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Cuisines of
Himachal Pradesh |
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Cuisine :
Cuisine of Himachal might not be as rich and varied as
many other Indian states yet it definitely has a uniqueness
of its own. Influence of Punjab and Tibet can be clearly
seen in the Himachal cuisine. Moreover, the geographical and
climatic conditions of the state have also had an impact on
the way and kind of dishes prepared in the state. |
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Usual Food
& Drink
The day to day food of Himachal Pradesh is simple and very
much like the rest of the north Indian states. Rice, paddy
and maize are the staple diet. Rice along with Maahni (urad
dal prepared with dried mangoes) or Madra (lentils made with
yoghurt). In Chamba, Madra is cooked using rajmah, yoghurt,
desi ghee and around 20 spices. Also, dishes made from
Salayara and an iron rich cereal called, Kodra form part of
the regular food. Sattu, another nutritious item is made use
of on daily basis.
Himachalis are specially fond of non vegetarian food. So
much so that till recently, the only vegetables that the
people made use of here were potatoes and turnips. However,
gradually, green vegetables are increasingly been used on
daily basis. Non vegetarian items are cooked along with good
amount of spices and ghee.
Tea is extremely important for the people of Himachal
Pradesh. A number of recipes for preparing tea are known by
the people. The importance of milk and other dairy products
is also recognized by most of the people. |
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Festival
Food & Drink
Amongst festive food, the traditional meal, dham finds
instant mention. Dham is prepared by botis only who are
brahmin chefs and have been in this profession for
generations. The utensils used for cooking the food are
normally copper ones. The preparations for dham begin a
night before, and when ready, it is served in courses to
people who sit on floor. Epattalsi or leaf plates are
utilized to |
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serve the
food. And as for
the dishes themselves, they include rice, a curd based dish,
curry, mustard based raita, pulses and sweets.
There are other festival dishes that are prepared in
Himachal Pradesh. Ankalos are made of rice flour while
aktori, a cake is prepared by mixing leaves of buckwheat
with wheat flour. Then, there is also Patande which is a
type of pancake dish.
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Other Foods
The people of Himachal Pradesh also eat a variety of other
Indian and International cuisine like for example south
Indian, Thai, Chinese and Italian. Dosas and Uttaphams are
the most favorite of south Indian dishes while momos and
pastas are consumed with equal delight. Infect pastas
seasoned with different kinds of souses and spices are
widely eaten throughout the state of Himachal |
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Pradesh. Tibet and Japan too have their influence on the cuisine of
Himachal. Amdo is one of the dish that owes its origin to
the northeastern region of Tibet. |
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