The Punjabi region of India is noteworthy for many things. One of the many joys of this region is the cuisine. Not only is the food marvelous, but you can also make it at home.
Butter Chicken
Of all the many famous dishes of this region, it is perhaps Butter Chicken that everyone knows about and loves so much. For this one, you can make it with as much spice or as little as you like.
Take as much chicken as you want. Make sure it’s raw. A marinade is an easy way to make it all come together. Take two tablespoons of chili powder. Combine with a tablespoon of ground ginger, garlic paste and a bit of lemon juice. Make the gravy from a tablespoon of oil, two cubes of butter, a quarter of a cup of cream, four chopped tomatoes, some ground mace, and cardamon.
Marinate the chicken in the mix in the fridge for at least an hour. Then roast the chicken in the oven thirty minutes. While it’s roasting, you can make the gravy. Take the oil and add the rest of the ingredients. Put the chicken in the pan and let the whole thing cook for at least ten minutes. Serve hot over rice.
Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is another one of those dishes from this region that people love eating. If you’re not much into lentils, you’ll find this super easy dal makhani recipe will win you over in a flash.
You need cooking oil, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, a seeded jalapeno pepper, a cup of diced tomatoes, a cup of uncooked black lentils, a cup of kidney beans, five cups of water, a bay leaf, a tablespoon of lime juice and cilantro to top it.
Saute the onion and spices for five minutes. Add the tomatoes, both beans, water, and the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and then leave on low heat for thirty-five minutes. Blend half in a blender and combine with the rest. Serve with the lime juice and cilantro. You can serve this one with rice or naan.
Masala Channa
Healthy and delicious chickpeas take center stage right here. This is great for the vegan in your life or for something that you can bring to a neighborhood potluck.
You want oil for frying, ground cumin, a chopped onion, minced garlic and ginger, chopped green chilies, ground coriander, ground turmeric, a can of chopped tomatoes, two cans of chickpeas, a pinch of sugar and a bit of fresh lime juice.
Fry onion and cumin for a base. Combine with the rest of the ingredients and let simmer for at least fifteen minutes. The goal is a marinated flavor that lets you savor the best of cooking from this region. Cool before serving. This one will keep for at least a month in your fridge.
All of these recipes are yours to enjoy any time of the year. Make them for yourself or with a large crowd.
