Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of India, boasts a culinary heritage as rich and diverse as its history. From the royal kitchens of Awadh to the street-side delicacies of Benaras, Uttar Pradesh is a food lover’s paradise. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the iconic dishes of this vibrant state, showcasing their unique flavors, ingredients, and the best places to savor them.
1. Dum Pukht Biryani
Description:
Dum Pukht Biryani is a symphony of flavors, where aromatic rice, succulent meat, and a secret blend of spices are slow-cooked in a sealed pot (‘dum pukht’). The result is a dish that’s fit for royalty, with tender meat infused with the fragrance of saffron and spices.
Recipe:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/dum-pukht-biryani-slow-cooked-biryani-1957709
Key Ingredients:
Basmati rice, marinated meat (chicken, mutton, or lamb), yogurt, onions, ginger-garlic paste, whole spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves), saffron, ghee.
Popular Restaurant:
Dum Pukht, ITC Maurya (Delhi) – Known for its exceptional rendition of this Awadhi classic.
2. Awadhi Kebabs
Kebabs are synonymous with Uttar Pradesh, and the Awadhi style of kebab preparation is legendary. Let’s explore some of the most popular varieties:
Galouti Kebab
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Description: Melt-in-your-mouth kebabs made with finely minced meat, a delicate blend of spices, and a hint of raw papaya for tenderness. They are so soft that they are said to have been created for a toothless Nawab!
- Recipe: https://www.yummytummyaarthi.com/galouti-kebab-recipe/
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Key Ingredients: Minced mutton, raw papaya paste, spices (cloves, cinnamon, cardamom), khoya (dried milk solids), ghee.
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Popular Restaurant: Tunday Kababi (Lucknow) – A century-old institution famous for its Galouti kebabs.
Seekh Kebab
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Description: Long, succulent kebabs made with spiced minced meat, grilled on skewers over charcoal for a smoky flavor
- Recipe: https://www.teaforturmeric.com/baked-pakistani-seekh-kabob/
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Key Ingredients: Minced meat, onions, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, coriander leaves, spices (garam masala, red chili powder).
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Popular Restaurant: Dastarkhwan (Lucknow) – Serves a delectable array of Awadhi kebabs, including Seekh kebabs.
Boti Kebab
- Description: Chunks of marinated meat, skewered and cooked over charcoal, resulting in tender, juicy kebabs bursting with flavor.
- Recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/madhur-jaffreys-boti-kebab-masala-7483056
- Key Ingredients: Mutton or lamb chunks, yogurt marinade, spices (ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder), onions.
- Popular Restaurant: Wahid Biryani (Lucknow) – Renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth Boti kebabs.
3. Lucknawi Mutton Korma
Description:
A rich and creamy Mughlai curry, Lucknawi Mutton Korma is a feast for the senses. Tender pieces of mutton are simmered in a velvety sauce made with yogurt, nuts, aromatic spices, and saffron. The result is a dish that is both indulgent and delicately spiced.
Recipe:
https://www.culinarywonderland.com/recipe/lucknowi-mutton-korma
Key Ingredients:
Mutton, yogurt, onions, cashews, almonds, ginger-garlic paste, spices (turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder), saffron, kewra water (screwpine essence).
Popular Restaurant:
Oudh 1590 (Lucknow) – Serves a highly acclaimed version of Lucknawi Mutton Korma.
4. Benarasi Malai Kofta
Description:
A vegetarian delight from Varanasi (Benaras), Malai Kofta features melt-in-your-mouth dumplings made of paneer (cottage cheese), potatoes, and spices, bathed in a creamy and flavorful cashew-based gravy.
Recipe:
https://hebbarskitchen.com/malai-kofta-recipe-malai-kofta-curry/
Key Ingredients:
Paneer, potatoes, khoya, cashews, almonds, onions, ginger-garlic paste, spices (turmeric, garam masala), cream.
Popular Restaurant:
Baati Chokha (Varanasi) – A local favorite offering authentic Benarasi cuisine.
5. Tehri (Vegetable Pulao)
Description:
Tehri is a comforting and flavorful one-pot vegetable rice dish. Basmati rice is cooked together with a medley of vegetables and a fragrant blend of spices, resulting in a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Recipe:
https://www.cookwithmanali.com/aloo-matar-tehri/
Key Ingredients:
Basmati rice, vegetables (potatoes, peas, carrots, cauliflower), onions, ginger-garlic paste, whole spices (cinnamon, bay leaves, cardamom), turmeric, coriander powder.
Popular Restaurant:
Keshari Ruchikar Byanjan (Lucknow) – Known for its perfectly cooked and flavorful Tehri.
6. Nargisi Kofta
Description:
Nargisi Kofta is a visually stunning dish where hard-boiled eggs are encased in a flavorful minced meat mixture (‘kofta’), then simmered in a rich and spiced curry. Each kofta, when sliced in half, resembles a ‘Nargis’ flower, giving the dish its name.
Recipe:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/nargisi-kofta-lamb-and-egg-curry-1957573
Key Ingredients:
Minced meat, hard-boiled eggs, onions, ginger-garlic paste, spices (turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder), yogurt, tomato puree.
Popular Restaurant:
Spice Kraft (Lucknow) – Offers a delicious rendition of Nargisi Kofta.
7. Kabuli Pulao
Description:
An Afghani-influenced dish, Kabuli Pulao is a festive rice preparation studded with dried fruits, nuts, and delicately spiced meat. The sweetness of the dried fruits and the savory notes of the meat combine harmoniously with the aromatic rice.
Recipe:
https://afghancooks.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Basmati rice, lamb or mutton, onions, carrots, spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves), raisins, almonds, pistachios.
Popular Restaurant:
Karim’s (Delhi) – While in Delhi, their Kabuli Pulao near Jama Masjid offers an authentic taste of this delicacy.
8. Allahabadi Tehri
Description:
Hailing from Allahabad (Prayagraj), this unique variation of Tehri is a delightful interplay of rice, vegetables, meat, and aromatic spices. Its subtle flavors and lighter texture distinguish it from the traditional Tehri.
Recipe:
Key Ingredients:
Basmati rice, vegetables (potatoes, peas, beans), chicken or mutton, onions, whole spices, ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, turmeric.
Popular Restaurant:
The Yellow Chilli (Allahabad) – Serves a delectable Allahabadi Tehri.
9. Banarasi Dum Aloo
Description:
Banarasi Dum Aloo is a delightful potato dish representing Varanasi’s culinary expertise. Baby potatoes are stuffed with a spiced paneer and dry fruit mixture, then cooked in a creamy, aromatic gravy in the ‘dum’ style.
Recipe:
https://www.tarladalal.com/dum-aloo-banarasi-4313r
Key Ingredients:
Baby potatoes, paneer, cashews, raisins, spices (turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder), yogurt, tomato puree.
Popular Restaurant:
Kashi Chat Bhandar (Varanasi) – A beloved street food spot serving a fantastic Banarasi Dum Aloo.
10. Chicken Korma
Description:
A Mughlai classic, Chicken Korma features tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy, delicately spiced sauce made with yogurt, nuts (almonds or cashews), and aromatic spices. The mild spice level and rich flavors make it a popular choice for those who enjoy the essence of Mughlai cuisine.
Recipe:
https://www.kitchensanctuary.com/chicken-korma/
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, yogurt, onions, cashews or almonds, ginger-garlic paste, spices (turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder), saffron, whole garam masala (cardamom, cinnamon, cloves), ghee.
Popular Restaurant:
Moti Mahal (Delhi) – This legendary restaurant offers an exceptional Chicken Korma.
Wrapping Up the Journey
This blog post has taken us on a delectable adventure through the diverse flavors of Uttar Pradesh. From the royal kitchens of Lucknow to the bustling streets of Benaras, the state offers a treasure trove of culinary delights. As you embark on your own food journey through Uttar Pradesh, here are some tips:
- Explore Local Eateries: Venture beyond the renowned restaurants and discover the hidden gems serving authentic home-style food.
- Street Food Delights: Don’t miss out on the vibrant street food scene offering a diverse range of chaats, kachoris, and other regional specialties.
- Spice Tolerance: Uttar Pradesh’s cuisine tends to be milder compared to other parts of India, but be sure to communicate your spice preference when ordering.
- Open Your Palate: Be adventurous and sample new dishes – you might be surprised by the flavors you discover!
