India is a land of delectable delicacies, so, while Barack Obama is here in the country, this is our list of delicious Indian offerings that the former US President must try.
The former U.S President, Barack Obama is in New Delhi to give his opinion on “what it means to be an active citizen and how to make an impact” in a Town Hall organised by the Obama Foundation. While we welcome his thoughts, we, as Indians, also believe in the saying of ‘atithi devo bhava.’ Keeping with the spirt of the same, we must treat our American guest to the delectable delicacies that are a highlight of the much-loved Indian cuisine. Here’s our check-list of the goodies Obama must try.
Servings for Breakfast
Paratha + Masala Chai
There is nothing better than kick-starting your day with some stuffed parathas and a cup of masala chai. It is spelled differently in different states which includes parantha, parontay (in Punjabi), and porota (in Bengali). The best thing about parathas is that anything you can dream of eating, can be used as a stuffing inside the paratha. Just make sure you drink the special chai, called cutting in India along with it.
Masala Idli
Masala Idli is a favourite morning snack that utilises the left over idlis, tomatoes, curry leaves and mustard seeds. All these are squashed together, then cooked and served as a delicious breakfast treat.
Poha + Jalebi
Poha is a great wholesome meal coming directly from the state of Madhya Pradesh, and also in Maharashtra. It is made in different variations across the country, for which you can also add veggies and nuts to make it look more appealing. But don’t forget to eat Jalebi along with it to complete the experience of this impeccable dish.
Besan Dhokla
Besan Dhokla is one of the most popular and commonly consumed breakfast recipes of India. It can be cooked easily and is a great option for a starter. Some of the common ingredients include turmeric, sugar, fruit salt, besan and a tempering made of mustard seeds, curry leaves and chillies.
A street-food trail as Appetizers
Gol Gappe
It is often said “If you have not had Gol Gappe that means you have not travelled the streets of India.” They are eaten either with tangy or sweet water, and some additional some sweet sauce and boiled potatoes, depending on your taste and preferences.
Vada Pav
The Mumbai’s special, vada pav is a must have thing while talking about street foods. Looks almost like a burger, only in this case the instead of cheese and mayo there is aloo tikki (called Vada) is in between the pav. It is filled with hot Indian spices.
Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is one of the famous Punjabi cuisinesmade from the combination of chana masala and bhature, fried bread made from maida flour. To add extra spice and flavour to it, you can have them with onions, carrot pickles, green chutney and achaar.
MAIN COURSE
Dal Makhani + Butter Chicken + Garlic Naan
A combo of dal makhani, butter chicken and garlic naan is perhaps a standard restaurant order for many Indian foodies. This combo is a must-try to rejoice the core of an Indian dining experience.
Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani
Biryani is made in different styles across the length and breadth of the country, but the most popular biryani comes from Hyderabad – the classic Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani. The raw meat is slow-cooked with spices and then covered with rice and finally kept under pressure until it is completely done. It vibrant appearance and the mouth-watering aroma, makes it all the more delectable.
Dal Baati Churma
The experience of Rajasthani cuisine is incomplete without the combo of Dal-Baati-Churma. It is usually topped with extra ghee, which also acts as a great taste enhancer.
Pork Vindaloo + Rice
For all the spice and non-veg lovers, Pork Vindaloo is ‘the’ dish, and comes from the beautiful beach-city, Goa. It is best eaten with boiled rice, but it can be eaten with rotis also.
Before we end, some sweets please!
Kulhad Kheer
Just like the name suggests it is made in a kulhad using milk, rice and nuts which adds extra sweetness to the kheer. It is one of the most commonly prepared desserts during the time of festivals. It can also be consumed cold.
Gajar Ka Halwa
For all those with a sweet tooth, winters spell the season for ‘Gajar Ka Halwa.’ It is made using carrots, milk, saffron, and dry fruits like cashew and raisins, which makes it a very rich dessert.
Bengali Rasgulla
I know you must be literally full by this time but trust me you cannot miss out on the rasgullas, especially if the rasgullas are from Bengal. Filled with sweetness, these are considered the “king of Indian sweets.”
BEVERAGES
Masala Chach
An easy-to-make drink, masala chach should be also be there in your menu while you are in India. Other than being very delicious it is very good for your health and acts as the best coolant after a long and tiring day.
Banarasi Paan
Ingredients of every paan are almost the same, but the process of making a Banarsai paan makes it stand apart from the rest. It just melts in your mouth and will take you to the land of Bihar.
Please leave a comment below and let us know if you’ve left out mentioning any special dishes here.
