Independence Day celebrates the day India won its freedom from British rule. On August 15, the nation honours the sacrifices of its freedom fighters and also celebrates how diverse cultures live together in the country. And nowhere is this diversity of cultures more evident than in food. Each state in India has its own special dishes and cuisine.
To celebrate Independence Day, try out some of these iconic dishes that are associated with different states.
1. Rogan Josh – Kashmir
This thick, aromatic meat curry is a staple in Kashmir. It gets its red colour from Kashmiri chillies. Rogan Josh is one of the main dishes served in wazwan, a traditional multi-course Kashmiri feast.
2. Makki Di Roti And Sarson Da Saag – Punjab
This hearty dish is a must-have any time you visit Punjab. The mild flavour of the saag is complemented by the roti. Add a glass of lassi to the dish to complete your meal.
3. Payasam – Kerala
Payasam is the perfect end to every meal. The dessert combines rice, milk, sugar, cardamom and nuts. It can easily be recreated at home.
4. Litti Chokha – Bihar
The dish features baked flour dough balls made from gram flour (sattu). Served with chutney or a spicy mash of eggplant or potato, it is a complete meal in itself. A plate of Litti Chokha is the perfect meal to end your day with, no matter what the season.
5. Kosha Mangsho – West Bengal
If you love mutton, look no further than this delicacy from West Bengal. Made by cooking the meat in spices, mustard oil and garlic, the curry can be enjoyed with rice or parathas.
6. Hyderabadi Biryani – Telangana
Hyderabadi Biryani combines Mughlai and Hyderabadi cuisine. If you like spicy food, this dish is a must-have. The combination of pepper, cardamom, saffron, yoghurt, meat and rice creates a mix of flavours that has no equal.
7. Masor Tenga – Assam
This tangy fish curry is a staple in almost every household in Assam. It is prepared using tomatoes, lemon/lime juice, elephant apple (ou tenga) and mustard oil. The curry is served with rice.
8. Misal Pav – Maharashtra
If there is one street food from Maharashtra that you definitely must try out, it is Misal Pav. The tangy curry is made from moth beans (misal), tomatoes and onions and garnished with sev. While pav is a staple addition, some also have it with rice.
9. Chicken Chettinad – Tamil Nadu
Chicken Chettinad is a spicy curry cooked with roasted whole spices, poppy seeds and grated coconut, among other ingredients. It is usually served with rice.
10. Thukpa / Gya-Thuk – Sikkim
Sikkim’s food has been influenced a lot by Tibetan and Nepali cuisine. Thukpa is a noodle stew with vegetables and meat. It is the perfect accompaniment for a cold, rainy evening.
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India’s states each have their own diverse, lip-smacking dishes. For foodies, the best way to enjoy Independence Day is to celebrate India’s culinary diversity.
