The Art of Feasting in Punjab

Food.

The People of Punjab are friendly, hospitable, hardworking and relish living. This is due to the fact that it usually bore the onslaught of attackers a number of times. In time people became to live in their present times by enjoying life. And soon eating became a part of their joys of life. There is a verse to epitomise their colourful nature

"Khada peeta shahi da'
Baki sab Ahmed Shahi da"
meaning that whatever we eat is for us to enjoy, the rest is for Ahmed Shah's
(who regularly attacked Punjab for loot).

So, in course of time, eating virtually became a hobby among the Punjabis. Eating is a way of life and anytime is eating time. This is the reason why Punjab is famous for its variety of food items.Punjab, is quite literally the land of agriculture where green fields adorn its landscape. This has ultimately brought about a healthy way of eating. Vegetables and fruits abound the state, no wonder whatever the season vegetables and fruit is always a part of a staple diet.

Culinary delicacies are equally tempting and sumptuous like the 12 layered Parantha (stuffed pancakes) and Mah-ki-dal (pulses) overflowing with pure desi ghee and its more filling with a glass of Lassi (curd). Vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, ladyfinger, Bengan da Bhartha (Brinjals) cooked in spices are just a few of wholesome food partaken. An alternate to a full-blown meal is Puri, Channa or Channe Bathure. Other delicacies are Satpura, Samosa, Luchhi, pinnis, balushahis, mathi, gur da halwa and gajjar da halwa that usually form the snacks of Punjab.

Not left behind are the mouth watering non-vegetarian fare. One has to literally see it to believe the quantity of consumption of fried fish, barbecued chicken, mutton tikka, seekh kabab, and Biryani (meat pieces added in rice) being eaten. The Punjabis relish spicy and tandoori dishes and it will not be wrong to say that a meal without a non-vegetarian food is incomplete.

Along with the four square meal are Pickles and Papad. Pickles are usually home made, as it's a cooking art that every Punjabi kuddi (girl) should learn. Papad unlike the normal ones found around street corner shops, these are prepared by adding a few masalas that are difficult to be found anywhere else. They are tempting and add the touch of spiciness into a dish.

Punajbis relish eating and its more of an art than just filling the stomach.

Other Related Topics of Interest !

Framework of Punjab I Modern Punjab I Geographics of Punjab I
Festivals of Punjab I Arts & Crafts of Punjab I The Art of Feasting in Punjab I Folk Music of Punjab I

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