Posts Tagged rajasthan food

Mawa Kachori – Special Sweet Dish from Jodhpur Rajasthan

Mawa Kachori is a sweet made of mawa stuffed in kachori. It is a very special and prestigious dish originated from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

It was invented by Rawat Mishthan Bhandar, Jodhpur . Hence, the Mawa Kachori of Rawat Mishthan Bhandar is considered as best in the town. People of Jodhpur feel prestigious to take Mawa Kachori with them for their relatives outside Jodhpur.

Similarly people visiting from other cities to Jodhpur don’t forget to take Mawa Kachori especially Rawat’s Mawa Kachori with them.

In Jaipur,  famous sweet shops such as Rawat sweet and Kanji sweets near the bus stand and at LMB, Johri Bazar are among the famous shops to get Mawa ki Kacori”.


Ingredients required to make Mawa ki Kachori

  1. 1 cup plain flour (maida)
  2. Khoya (mawa), 1/2 cup
  3. a pinch of salt
  4. ghee or oil for deep frying

For filling

  1. Almond, silvered, 1 Tbsp grated
  2. Pista (pistachios), 1 Tbsp pigratedces
  3. Cardamom, freshly powdered, 1 tsp
  4. Cinnamon (Dalchini), powdered, 1/2 tspn [See <"/hindinames-spices-pictures.html">Cinnamon dalchini picture]
  5. a few saffron strands
  6. 1 cup sugar
  7. 1 cup water for syrup


How to Prepare Mawa ki Kachori

  1. Take plain flour and add a pinch of salt and 1 Tbs ghee or oil. Knead into a firm dough using enough water.
  2. Use enopugh water and knead well for about 5 minutes to make a firm dough. Divide the dough into 10 equal balls and keep aside by coverfing with a damp muslin cloth for 15 minutes.

Procedure for Kachori:

  1. Roll one ball to a size of about 3 inch diameter roti. Place 2 tsp of filling stuff at its center. Dampen the edge of the roti with water and hold at 4-5 points at its rim, bringing close at the center. Press the points tightly so that the filling is sealed inside. Press this ball with your palm gently. Repeat with other balls.
  2. Bake or deep fry all the balls and keep aside to cool.
  3. Prepare a chasni syrup of 2 threads by dissolving 1 cup sugar in 1 cup water.
  4. Make a hole of size 1 cm at the top center of each kachori and pour approximately 2 tsp of the chasni into it. Pour some chasni outside on the kachori also.

Image Source: Rediff

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    DilKushar(Besan Ki Chakki) – A Yummy Sweet Dish of Rajasthan

    The cuisines of Rajasthan have a magnificent range of unique, colourful and spicy and sweet  dishes. The dishes of Rajasthan have become so popular all over the country that many Rajasthan food festivals are arranged.

    About DilKushar or Called “Mohanthal”

    Besides spicy flavours, each region is distinguished by its popular sweets. Most people from Rajasthan have a natural liking for sweets or ‘Mithai’ as it is locally called. The variety of sweet dishes is also immense and sweets are relished as much as the spicy curries in Rajasthan.

    So Today we will discuss about DilKushar, A famous sweet dish made from gram flour.

    This divine mithai is also called “Besan ki Chakki” or “Mohanthal”. This is usually made at weddings and on special occasions.It is a complicated mithai to make and one needs a little practice to perfect this recipe.

    It is traditionally made with coarsely ground besan, so that the barfi has a nice chewy texture, but since it is difficult to obtain coarsely ground besan, you can also use plain besan instead.

    Ingredients required to make DilKushar or Mohanthal

    1. 2 cups coarsely ground Bengal gram flour (besan)
    2. 1 cup ghee
    3. 1 cup (150 grams) grated khoya (mava)
    4. 1 teaspoon cardamom powder (elaichi)

    For the sugar syrup

    1. 1½ cups (300grams) sugar
    2. 1 cup water
    3. 2 tablespoons milk

    For the garnish

    1. 4 tablespoons chopped almonds and pistachios

    How to Make DilKushar or Mohanthal

    1.     Place the gram flour in a bowl.
    2.     Heat the ghee and pour half of it over the gram flour.
    3.     Rub the ghee into the gram flour till the mixture resembles bread crumbs.
    4.     Put the remaining hot ghee in a kadhai, add the gram flour mixture and cook till the mixture is golden brown, stirring continuously.
    5.     Add the grated khoya and cardamom powder and stir for about 5 to 7 minutes.
    6.     Remove from the heat and allow to cool till it is warm.
    For the sugar syrup
    1.     Mix the sugar with water in a pan and simmer for 10 minutes.
    2.     Add the milk to the boiling sugar syrup.
    3.     The impurities will from a grey layer. Remove this layer gently using a slotted spoon.
    4.     Simmer till the syrup is of 1 string consistency. Keep the syrup hot.
    How to proceed
    1.     Pour the hot sugar syrup over the cooked gram flour mixture and stir well.
    2.     Pour into a greased 225 mm. (9″) diameter thali with 25 mm. (1″) high sides.
    3.     Sprinkle chopped almonds and pistachios on top and allow to set for 4 to 5 hours.
    4.     Cut into 25 mm. (1″) squares.
    5.     Serve at room temperature.

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    Sohan Halwa – A Famous Sweet Dish of Ajmer Rajasthan

    Sohan Halwa from Ajmer, Rajasthan

    Sohan Halwa from Ajmer, Rajasthan

    Native Rajasthanis have a unique style of coupling the sweet dishes with the main (bread/roti/puri) course instead of or in addition to vegetables or meat. Halwa – Puri for example makes a famous combination.

    Here again we find a great use of pulses, legumes, diary products etc and a unique style of rustling up the desserts. A great use of clarified butter (ghee) characterizes the sweets.

    These are over cooked and often chashni (caramel) based. Halwas and Chakkis are a must on most festive occasion. A variety of dal ka halwas are made using lentils such as Moong Dal ka Halwa, made of green gram (split) or semoina (Sooji ka Halwa).

    So Today we discover about Sohan Halwa (Corn Starch Halva) Recipe, a famous sweet dish of Ajmer,  Rajasthan

    Ingredients Required to make “Sohan Halwa”

    • 1 kg Corn flour
    • 1 kg Sugar
    • 1 kg Ghee
    • 1 Cup milk
    • 100 gms Almonds
    • 100 gms Pistachios
    • 1 tsp Saffron

    How to make “Sohan Halwa”

    •    Mix corn flour in 1 cup of water
    •    Allow it to dissolve properly.
    •    Dissolve saffron in water.
    •    Mix 3 cups of water in sugar and boil for it for sometime.
    •    Add milk and boil it for 5 minutes.
    •    Mix corn flour and saffron mixture to it.
    •    Cook the mixture over medium heat.
    •    As the mixture turns thick, start adding oil.
    •    Continue adding oil and stirring till the mixture gets separated.
    •    Add almonds and pistachios.
    •    Place this mixture on greased plate.
    •    Keep it for cooling for a while.
    •    Cut into square pieces.
    •    Crunchy Sohan Halva is ready.

    Image Source: GiftMela

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    Lahsun ki Chutney (लहसुन की चटनी) – A Must Have Pickle in Winters in Rajasthan

    Lahsun ki Chutney or Garlic paste is one of the very popular eatables in Rajasthan especially in winter season.

    This simple but delectable dry garlic chutney tastes delicious and helps in keeping the body warm during winters due to presence of large quantities of garlic.

    It is mainly relished with bajra rotis and onions and is usually a part of peasant’s working lunch.

    Ingrediants required to make “Lahsun Ki Chutney”

    • 2 heads of garlic, peeled and cloved
    • 6-8 tbsp red chili powder
    • 1/4 tsp fennel seeds, toasted and ground
    • 1 Juice Lemon
    • Salt To Taste

    How to make “Lahsun Ki Chutney”

    1. Break the stem of the red chillies and break into small pieces. Remove the seeds by tapping the chillies. Soak in 4-5 tbsp hot water for 1/2 hour
    2. For the chutney, grind the soaked chillies along with the water, garlic, dhania, jeera, oil and sugar and lemon juice to a semi-smooth paste
    3. Heat 1 tbsp oil and add the chilli paste. Cook for 2 minutes on low heat or till oil separates. Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from fire

    TIP: This chutney should be kept well in an airtight container.

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    Pyaz ki Kachori – A Spicy Onion Dish of Rajasthan

    Pyaz ki kachori - Spicy Onion Delicious Dish from Rajasthan

    Pyaz ki kachori - Spicy Onion Delicious Dish from Rajasthan

    About Pyaz ki kachoris

    “Pyaz ki kachoris” were probably originated from Jodhpur. Although now, this spicy circular shaped fried dish is popular throughout Rajasthan and in fact the whole country.

    Steaming hot pyaz ki kachoris or aloo pyaz ki kachoris are sold at most ‘namkeen’ shops in Rajasthan. Very few households actually prepare these crisp, flaky deep fried kachoris stuffed with a lightly caramalised and exceptionally seasoned onion filling.

    Like all kachoris, they are eaten with a sweet and spicy tamarind chutney.

    Where To Eat

    In Jaipur – Do not miss the famous Pyaz ki Kachori of  Rawat Mishthan Bhandar. Situated at polo victory cinema and very close to both railway station and the bus stand, this is a famous age old kachori hangout

    In Jodhpur – Most of the citizen of Jodhpur start their breakfast with the ‘Kachoris’ and ‘Mirchi Vadas’, Its not only famous among jodhpur people but appeal to the palate of the tourists. A visit to Jodhpur would be wasted without a bite of its spicy ‘ Pyaz ki Kachori and Mirchi Vade’

    All that one has to do, to taste and purchase the myriad specialities of the town, is to roam in and around Sojati Gate, one of the famous market of Jodhpur.

    Ingredients required to make Pyaz ki Kachori

    For the dough:

    1. 2 cups Maida (Plain Flour)
    2. 1/4 cup melted Ghee
    3. 1/2 tsp Salt

    For filling:

    1. 2 cups finely chopped Onions
    2. 1 tsp Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)
    3. 2 tsp Saunf (Fennel Seeds)
    4. 2 Bay Leaves
    5. 1/2 tsp finely chopped Green Chillies
    6. 2 tblsp Besan (Bengal Gram Flour)
    7. 2 tsp Dhania Powder (Coriander)
    8. 2 tsp Chilli Powder
    9. 1 tsp Garam Masala
    10. 3 tblsp Chopped Coriander
    11. 2 tblsp Oil
    12. Salt to taste

    How to make pyaz ki kachori

    1. To prepare the dough combine all the ingredients in a bowl and knead into a semi soft dough using water. Keep it for 5 – 7 minutes.
    2. Divide the dough into 12 equal parts and keep them covered under a wet muslin cloth.
    3. For the onion filling heat oil in a pan.
    4. Add the kalonji, saunf, bay leaves, green chillies and onions and saute till the onions turn light brownin color.
    5. Add the besan, coriander powder, chilli powder, garam masala and salt and saute for 2-3 minutes.
    6. Add the chopped coriander and mix well.
    7. Remove the bay leaves.
    8. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
    9. Divide into 12 equal parts and keep aside. To make kachoris roll out each portion of the dough into a 2 inch diameter circle.
    10. Place one portion of the filling in the centre of the rolled dough.
    11. Surround the filling with the dough by slowly streching it over the filling.
    12. Seal the ends tightly and remove excess dough.
    13. Roll each filled portion into a 2 1/2 inch diameter circle taking care to ensure that the filling does not spill out.
    14. Gently press the centre of the kachori with your thumb.
    15. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
    16. Deep fry the kachoris in hot oil over a slow flame till fgolden brown.
    17. The kachoris should puff up like puris.
    18. These kachoris take a long time to be cooked in the inside too.
    19. Serve hot with tamarind chutney and hari chutney.

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    Rajasthani Mirchi Vada – A Tasty Snack From Rajasthan

    Rajasthani Spicy Dish - Mirchi Bada

    Rajasthani Spicy Dish - Mirchi Bada

    Rajasthan, as a state, believes in the age old saying “The more ghee, the better”. Snacks in this region vary from deep fried “Pyaaz ki kachori” and “Mirchi Bada” to the lighter “Bhujiya”. But every snack has a distinctive flavor and texture, to suit everyone’s palate.

    Let’s Discover how to make Rajasthani Mirchi Vada

    Huge varieties of chillies ( mirchi) are found in Rajasthan. An eight inch long variety is split open and filled with potato and masala and fried in besan to make this yummy Mirchi Vada

    Ingredients Required to make Rajasthani Mirchi Vada

    8-10 large green chillies and Oil for Deep Frying

    For batter

    * Gram flour (besan) – 1 cup
    * Turmeric powder – 2 pinches
    * Salt to taste
    * Water as required

    For filling:

    * Potatoes – 3 large ones
    * Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
    * Coriander leaves chopped fine – 1/2
    * Salt to taste

    Method of preparation

    1. Slit the green chillies, remove seeds and keep aside.
    2. Boil potatoes with salt. Peel and mash them well. Add chilly powder and coriander leaves. Mix well. Make a thick batter with the flour, turmeric powder and salt.
    3. Fill the chillies with the potato mix. Dip the filled peppers in the batter till they are completely covered. Fry them in preheated oil till golden brown. Serve hot with chutney or sauce

    Image Source Wikipedia

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    Ghewar – Sweets from Rajasthan – Teej Festival Traditions

    Ghewar - Sweets From Rajasthan - Teej Festival Traditions

    Ghewar - Sweets From Rajasthan - Teej Festival Traditions

    About Ghewar

    Ghewar a delicious sweet from the state of Rajasthan is a treat to the taste buds. It is a very popular sweet even outside Rajasthan and usually served as dessert.

    Ghewar is generally prepared in January for Makar Sankranti, in March-April for Gangaur and in July-August for the Teej festival.

    The demand for Ghewar remains high during the Teej which marks the beginning of a series of fairs and festivals, which are celebrated throughout the autumn and winter months in Rajasthan, culminating in the spring festival of  Gangaur.

    Ghewar sweet known for its matchless sweetness comes in varieties such as plain, desi ghee, paneer and mawa. Paneer ghewar is garnished with paneer and is highly demanded for their matchless flavor.

    Ghewar on The Festival of Teej

    During Teej and Gangaur, gifting Ghewar is part of rituals in Rajasthan. The newly wedded girls are given Ghewar sweet as gift. The gifting of these sweets is locally called Sanjara, which is a part of the culture of Rajasthan.

    It is really very tasty and yummy to eat. No doubt, the calories are really high in this sweet, but eating one or two pieces would do no major harm. However, if there are diabetic people in your house as well as those who are health conscious, you can fry it little less or instead of pure ghee, use white oil. Instead of sugar, you can also use commercialized sugar-free substitutes available in the market.

    Ingredients Required to Prepare Ghewar

    • 4 Cups flour
    • 2 Cups ghee
    • 4 Cups water
    • 1 Cup milk
    • 1 tbsp Almonds (chopped)
    • 1 tbsp Pistachios (chopped)
    • 1 tsp Cardamom powder
    • 1 tsp Saffron (soaked in milk)
    • 1 1/2 Cups sugar
    • 1/2 tsp Yellow colour

    How to prepare Ghewar from scratch?

    • Mix flour, ghee, milk and 3 cups of water to make a batter.
    • Dissolve colour in the remaining water.
    • Mix the coloured water to batter.
    • Take an aluminium or steel cylindrical container.
    • Cylinder should have a height of at least 12″, and a diameter of 5-6″.
    • Fill half of the cylinder with ghee and heat.
    • Once the ghee is hot, pour a glass of batter in the centre of ghee.
    • Allow foam to settle.
    • Pour a glassful of batter in ghee again.
    • Once the foam gets settled again, place ghewar on mesh.
    • Prepare sugar syrup of one tar consistency.
    • Dip Ghewar in syrup so as to remove the extra oil.
    • Keep it for cooling.
    • Pour few drops of saffron water.
    • Sprinkle chopped almonds, pistachios and cardamom powder.
    • Ghewar is ready.

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    Gatte ki Sabji – A Spicy Curry of Rajasthan

    Rajasthani Gatte Ki Sabji - Delicious Curry Vegetable

    Rajasthani "Gatte Ki Sabji" - Delicious Curry Vegetable

    The cuisine of Rajasthan is primarily vegetarian and offers a fabulous variety of mouthwatering dishes. The spice content is quite high in comparison to other Indian cuisines, but the food is absolutely scrumptious.

    Rajasthanis use ghee for cooking most of the dishes. Rajasthani food is well known for its spicy curries

    About “Gatte ki Curry”

    Gatte Ki Curry is a popular Rajasthani Curry recipe. Gram flour is the major ingredient in the making of a “gatte ki sabzi”.

    This a totally desert dish, as in Rajasthan–Desert of India. There are no vegetables used, just besan dumplings(Gatte) that are used in its place, simmered in a curd sauce. Its tasted just amazing.

    Ingredients required to make “Rajasthani Gatta ki Curry”

    1. 200 gms Besan
    2. 1 tsp Dhaniya powder
    3. 2 tbsp Ghee
    4. 250 gms Curd
    5. 1 tsp Salt
    6. 2 tsp Oil
    7. 1 tsp Red chilly powder
    8. 1 pinch Haldi

    How to make “Rajasthani Gatta ki “Rajasthani Gatta ki Curry” ?

    1. Mix besan while adding 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp red chilly powder, 1/2 tsp. dhaniya powder and ghee.
    2. Make a stiff dough. Make 5-6 thin and long strips of the dough.
    3. Put these strips in boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. Cut these gattas into small pieces.
    4. Strain the curd through a strainer. Add 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp red chilly powder, 1/2 tsp. dhaniya powder and haldi to the curd. Mix well.
    5. Add the gatta pieces. Heat oil in a kadai. Put the tadka of jeera and add the curd mixture.
    6. Cook it for 5-7 minutes while stirring continuously till it comes to a boil.
    7. Simmer the flame and cook for another 5-7 minutes.Turn off the gas. Finally put the tadka of red chilly powder. Serve shahi gatta curry with thepla.

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    Moong Dal ka Halwa – A Sweet Dish of Rajasthan

    Moong ki daal ka halwa from Rajasthani kitchen

    Moong ki daal ka halwa from Rajasthani kitchen

    About Moong Dal ka Halwa

    A classic recipe that is relished throughout Rajasthan. This calorie laden halwa is often prepared during the winter months, as it is supposed to keep the body warm and protect it from the bitter winter cold.

    Made with split skinless Mung beans Sugar Ghee Milk and Char Magaz nuts, this dessert is very common in the States of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

    It is considered to be auspicious for Holi and Diwali and it even features on wedding menus.

    It takes a long time and lot of patience to saute the dal and prepare this halwa and it will probably require a little extra ghee too. You can make a larger quantity of this recipe and store it refrigerated for several weeks. Just add a little milk to the halwa before reheating it.

    This is a unique sweet dish of lentils sweetened with milk and sugar. This rich moong dal (yellow split peas) preparation is garnished with raisins and chopped nuts.

    Ingredients required to make “Moong Dal Halwa”

    1. 100 gms Moong Dal
    2. 200 gms Ghee
    3. 100 gms Sugar
    4. 1/2 glass Water
    5. 10 pieces Badam
    6. 5 pieces Pista
    7. 4-5 Currants

    How to make “Moong Dal Halwa” ?

    Step 1. Soak moong dal for two hours and then grind it and keep aside. Heat ghee in a pan and put the moong dal in it.
    Step 2. Saute on low flame till it turns golden brown and leaves a distinct aroma. Remove from the flame and set aside.
    Step 3. Heat water in a pan, add sugar and boil the mixture till sugar melts.
    Step 4. Put the moong dal mixture in this sugar syrup and cook on a low flame till the dal and sugar blends well.
    Step 5. Remove moong dal ka halwa from the flame and decorate it with chopped dry fruits. Serve.

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    Kalakand (Mishri Mawa) – A Delicious Sweet Dish from Rajasthan

    Kalakand (Mishri Mawa) - Desert from Alwar, Rajasthan

    Kalakand (Mishri Mawa) - Desert from Alwar, Rajasthan

    What is Kalakand?

    Kalakand is one of the most popular sweet traditional Indian sweet from Rajasthan.

    Famous after it’s originating place ‘Alwar’ this is become commonly known as Alwar´s Kalakand (Milk Cake),  which tempts everybody with its rich aroma.

    This sweet is so renowned for its excellent taste that even a street is named in Alwar after this particular dish.

    In old days, name of a good sweet shop in India depended upon how good their Kalakand was.

    In modern times, so many new sweets have come up that the new generation of young Indians is often unfamiliar with it.

    Milkcake of Alwar is not only very famous in India but is also exported from the country. This easy dessert recipe requires few ingredients and once made this sweet can be enjoyed for weeks.

    Ingredients required to make Kalakand

    1. Whole milk -1 liter
    2. Home made paneer – 500 gm
    3. Sugar / Splenda sugar free – ½ cup
    4. Chopped nuts – ½ cup ( Almonds, Pistachio )
    5. Cardamom powder – 1 tsp
    6. Butter / ghee for greasing

    How to make Kalakand ?

    step 1. Turn on the stove and boil milk in a heavy bottomed vessel. Meanwhile, mash paneer with your hand. When milk comes to a boil add mashed paneer and keep stirring. Reduce the heat to medium and stir till liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens.

    step 2. Add sugar /Splenda sugar free & cardamom powder in this mixture and mix well. Keep stirring till excess liquid evaporates. Now it should look like semi-solid mixture. Remove this mixture from heat.

    step 3.  Take a plate/tray and grease with butter/ghee and spread all chopped nuts. Now spread this hot semi-solid mixture in the greased plate/tray. Let it cool for 2-3 hr. Cut into burfi or desired shape and serve this Kalakand as dessert.

    Image Source Flickr

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