing the dishes.
This section opens up a world of Jain-friendly recipes ranging from all-time favourites like Paneer Tikka Masala and Jain Pav Bhaji to must-try treats like Quick Paneer Subzi and Sev Tameta. Lose yourself in the tongue-tickling treats that this section holds in store for you. Dry snacks like khakhra and papad poha can be made in bulk and store in an air-tight container. A cup of masala chai with a scrumptious snack is surely a match made in heaven!
A jain soup can be anything from an appetizer to snack or even a full meal. When it comes to the job of appetizing, nothing performs better than soups. They are generous with the spices and can be made using any ingredients from vegetables to dal or a combination of both. They leave a really warm taste on your palate and are extremely comforting. Here are some lovely Jain-friendly soups like the Cream of Tomato soup, Moong Soup and Cucumber and Lettuce Soup that will tantalize your taste buds!
The main course is generally a flatbread (roti, paratha, puri) along with subzi, a bowl of dal/kadhi and rice. Along with that a side of Jain Pickles / Chutneys / Raita / Salad perk up the meal and leave you with exciting, contrasting flavors. Snacks come in handy and make a party snazzy, help beat hunger strikes and are easy to prepare. Jain Naashtas like capsicum rings, corn pakodas, Rice and Cheese Balls are some tongue-tickling delights you can munch on.
Jain Rotis, Jain Sabzi
Our section of Jain Roti and Jain Subzi gives you a wide choice of rotis and parathas, subzis so you can make a different combination each day. Have a go at delectable options like the Cabbage and Paneer Parathas, Green Pea Parathas, Kela Methi Nu Shaak, Sev Tameta.
Jain Rice recipes
Complete your meal with this delectable Baked Layered Coconut Rice with Curry which has a soothing flavour and pleasantly spicy aroma or Ges, an authentic Jain preparation of curd and rice topped with methia no masala. Also, khichdi made with a myriad of ingredients is a comforting dinner option. One dish meals made with rice are wholesome and satisfying, try our Jain Rice recipes to explore more options that can be enjoyed with Jain Dals Kadhi.
Jain street foods
Popular street foods of Mumbai can be easily made into Jain versions like the Jain Vada Pav, Jain Pav Bhaji where the potato is substituted with raw banana and are just as awesome as the original, and you will not find anything amiss! Not just Indian, international recipes too can be made Jain friendly. Try your hands on Baked Rajma and Macaroni with Cottage Cheese Balls, Vegetable Fried Rice, American Chopsuey, Cheesy Pepper Rice.
Happy Cooking!
Enjoy our Jain recipes. Jain food recipes and other Jain Recipe articles below.
Jain Dal, Jain Kadhi (28 recipes)
Jain International (108 recipes)
Jain Naashta (120 recipes)
Jain Paryushan (36 recipes)
Jain Pickles / Chutneys / Raita / Salad (31 recipes)
Jain Rice (22 recipes)
Jain Rotis (35 recipes)
Jain Soups (44 recipes)
Jain Subzi / Gravies (74 recipes)
South Indian Cuisine – Awesome, Awe-Inspiring Variety
South Indian Recipes, 950 South Indian Dishes, Food Recipes. An acquaintance had this irksome habit of referring to all South Indians as “Madrasis”. And one fine day she stopped saying so. In an attempt to quell my curiosity I asked – and got to know that after a tour of South India she realised there is so much diversity down South that it is just not fair to generalise – the best example being South Indian cuisine. South Indian cuisine and food habits are so varied that it is common for a person to feel lost in the menu of a neighbouring state. Say, when a person from Tamil Nadu attends a wedding in Andhra Pradesh, it is a common trick to keep an eye on the next person’s plate or banana leaf, to figure out what order and in what combinations the food is to be consumed!
Tiffin - Much more than idlis and dosas
When one mentions South Indian food, idli, dosa and vada are the first dishes that come to one’s mind – and it’s fair enough because these dishes are popular in all the South Indian states. It is a daring risk to venture into the question of which state they originated in – so we will not touch upon that, but the fact remains that these are much-loved foods all over South India. Served with the quintessential Sambhar and Chutney, this “tiffin” platter is enjoyed any time of the day – for breakfast, evening snacks or dinner.
A word that the British introduced us to, tiffin refers to snacks that are neither too light nor too heavy, and can be relished at any time of the day! When it comes to tiffin, there is a lot of similarity amongst the South Indian states, and we find many common favourites like idli, dosa, vada, uttapam, upma and pongal. Apart from these, each state has its unique offerings too – like the paniyaram and adai of Tamil Nadu, the aapam, puttu, avial and kadala curry of Kerala, neer dosa, kadubu, benne dosa and rava idli of Karnataka and pesarattu of Andhra. Apart from Sambhar, tiffin is usually served with chutneys like coconut chutney, coriander chutney, tomato chutney, etc., or dry chutney powders like the idli milagai podi or curry leaves powder.
Lunch – rice is special for South Indians
Rice holds a special position in the South Indian kitchen. More than a mere ingredient, rice or annam is given a divine connotation and treated with respect. In all South Indian states, rice is the staple grain served during lunch time. Some prefer to use raw rice, while others opt for parboiled or boiled varieties. Rice lovers that they are, South Indians can often tell the difference between rice grown in various regions and different river beds! At lunch time, the rice is freshly steamed and served hot with a spread of dal-based curries and vegetables. There is a lot of difference in the items served during lunch time, and the order in which they are served.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Recipes
Lunch is dominated by rice, which is served with dollops of ghee and a range of curries and dals. Depending on whether it’s a normal day or a special occasion, the number of items served may vary. When you see the word ‘pappu’ in a dish’s name, you can understand that it comprises dal. It may be plain or combined with veggies. Usually, a meal begins with rice mixed with pappu and enjoyed with a spicy oorgaya (pickle). Other main course dishes are koora (dry or semi-dry subzi), pulusu (sour and tangy gravy made of tamarind, tomatoes, sour curd or raw mangoes), pachadi (a spicy and saucy accompaniment), charu or rasam (a thin, soupy dish that is mixed with rice), curds, and so on. Pulihore, a peppy rice preparation with tamarind and spices, is much-loved by the Telugu folks and everyone who tastes it!
Karnataka
A regular meal consists of vegetable preparations, a dal based preparation like sambhar, and saaru or rasam, ending with majjige (buttermilk). Kannadigas also love gojju, a featuring a unique blend of sweet, spicy and tangy notes. There are also one-dish meals like the Bisi Bele Bath, a hot and spicy rice preparation, made of rice, dal and veggies flavoured with a special masala and tamarind pulp. Karnataka within itself has several sub-cuisines like Udupi, Mangalore and Mysore, and a discerning diner can easily tell the difference between these.
Kerala
Don’t be fooled by the simple food that the Keralites have on a normal day – visit them on a festive occasion to experience the mind-boggling variety of the state’s cuisine. Kerala food is rich in all things coconuty! From coconut milk to grated coconut and coconut-based spice pastes, it is used in every possible form to make vegetable and curd-based curries. Yellow banana and jackfruit are also used abundantly in the region to make crispies, curries and desserts.
Tamil Nadu
Different regions of Tamil Nadu have different styles of cooking, the popular strains being Tanjore, Tirunelveli, North Arcot and Chettinad. However, a three-course lunch broadly consists of rice served with sambhar and/ or mor kuzhambu, then rasam and finally curd, accompanied by a range of vegetable dishes. If lunch is had out of a dabba, people often opt for what is colloquially known as ‘mixed rice’ or ‘variety rice’. Tomato Rice, Tamarind Rice, Sambhar Rice, Curd Rice and Peanut Rice are some of the common options. On special days, vada, kheer and pachadi (raita) are also served with lunch.
Sweets and savouries for South Indians
Like the rest of the country, South India also loves sweets and snacks! From the Ela Ada and Unni Appam of Kerala to the Kajjikaylu of Andhra Pradesh, the Jangiri and Chakkarai Pongal of Tamil Nadu, and the Obbuttu and Mysore Pak of Karnataka, each sweet delight has a culinary anecdote to tell with distinct flavours, native ingredients and exclusive cooking techniques.
Snacks are also an integral part of the South Indian food scene – they are enjoyed at practically any time of the day but mostly in the evening with a cup of hot coffee or tea. It is amazing how they never tire of having a steaming hot cuppa however sweltering the weather might be! But then, nothing can complement a Masala Vada, Mysore Bonda or Plantain Bajji as well as a cup of South Indian filter coffee or Chukku Kaapi (a tea of dried ginger and spices). Keralites enjoy snacking on steamed yellow bananas and Kattan Chaai (black tea).
Every kitchen in South India is also well-stocked with pickles, dry chutney powders, vadams and papads (that can be roasted or deep-fried), which are served in perfect combos to make a simple meal seem like a special treat!
The magic of the South Indian tempering
If you are going to experiment with South Indian cooking, your kitchen needs to be stocked with rice, tamarind (or kokum), sambhar powder and rasam powder, ghee and cooking oils like groundnut, coconut or sesame oils. More importantly, you need to get your masala box or ‘anjarai petti’ (literally five-compartment box, although the modern ones have seven) equipped with mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, sesame seeds, red chillies, broken urad dal and chana dal, as these are frequently used in South Indian cooking. These ingredients in different combinations are used to make masalas for South Indian curries. Sometimes, they are ground raw, while sometimes they are roasted and ground. The method and proportions give each dish a distinctly different flavour even when the same ingredients are used. That said, the final master stroke in most South Indian dishes is the zesty tempering of mustard seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves, which gives the food a trademark South Indian seal!
More food stories to tell from each nook and corner
Each nook and corner of Tamil Nadu has a different food story to tell, and we realise now that it’s a mistake to try and cover it all in one article, so we urge you to read more about each of these cuisines (Andhra and Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka) and recreate the magic in your own kitchen using our authentic recipes. In India there is so much variety in each cuisine that it is difficult for an individual to entirely master their own cuisine. Just when you think you know all your native foods, someone busts the misconception and widens your horizon by sharing yet another treasure! While we focus on our own cuisines, we should also try and set aside at least a day every week to try the culinary gems from other Indian regions, so that we grow to appreciate the unity in diversity.
Try Our Other South Indian Recipes
119 South Indian Breakfast Recipes
45 South Indian Chutney Recipes
168 South Indian Curries, Subzis Recipes
117 South Indian Dosa Recipes
172 South Indian Idlis Recipes
53 South Indian Rasam Recipes
78 South Indian Rice Recipes
49 South Indian Sambar Recipes
90 South Indian Sweets Recipes
34 South Indian Vada Recipes
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Maharashtrian cuisine is a zesty and spicy one, which makes abundant use of aromatic and flavourful ingredients like peanuts, sesame seeds and chillies. There are several traditional snacks like Poha and dishes like Usal, which Maharashtrians enjoy having frequently. Zunka is one of the most famous Maharashtrain dishes, where the zunka is made using besan flour and had with hot bhakri. They also love rice, and feel dissatisfied if they do not have at least a little rice with the meal.
We list the Top Authentic Maharashtrain Dishes for Vegetarains.
1. Zunka
2. Misal Pav
4. Kanda Poha
5. Rava Sheera
7. Upma
8. Thalipeeth
Maharashtrian Recipes, Breakfast Recipes
Maharashtrian dishes commonly had for breakfast are Upma, Poha which are easy to prepare. Then there is Misal with Pav with some Chai. Some even have Chai and Chapatti.
Maharashtrian Bhaji, Vegetables
We have the entire range of Maharashtrian vegetables. The day to day vegetables range from Methi Pitla to commonly made potato vegetable Batata Chi Bhaji had with Chapatti or Puri. For more details look at Maharashtrian Bhaji Recipes
Fasting Upvas Maharashtrian Recipes
Generally, those on a fast get up early in the morning and take abhyanga bath to purify their body. Women make sure they wash their hair on fasting days. Common Mahrastrain Food made for fasting are made of Sabudana like Sabudana Khichdi and Sabudana Thalipeeth. For details of fasting look at Maharashtrian Upvas (Fasting) Recipes
Maharashtrian Recipes, Rice Bhaat Recipes
Most Maharashtrians have rice for dinner. They opt for spicy rice like Masala Bhaat. For more details look at Maharashtrian Bhaat (Rice) Recipes
Maharashtrian Chutney, Techa
Mahrashtrain recipes loved are Thecha with Bhakri. We highly recommend Green Chilli Thecha which you can have a meal with some good rice based Bhakri Chawal Bhakri. For more details look at Maharashtrian Rotis / Polis Recipes
Maharashtrian Mithai
Maharastrians love their Goudh which means sweets. They have their Til Laddu on Sankrant, Modak during Ganesh Chaturthi. For more details Maharashtrian Mithai Recipes
Maharashtrian Rotis
Yes, Mahrashtrians too love their Roti today. Aside from that they have to have a rice based recipe on the table, be it Dodkyacha Bhaat or a rice roti Chawal Bhakri. For more information see Maharashtrian Rotis / Polis Recipes
Maharashtrian Snacks
Who does not love the Thecha stuffed with Pav. Eat Green Chilli Thecha Stuffed Pav and you will forget about Vada Pav. More details at Maharashtrian Snacks Nashta Recipes
Maharashtrian Dal, Varan
They have Basic Toovar Dal Recipe with plain rice which is a common combination. Also popular is Moong Dal Khichdi. Details at Maharashtrian Bhaat (Rice) Recipes
Happy Cooking!
Try our other Maharashtrian Recipes
40 Maharashtrian Bhaat (Rice) Recipes
55 Maharashtrian Bhaji Recipes
44 Maharashtrian Breakfast Recipes
30 Maharashtrian Chutneys Pickles Recipes
32 Maharashtrian Varan Amti Kalvan Recipes
40 Maharashtrian Rotis Polis Recipes
24 Maharashtrian Snacks Nashta Recipes
Bengali cuisine has some unique characteristics that set it apart from the rest of the country’s food styles. Hailing from Eastern India, Bengali food makes use of mustard oil and a mixture of five seeds and spices called the panch phoron to get a special flavour. We present you over 200 Bengali Veg Recipes.
Bengalis prefer to make a meal of rice rather than rotis, and love peppy dishes like the Baingan Bhaja, Bati chorichori, Bengali-style okra had with Luchi which is favourite Bengali puri. They also have other Bengali Rotis like Aloo Ki Puri or Helathy Stuffed Luchi. Popular Bengali Dals are Bengali Matarsutir Dal and Bhaja Moong Dal Shobji Diya.
At night, Bengalis like to have a portion of khichdi with a simple raita. To get a true taste of Bengali Dishes, have a go at the Khichdi Bengali Style
The mithai of the region is also quite unique, characterised by the abundant use of chenna, a special type of cheese made by curdling milk. Bengali sweets like Rasgulla, Rasmalai, Chum Chum and Bhappa Doi are famous all over the country. Enter this section to make all these delectable Bengali treats in your own kitchen!
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Try our other Bengali Vegetarina Recipes.
Bengali Chutney Raitas Recipes
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Bengali Khichdi Rice Recipes
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15 Bengali Snacks Recipes
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90 Bengali Sweets Recipes
We have a large collection of different types of Hyderabadi dishes. Yes, it's clrealy evident that Hyderabadi recipes and the different types of Hyderabadi dishes are super popular not only in South India but all across our lovely country.
Hyderabadi cuisine is known for its tradition and richness. Even every day food is rich in flavour, with special masala pastes, while delicacies are even richer with abundant use of dry fruits and dairy products. We often find ingredients like cashew paste and fresh cream being used in gravies.
Likewise, dry fruits and nuts are also used extensively, not only in desserts and sweets but also in savoury Hyderabadi dishes like koftas, pulaos, subzis and snacks. This is due to the long period of Mughal rule in that region and the indestructible mark they have left on the culture and cuisine of the city.
Hyderabadi Dishes, it's all about Biryani
Veg Biryani have become synonymous with the Hyderabadi cuisine of that region. Biryani is a very richly flavoured rice preparation in which the rice is cooked with flavour-packed gravies, whole spices, veggies and other ingredients. The sequence in which the ingredients are added to the Biryani and the way the rice is cooked are all significant steps that make a Biryani perfect! Nowadays, it is easy to make Biryani using a pressure cooker or microwave oven, but the traditional method of cooking them in earthenware or closed handis gave them a special flavour and irresistible aroma.
Hyderabadi Recipes, Dals
Hyderabadi Khatti Dal is made daily in Hyderabad and a favourite of the region. Also the protein rich Spicy mixed dal is a must try.
Hyderabadi Dishes have the best Subzis
Mirchi ka Salan Hyderabadi style is a curry of Bhavnagari chillies, flavoured with a rich paste of roasted peanuts, coconut, sesame seeds and red chillies and is a great side dish for Biryani. Hyderabadi Veg Korma goes will with some hot naan.
Which paratha is the most popular Hyderabadi dish?
Our vote goes to Bidari Paratha and it goes really well with the famous Burhani Hyderabadi Raitas.
Hyderabadi Dishes, Sweet Dishes
A festive sweet from the rich Hyderabadi repertoire, the Double ka Meetha made with a unique mix of ingredients like bread, mava and almonds. We have Gil E Firdaus and lot more Hyderabadi sweet recipes.
Enjoy our vast collection of Hyderabadi recipes. My favourites are Qabooli Biryani, Hyderabadi Veg Haleem and Tamatar Ka Kut.
Happy Cooking!
Enjoy our Hyderabadi Dishes and Hyderabadi Recipes articles below.
Hyderabadi Dal Recipes
Hyderabadi Indian Bread Recipes
Hyderabadi Sabzis Recipes
Hyderabadi Soups Recipes
Hyderabadi Sweets Desserts Recipes
Hyderabadi Veg Biryani Recipes
Hyderabadi Side Dishes Accompanimnets Recipes