Waquar Habib
Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, boasts a rich culinary scene reflecting its cultural heritage. The state’s cuisine offers flavours and regional specialities, from street food and delights like poha and jalebi to royal dishes like Bhopali Gosht Korma, showcasing a unique tradition and taste.
Poha is a popular breakfast dish from Madhya Pradesh made with flattened rice, turmeric, mustard seeds, and onions. It's often served with jalebi and garnished with fresh coriander, lemon, and sev (crispy noodles).
A popular dish in Madhya Pradesh, Rogan Josh is a hearty curry made with tender lamb cooked in a rich gravy of yoghurt, garlic, and aromatic spices. The dish is famous for its deep red colour, which comes from the generous use of Kashmiri red chillies, and its flavorful taste.
Like the Rajasthani Dal Baati, Dal Bafla features boiled and baked wheat dough balls. They are served with a rich, spicy lentil curry and a generous dollop of ghee. Combining the crunchy, ghee-soaked bafla with the flavourful dal is satisfying and nourishing.
Palak Puri is a healthy dish made by mixing pureed spinach into whole wheat flour to make dough. The dough is then rolled and deep-fried into fluffy puris, offering a delicious and wholesome meal.
Bhutte Ka Kees is a unique corn-based dish from Indore. Grated corn is sautéed with spices, milk, and ghee, resulting in a creamy and mildly spicy delicacy. The blend of sweet corn and aromatic spices creates a comforting and rich flavour profile, perfect for a hearty snack or side dish.
Bhopali Gosht Korma is a rich and aromatic dish from Bhopal. Tender mutton is slow-cooked in a gravy of yoghurt, coconut, and spices, resulting in a luxurious, creamy curry that pairs perfectly with naan or rice, embodying the royal flavours of the region.
Mawa Bati is a rich dessert made from khoya (dried milk), shaped into balls, stuffed with dried fruits, deep-fried, and soaked in sugar syrup. It's a festive treat that showcases the region's love for sweets.
Seekh Kebabs are popular street food made from spiced minced meat, usually lamb, shaped onto skewers and grilled. They have a crispy exterior and juicy interior and are typically served with mint chutney and onion rings.
Sabudana Khichdi is a light and nutritious dish made from soaked tapioca pearls. It is often eaten during fasting periods, cooked with peanuts and green chillies, and seasoned with cumin and curry leaves. This dish offers a delightful mix of soft and crunchy textures with a mildly spicy flavour.
Jalebi is a beloved sweet treat in Madhya Pradesh. It is made from deep-fried batter soaked in sugar syrup and is crispy on the outside and syrupy on the inside. It is often enjoyed hot and is a popular companion to poha.