Flavours of Madhya Pradesh

Introduction to Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, in central India, is famous for its rich history and diverse culture. It boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Khajuraho Temples and Sanchi Stupa. The state’s capital is Bhopal, and it offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern development. Its varied landscape includes forests, plateaus, and rivers, making it a destination for both history and nature lovers.

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Culinary brief on foods from Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh’s cuisine features dishes like Poha (flattened rice with spices), Dal Bafla (lentils with baked wheat bread), and kebabs. Popular sweets include Gulab Jamun, Malpua, and Jalebi. The cuisine is known for its mix of sweet and savory flavors with a variety of spices.

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Popular street-side foods from MP

Popular street foods in Madhya Pradesh include Poha, Samosa, Aloo Tikki, Kachori, Jalebi, Mawa Bati, Chai, Bhutte ka Kees, Sabudana Khichdi, and Bhel Puri. These dishes offer a mix of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours, making them favourite choices for locals and visitors alike.

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6 recipes from the cuisine with step-by-step method and ingredients list.

RECIPE – 1 ] Poha

Ingredients

Method

2 cups flattened rice (poha) 1 onion, finely chopped 1 potato, diced 2-3 green chilies, chopped 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder Salt to taste 1/4 cup roasted peanuts Fresh coriander leaves for garnish Lemon juice (optional)

1. Rinse poha under running water, drain, and set aside. 2. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter. 3. Add chopped onions, green chillies, and diced potatoes. Sauté until the potatoes are cooked. 4. Add turmeric, salt, and poha. Mix gently. 5. Cover and cook for a few minutes until the poha is heated through. 6. Garnish with roasted peanuts, fresh coriander leaves, and a dash of lemon juice if desired.

RECIPE – 2 ] Dal Bafla

Ingredients	Method
1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup semolina (suji) 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter) 1 cup arhar dal (split pigeon pea lentils) Spices: cumin seeds, hing (asafoetida), turmeric, and salt Fresh coriander leaves for garnish	1. Prepare the bafla dough by mixing whole wheat flour, semolina, ghee, and water to form a stiff dough. 2. Shape the dough into small, round balls, and steam them until cooked. 3. Cook arhar dal with spices to make dal. 4. Serve the dal with the steamed bafla and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

RECIPE – 3 ] Biryani

Ingredients	Method
2 cups Basmati rice 500g chicken or vegetables Spices: cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves 2 onions, finely sliced 2 tomatoes, chopped Ginger-garlic paste Yogurt Biryani masala Ghee Fresh mint and coriander leaves Saffron strands soaked in milk (for garnish)	1. Cook rice with whole spices, and set it aside. 2. In a separate pot, sauté onions, add ginger-garlic paste, and cook chicken or vegetables. 3. Add yogurt, biryani masala, and tomatoes. 4. Cook until the mixture thickens. 5. Layer the cooked rice and the chicken/vegetable mixture in a pot. 6. Garnish with mint, coriander leaves, and saffron milk. 7. Cook on low heat for a few minutes.

RECIPE – 4 ] Seekh Kebab

Ingredients

Method

500g ground meat (chicken, mutton, or beef)    1 onion, finely chopped    2-3 cloves garlic, minced    1-inch piece of ginger, grated    Spices: cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala    Salt to taste    Fresh coriander leaves, chopped     Skewers

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and spices.    2. Mix well and let the mixture marinate for at least an hour.    3. Preheat your grill or oven.    4. Thread the meat mixture onto skewers, shaping them into long, cylindrical kebabs.    5. Grill or bake the kebabs until they are cooked through and have a charred exterior.    6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

RECIPE – 5 ] Aloo Tikki

Ingredients	Method
4-5 boiled potatoes, mashed    1/2 cup boiled and mashed peas    2-3 green chillies, finely chopped    1 teaspoon cumin seeds    Spices: coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala    Salt to taste    Oil for shallow frying	1. In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, peas, green chillies, cumin seeds, and spices.    2. Shape the mixture into round patties (tikkis).    3. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the tikkis until they turn golden brown on both sides.    4. Serve hot with chutney or yogurt.

RECIPE – 6 ] Jalebi

Ingredients

Method

1 cup all-purpose flour   1 teaspoon yogurt   Saffron strands (for color)   1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder   Ghee or oil for frying   For syrup: sugar, water, saffron strands, and cardamom powder

1. Prepare a smooth batter with all-purpose flour, yogurt, saffron strands, and cardamom powder. Add water to achieve a thick consistency.    2. Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle or a cloth with a small hole.    3. Heat ghee or oil in a pan for deep frying.    4. Squeeze the batter in spiral shapes into the hot oil. 5. Fry until jalebis turn crispy and golden.    6. Prepare a sugar syrup by dissolving sugar in water, adding saffron and cardamom.    7. Soak the fried jalebis in the sugar syrup for a few minutes.    8. Serve hot or at room temperature.

How is the food of MP different from the rest of India?

Madhya Pradesh’s cuisine differs from that of other parts of India, characterised by its milder use of spices, emphasis on wheat-based dishes, a distinct biryani style, tribal influences, and a balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. It’s a unique fusion of flavours and traditions reflecting the state’s cultural diversity.

In conclusion, Madhya Pradesh’s cuisine sets itself apart with its moderate spices, wheat-based staples, and a rich blend of regional and tribal influences, making it a culinary delight with a unique regional identity.

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