Varsha PandeyThe food of Madhya Pradesh offers a wide range of flavor
Madhya Pradesh, in central India, has a diverse and rich culinary tradition.
The cuisine of Madhya Pradesh is by various regions and communities within the state, resulting in a wide range of delicious dishes.
Here are some popular foods of Madhya Pradesh
Dal Bafla-food of Madhya Pradesh
It is one of the most famous dishes in the region. Bafla is a baking dough ball made from wheat flour and is served with a spicy lentil curry called Dal.
Dal Bafla is a popular and traditional dish from the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a close cousin of the better-known Dal Baati Churma from the neighboring state of Rajasthan. Dal Bafla consists of three key components: Dal, Bafla, and Chutney.
Here’s a breakdown of each component
Dal (Lentil Curry)
The dal in Dal Bafla is typically made from chana dal (split chickpeas) or a combination of chana dal and toor dal (split pigeon peas).
The lentils are soaked, cooked until soft, and then mashed.
The cooked lentils are then seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The dal is often prepared with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida (hing) in ghee or oil.
The resulting dal is creamy, flavorful, and mildly spiced.
Bafla (Steamed and Roasted Dumplings)
Bafla is a type of dumpling made from wheat flour dough. The dough is prepared by mixing wheat flour, salt, and a small amount of ghee with water to form a stiff dough.
Small portions of the dough are shaped into round or oval balls and then flattened slightly.
These dough portions are then steamed until they are cooked through.
After steaming, the bafla dumplings are roasted or grilled over an open flame or on a griddle to give them a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
The roasting process imparts a unique smoky flavor and texture to the bafla.
Chutney (Sauce)
Dal Bafla is often served with a spicy and tangy chutney made from ingredients like tomatoes, green chilies, garlic, and coriander leaves.
The chutney adds a delightful kick to the meal and complements the richness of the dal and the earthy flavors of the bafla.
Dal Bafla is a wholesome and satisfying meal that showcases the use of locally available ingredients in Madhya Pradesh. It’s a comfort food that is commonly enjoyed in both homes and local eateries in the region. The combination of the soft, spiced lentil curry with the crispy and smoky bafla dumplings, along with the zesty chutney, creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.
Bhutte Ka Kees-food of Madhya Pradesh
It is a savory dish from corn kernels with spices and milk, and garnishing is done with coriander leaves. It has a unique and delicious flavor.
Poha-food of Madhya Pradesh
Poha is a popular breakfast dish from flattened rice. cook with onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices, giving it a tangy and flavorful taste.
Rogan Josh
This is a spicy meat curry with lamb or mutton. Cook meat with a blend of aromatic spices and yogurt, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
Malpua-food of Madhya Pradesh
Malpua is a sweet dish from a batter of flour, milk, and sugar. The batter is deep-fried until golden brown and then soaked in sugar syrup. It is often served with rabri (sweet condensed milk).
Bhopali Gosht Korma-food of Madhya Pradesh
It is a traditional Mughlai dish from Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The dish consists of tender mutton cooked in a rich and creamy gravy made with yogurt, spices, and nuts.
Bhutte Ka Kebab-food of Madhya Pradesh
These are vegetarian kebabs made from mashed corn, potatoes, and spices. They are shaped into patties and shallow-fried until crispy on the outside.
Sabudana Khichdi
This is a popular fasting dish made from soaked and cooked sago pearls (sabudana). It is typically cooked with peanuts, and potatoes, and flavored with spices.
Lavang Lata
It is a sweet dish from the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. Lavang Lata is made from all-purpose flour, sugar, and cardamom. The dough is shaped into small cylindrical shapes, deep-fried, and then soaked in sugar syrup.
Biryani
Biryani is a popular dish in Madhya Pradesh, especially in cities like Bhopal and Indore. It is a flavorful rice dish cooked with meat (usually chicken or mutton), fragrant spices, and aromatic herbs.
Kebabs
Madhya Pradesh is known for its delectable kebabs. Some popular varieties include Seekh Kebab (minced meat skewers), Galouti Kebab (melt-in-your-mouth minced meat patties), and Boti Kebab (tender pieces of meat marinated and grilled).
Malwa Dal Bafla
Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh has its own version of Dal Bafla. It is made by boiling bafla (wheat dough balls) in water and then baking them. It is served with spicy dal (lentil curry) and ghee, giving it a unique taste.
Jalebi
Jalebi is a popular sweet dish in Madhya Pradesh as well as in many parts of India. It is made by deep-frying a fermented batter of all-purpose flour and then soaking the fried spirals in sugar syrup. Jalebi is often served with rabri (sweet condensed milk) or served hot with milk.
Kusli
Kusli is a traditional sweet from the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. It is made by deep-frying a dough of gram flour, ghee, and sugar syrup. The fried dough is then coated with powdered sugar, giving it a crunchy texture.
Mawa Bati
Mawa Bati is a rich and sweet dish made from mawa (milk solids), sugar, and flour. The mixture is shaped into small balls and deep-fried until golden brown. It is usually served with sugar syrup.
Petha: Petha is a famous sweet delicacy from the city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. It is from pieces of ash gourd (also known as winter melon) cook in sugar syrup. Petha comes in various flavors and is often eat as a dessert.
These are just a few more examples of the diverse food culture in Madhya Pradesh. The state offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, ranging from spicy curries to delectable sweets. Exploring the local street food and traditional cuisine is a must for any food lover visiting Madhya Pradesh.
