Discover the Rich Flavours of Punjabi Cuisine

Punjabi cuisine is known for its rich, vibrant flavours and hearty, comforting dishes. It reflects the cultural diversity and agricultural heritage of Punjab, a region that spans northern India and Pakistan. Whether it's the iconic butter chicken or the humble daal, Punjabi food offers something for everyone. Here’s a deep dive into some of the most loved Punjabi dishes and their recipes.

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

One of the most popular dishes in Punjabi cuisine, Butter Chicken is a creamy, spiced chicken curry that has gained global recognition. Here's how you can make it at home:

Ingredients:

• Chicken (boneless) – 500g

• Tomatoes – 3, blended

• Onion – 1, finely chopped

• Garlic and Ginger paste – 1 tbsp

• Butter – 2 tbsp

• Cream – 1/4 cup

• Garam Masala – 1 tsp

• Red chilli powder – 1 tsp

• Kasuri Methi – 1 tsp

• Salt – to taste

• Fresh coriander – for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken with yoghurt, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt for at least 1 hour.

2. Heat butter in a pan, and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger paste until golden brown.

3. Add the blended tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.

4. Add the marinated chicken and cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes.

5. Stir in cream and cook for another 5 minutes.

6. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with naan or rice.

Amritsari Kulcha

Amritsari Kulcha is a type of stuffed flatbread that originates from the city of Amritsar. It's often served with chole (spicy chickpea curry) and yogurt.

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour – 2 cups

• Baking powder – 1/2 tsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

• Sugar – 1 tsp

• Curd – 1/4 cup

• Water – as needed

• Stuffing ingredients: mashed potatoes, green chillies, coriander, cumin seeds, garam masala

Instructions:

1. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add curd and knead into a smooth dough.

2. Let the dough rest for 1 hour.

3. For the stuffing, mix mashed potatoes with chopped coriander, cumin seeds, garam masala, and green chillies.

4. Roll out small balls of dough, stuff them with the filling, and roll them again into round shapes.

5. Cook on a hot tawa (griddle) until golden brown on both sides.

6. Serve hot with chole or yoghurt.

Sarson Da Saag and Makki Di Roti

This is a quintessential Punjabi winter dish. The combination of mustard greens (sarson) and maize flour flatbreads (makki di roti) is comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• Mustard greens – 500g

• Spinach – 100g

• Maize flour – 2 cups

• Garlic – 4 cloves, chopped

• Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated

• Green chillies – 2, chopped

• Ghee – 2 tbsp

• Salt – to taste

• Butter – for serving

Instructions:

1. Boil mustard greens, spinach, garlic, ginger, and chillies in water for 10-15 minutes.

2. Blend the cooked greens into a smooth paste.

3. In a pan, heat ghee and add the paste. Cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. To make the rotis, mix maize flour with water and knead into a soft dough. Roll out the dough into flatbreads.

5. Cook the rotis on a tawa until golden brown, applying ghee on both sides.

6. Serve the saag with hot makki di roti and a dollop of butter.

Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a beloved Punjabi street food combination of spicy chickpeas and deep-fried bread. It’s typically enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.

Ingredients for Chole:

• Chickpeas – 1 cup (soaked overnight)

• Onion – 1, finely chopped

• Tomatoes – 2, chopped

• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp

• Garam masala – 1 tsp

• Chole masala – 1 1/2 tbsp

• Green chillies – 2, chopped

• Salt – to taste

Ingredients for Bhature:

• All-purpose flour – 2 cups

• Baking soda – 1/2 tsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

• Sugar – 1 tsp

• Yoghurt – 1/4 cup

• Warm water – as needed

• Oil – for frying

Instructions for Chole:

1. Pressure cook soaked chickpeas with water for 15-20 minutes or until soft.

2. In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions, ginger-garlic paste, and tomatoes.

3. Add the cooked chickpeas, spices, and cook for 10-15 minutes, adding water to adjust the consistency.

Instructions for Bhature:

1. Combine all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda in a bowl.

2. Add yoghurt and knead into a smooth dough, let it rest for 2 hours.

3. Divide the dough into small balls, and roll them into round shapes.

4. Deep fry the bhature until golden and puffed up.

5. Serve the hot bhature with spicy chole and enjoy!

Lassi – A Refreshing Punjabi Drink

Lassi is a traditional Punjabi yoghurt drink that can be enjoyed in both sweet and salty varieties. It’s perfect to balance out spicy meals.

Ingredients:

• Yoghurt – 2 cups

• Water – 1/2 cup

• Sugar – 2 tbsp (for sweet lassi)

• Salt – to taste (for salted lassi)

• Ice cubes – optional

• Fresh mint – for garnish

Instructions:

1. Whisk yoghurt with water until smooth.

2. For sweet lassi, add sugar and blend until dissolved.

3. For salty lassi, add salt and blend with a pinch of cumin powder.

4. Add ice cubes if desired and serve chilled with a mint garnish.