The food in Rajasthan is as diverse as the State itself. In some areas it is simple and basic while in others it is exotic and elaborate. As it normally happens, the cooking was influenced by the land and the lifestyle of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in this region. The cuisines of Rajasthan have a magnificent range of unique, colourful and spicy and sweet dishes. The dishes of Rajasthan have become so popular all over the country that many Rajasthan food festivals are arranged.
The ancient princely state of Rajasthan gave rise to a royal cuisine. The Rajas who went on hunting expeditions ate the meat or the fowl that they brought back. Even today, Rajasthani princely feasts flaunt meat cuisines that are incomparable. In contrast are the vegetarian Rajasthanis. Their food cooked in pure ghee is famous for it's mouth - watering aroma.
The sweets of Rajasthan are equally good as the spicy delicacies. Sweets are an integral part of the Rajasthani food which are not merely used as desserts and are consumed before and even along with the meal. Besanchakki, Dilkhushaal, Churma, Balushahi, Motichoor ladoos, Ghevar are some of the popular sweets of Rajasthan.
Famous Rajasthani Dishes
The use of pure ghee, gram flour, lentil, Bajra, chilies, corn and mango powder is very common in most of the dishes which are cooked in Rajasthan. The best known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma but for the adventurous traveller, willing to experiment, there is a lot of variety available.
Besides, each region is distinguished by its popular sweet - Mawa Kachori from Jodhpur, Malpuas from Pushkar, Papad and Rasogullas from Bikaner, Ghevar from Jaipur. Diljani from Udaipur, mishri mawa and ghever grom Jaipur, Sohan Halwa from Ajmer, Mawa from Alwar, kachora from Nasirabad, tilpatti from Beawar and Kachori from Kota. The list is endless.
Bajre ki Khichdi
Khichdi is an easy to digest healthy Indian food preparation made from rice and lentils.
It is a very popular dish across India and other countries. The dish is widely prepared in many Indian states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Bengal. Vegetables such as cauliflower, potato, and green peas are commonly added. A popular variant in coastal Maharashtra is made with prawns.
Dal Bati Churma
Dal Bati Choorma is a Rajasthani Dish which has three main servings - Dal(lentil), Bati (baked wheat balls) and Choorma (sweet cereal powder). Dal is served with Bati and Churma.
The preparations take longer as compared to other Indian dishes as all the three servings are prepared separately. It is one of the most common preparation in all kinds of functions, including religious occasions, wedding ceremonies and birthday parties in Rajasthan.
DilKushar - Besan Ki Chakki
Dilkushar, popularly known as besan ki chakki, is a traditional Rajasthani sweet made of Gram flour. Gram flour is a major ingredients here and used to make some of the delicacies like Khatta, gatta ki sabji, pakodi, powedered lentile are used for mangodi, papad.
This mithai is also called Besan ki Chakki or Mohanthal usually made at weddings and on special occasions.
Ghewar
Ghewar is a delicious Rajasthani sweet, consists of rounded cakes of wheat flour which suger syrup is poured. Ghewar sweet known for its matchless sweetness comes in varieties such as plain, desi ghee, paneer and mawa. Paneer ghewar is garnished with paneer and is highly demanded for their tasty flavor. It is generally prepared in January for Makar Sankranti, in March-April for Gangaur and in July-August for the Teej festival.
The demand for Ghewar remains high during the Teej which marks the beginning of a series of fairs and festivals, which are celebrated throughout the autumn and winter months in Rajasthan, culminating in the spring festival of Gangaur.
Jodhpuri Mawa Kachori
A number of Indian delicacies have originated in Jodhpur . To name a few, the delectable Makhaniya Lassi, Mawa Kachori, Pyaaj Kachori, Hot & Spicy Mirchibada, Lapsi (a special kind of dessert made with wheat, Jaggery, and ghee)
Mawa Kachori is a sweet made of mawa stuffed in kachori. It is a very special and prestigious dish originated from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
It was invented by Rawat Mishthan Bhandar, Jodhpur . Hence, the Mawa Kachori of Rawat Mishthan Bhandar is considered as best in the town.
Kalakand - Mishri Mawa
Kalakand is a popular Indian sweet made out of solidified, sweetened milk and cottage cheese. Famous after its originating place Alwar this is become commonly known as Alwars Kalakand (Milk Cake), which tempts everybody with its rich aeroma.
This sweet is so renowned for its excellent taste that even a street is named in Alwar after this particular dish.
Mirchi Vada - A Tasty Snack From Rajasthan
Snacks in Rajasthan vary from deep fried Samosa and Mirchi Bada to the lighter Bhujiya. But every snack has a distinctive flavor and texture, to suit everyones palate.
Mirchi Bada, is a spicy Rajasthani snack consisting of chili (Mirchi) and potato stuffing, served hot with tomato sauce or occasionally with mint and tamarind chutney.
Moong Dal ka Halwa
Moong Dal ka Halwa is a unique sweet dish of lentils sweetened with milk and sugar. This calorie laden halwa is often prepared during the winter months, as it is supposed to keep the body warm and protect it from the bitter winter cold.
Moong Dal ka Halwa is a very popular dish across India and other countries. This dessert is very common in the States of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. It is considered to be auspicious for Holi and Diwali and it even features on wedding menus.
Pyaz ki Kachori - A Spicy Onion Dish
Rajasthan has its own specialty and the most popular food is the combination of dal, bati, churma but for the adventurous traveler, willing to experiment, there is a lot of variety available. Besides spicy flavors Jodhpur region is famous for its pyaz ki kachori.
Pyaz ki kachori originated from Jodhpur. Although now, this spicy circular shaped fried dish is popular throughout Rajasthan and in fact the whole country.
Rabri - A Delicious Sweetdish
The Sweets in Rajasthan is as diverse as the state itself. In some areas it is simple and basic while in others it is exotic and elaborate. Rabri is a sweet, condensed milk based dish and easy to make at home and can serve as a tongue licking dessert.
Sohan Halwa - A Sweet Dish of Ajmer Rajasthan
Each region has its own special food item that is identified with the town or city. While trying the various delicacies dont miss out the Sohan Halwa of Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Native Rajasthanis have a unique style of coupling the sweet dishes with the main (bread/roti/puri) course instead of or in addition to vegetables or meat. Halwa Puri for example makes a famous combination.