Rajasthan, the land of the Royals! And the food of Royal Rajasthan, an array of dishes! Rajasthani cuisine is very elaborate. Non-veg food plays a very important role in Rajasthani food. However, there is a huge variety of vegetarian dishes too. You name Rajasthani food and the first thing that pops up in the mind is dal baati churma. This meal has crossed the borders of Rajasthan, India and even India and is now prepared and is available in different parts of the world.
Thali literally means a big/large plate. Here, thali means a compilation of different food items starting from a starter and ending on dessert. The best way to understand and experience any cuisine is by trying its thali.
This Rajasthani thali is not the typical thali you will find at the Rajasthani restaurants etc. This thali includes the day to day food prepared in a Rajasthani kitchen. It can easily be prepared at home and doesn’t take too long.
Starting off the Rajasthani thali with the dessert. I prepared this rich and scrumptious aata ka halwa for the thali. Thali includes a bundle of dishes. Therefore, very elaborate desserts don’t work. Small portions of the desserts are included in the thali and only a little can be consumed at the end. Another reason for including atta ka halwa is that it is pretty simple to make and is liked by one and all.
For the recipe click here.
Pitod is a gram flour preparation. Gram flour is cooked with water or buttermilk and then spread and finally cut into cubes. These are super soft and have the texture as that of paneer. Pitod is then cooked in yogurt-based gravy, to make a spicy and flavorsome main course dish.
For the recipe click here.
This is on the go recipe when I want to have something nice for your lunch or dinner but not in a mood to cook, I quickly make malai pyaaz. The dish is ready in 20 minutes or so and is so rich that it is hard to believe that it doesn’t call for too many ingredients and too much time.
For the recipe click here.
Papad roasted and crushed and combined with more Rajasthani flavors, make a dish that is so perfect as a starter or as a side dish. The preparation for Rajasthani papad ki churi can be done beforehand and therefore it makes a quick side dish.
For the recipe click here.
No Indian thali is complete without chutney. This thali includes Rajasthani lehsun (garlic) chutney. It is a hot chutney prepared using lots of red chilies and garlic cloves. The hint of ginger adds to the heat and flavor of the chutney.
For the recipe click here.
I prepared this thaali during peak summers and therefore kairi ka pani is a part of it. It is a sweet cum tangy drink. Kairi ka pani helps to fight the heat stroke. It is very much similar to aam panna. However, its consistency is as that of water and it is a perfect welcome drink during hot days.
For the recipe click here.
In Rajasthan, people just crush the onion by placing it between the palms and have it with their meals. Doing so the sharpness of the onion vanishes. It has been placed on the thali.
The above menu doesn’t need any fancy bread. Just prepare garam garam tawa roti and enjoy the thali.