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The Ultimate Guide to Punjabi Food Recipes

The Ultimate Guide to Punjabi Food Recipes

Punjabi cuisine is known for its rich flavors, buttery textures, and mouthwatering dishes. Whether you're craving something spicy, creamy, or wholesome, Punjabi food offers a delightful experience for every palate. Let's explore some of the most famous Punjabi recipes that you can try at home.

1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

One of the most beloved Punjabi dishes, Butter Chicken is a creamy, tomato-based curry that pairs perfectly with naan or rice.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken (boneless or bone-in)

  • Tomatoes

  • Butter

  • Fresh cream

  • Ginger-garlic paste

  • Garam masala

  • Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Cooking Method:

  1. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, spices, and lemon juice.

  2. Cook the marinated chicken in a tandoor or pan.

  3. Prepare a rich tomato-based gravy with butter, cream, and spices.

  4. Add the cooked chicken to the gravy and simmer until flavors blend.

2. Sarson Da Saag and Makki Di Roti

A traditional winter delicacy, this combination is made with mustard greens and maize flour flatbread.

Ingredients for Sarson Da Saag:

  • Mustard greens (sarson)

  • Spinach (optional)

  • Ginger, garlic, and green chilies

  • Makki (maize) flour

  • Ghee

Cooking Method:

  1. Boil mustard greens with ginger, garlic, and chilies.

  2. Blend the greens into a coarse mixture.

  3. Add makki flour to thicken and cook well.

  4. Serve with a dollop of ghee and Makki Di Roti.

3. Chole Bhature

A popular Punjabi street food, this dish consists of spicy chickpea curry served with deep-fried bread.

Ingredients for Chole:

  • Chickpeas (soaked overnight)

  • Onions, tomatoes, and garlic

  • Garam masala and chole masala

  • Tea bags (for color)

Cooking Method:

  1. Pressure cook chickpeas with tea bags for a dark color.

  2. Prepare a masala base with onions, tomatoes, and spices.

  3. Add the boiled chickpeas and simmer.

  4. Serve hot with fluffy Bhature.

4. Rajma Chawal

A comforting Punjabi dish made of kidney beans cooked in a rich tomato gravy and served with rice.

Ingredients for Rajma:

  • Kidney beans (soaked overnight)

  • Tomatoes, onions, and ginger-garlic paste

  • Garam masala and cumin

Cooking Method:

  1. Boil kidney beans until soft.

  2. Sauté onions, tomatoes, and spices.

  3. Add the boiled beans and cook until thick.

  4. Serve with steamed rice.

5. Amritsari Fish Fry

A crispy, spiced fish fry that is famous in Amritsar.

Ingredients:

  • Boneless fish (like Surmai or Sole)

  • Gram flour

  • Yogurt and mustard oil

  • Carom seeds (ajwain)

Cooking Method:

  1. Marinate the fish with spices and yogurt.

  2. Coat with gram flour and deep fry.

  3. Serve with mint chutney.

6. Lassi – The Punjabi Refreshment

A thick, creamy yogurt-based drink that is a staple in Punjabi households.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh curd

  • Sugar or salt

  • Cardamom or saffron (for flavor)

Preparation:

  1. Blend curd with sugar/salt and chilled water.

  2. Garnish with dry fruits.

Punjabi cuisine is a celebration of flavors and traditions. Try these recipes at home and enjoy the authentic taste of Punjab!