Passionate Punjab and Popular Dishes

Punjab, the passionate state of India is located in South Asia. It is the state in the northwest part of India and a fraction of a larger Punjab region extends into Pakistan. During the partition of Indian in 1947, the Punjab region was divided respectively between India and Pakistan. The region is originally said to be called Sapta Sindhu, which is the Vedic land of the seven rivers streaming into the sea. The Sanskrit name is Panchanada which means “Land of the Five Rivers”. The Persian word “Punjab” was used after the Muslim conquests. The five flowing rivers that contribute to the name of the state are Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum. We at Masala Mantra, Indian restaurant Fort Myers is proud of Punjab because of its diversity.  

Punjabi Culture

Punjab, the land of five rivers is famous for its oldest and richest culture. The diversity and uniqueness are evident in their poetry, philosophy, spirituality, education, music cuisine traditions, values, and history.  As a result, Punjab’s culture is most famous for its diverse food, music, festivals, and beliefs.

Punjabi Festivals

Being “The Land of Five Rivers” and the most fertile region of the Indian subcontinent there, Punjabi festivals are something you must see and experience with your own eyes. Sikhs celebrate Baisakhi, the festival of harvest. On this special day, people bathe in the holy river and visits Gurudwaras. Then we have Hola Mohalla which is the famous three-day Sikh festival of brotherhood and bravery. Another one is Lohri this folk festival marks the end of the winter season. On the day of Lohri, you will be in awe by the amazing sounds of Dhol, Nagadas, and traditional Lohri songs. Karwa Chauth, Gurupurab, Basant Panchami are other festivals in Punjab 

Punjabi People and dress

Punjabi people are an ethnic group that originated from the Punjab region. Most importantly, people are loud, lively, and friendly. Some famous Punjabi people are Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Bhagat Singh, Bulleh Shah, Bhai Vir Singh, Fauja Singh, and Kushwant Singh.Men in the state wear ‘Punjabi Kurta’ and ‘Tehmat’ which is their authentic dress. The popular style is the Muktsari style. Beautiful Punjab Salwar Suit is the traditional wear for women. Patiala salwar is very common and considered modern in the place now. The men of the state now wear Kurta and pajama as the modern-day Punjab wear but the authenticity has never left the place which you will understand on a visit to Punjab. 

Punjabi food

Here comes the fun part of the blog, the ultimate drooling guide towards world-famous Punjabi food. 

Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, the Murgh Makhani for natives and is an outstanding dish from Punjabi cuisine. It is the queen of Indian curries. In case you are craving for one, It’s easily available in all nonveg Indian restaurants and the ingredients are easy to track down for your preparation at home.  First of all, we carefully marinate chicken for three hours to a minimum but for the best result, we advise you to keep it overnight. Secondly, we cook chicken and thirdly make it rest over the mild curry. The chicken is tender and flavourful because of the yogurt marinade with fresh ginger, garlic, lemon juice, and great Indian spices. Most importantly, serve it along with hot naan, roti, or simply plain rice. Maybe you want both because the curry is undeniable. 

Paneer Tikka Masala

This tasty dish is widely known as the chicken curry of the vegetarians, is a savory, finger-licking dish that makes you want more after each bite. Paneer refers to the Indian cottage cheese,  tikka means small chunks of grilled food and masala means spicy gravy. It has a special place inside the heart of Punjabi foodies which is chargrilled and perfectly spiced to your taste. The famous Indian curry is also made alternatively with chicken and other vegetables. Butter Naan, Roti, and Jeera rice serves best with it.

Tandoori Chicken

Punjabis always amuses the world with versatile non-vegetarian dishes. The lip-smacking Tandoori Chicken is such a stunner that your taste buds will crave for it again and again. The chicken preparation is by roasting chicken in tandoor with different spices and ingredients. This Punjabi grilled chicken is an amalgamation of taste and health as it is a careful preparation in less oil but it doesn’t make it less juicy, soft, or tender. To sum up, now you know why it is everyone’s favorite, especially for all the foodies and cooking enthusiasts. Visit Masala Mantra, Indian restaurant Cape Coral to  experience this unique taste

Chicken Biriyani

The palatable Chicken Biriyani, a rice preparation made with chicken is one of the most beloved Punjabi rice dishes. Biriyani preparation also consists of meat of lamb and goat, eggs, and fish. After taking a bite you will close your eyes taking in all the flavors at once. It makes you wonder what you should think next, about the next bite or the jaw-dropping flavors. People of every age devours it satisfactorily. The sight itself is pleasing, that chosen ingredients and spices cling delicately onto the basmati rice as if lovers do because they are inseparable. Order Indian food online from Masala Mantra to get the delightful experience. 

Jeera rice

Jeera rice is a flavorful Punjabi rice dish that uses basmati rice with ghee, cumin, and other beautiful fragrant spices for cooking. It is a simple yet delicately fluffy, non-sticky rice dish. Chana Masala, Aloo Gobi, Punjabi Chole, Paneer Makhani is the best companion for Jeera riceJeera simply means cumin in the Indian language. Nothing more to hide after that knowledge right? Cumin is the star of the dish. Non-Indians call it cumin rice instead of Jeera rice.

The Jeera Rice is an outstanding menu item of roadside dhaba to a 5-star hotel and is one of the best sellers of Indian restaurants. Not only that the dish is extravagantly flavorful but it is more like a healthy food. Jeera has great natural medicinal values and helps in digestion especially when you have a heavy meal. The particular one is fully on with a good source of iron, zinc, copper, and many other useful nutrients.    

Saag

Authentic Punjabi Saag is the most underestimated dish of India. Saag is a Punjabi term that means greens, so the greens come from “Popeye”, the sailor man’s favorite yet healthy food Spinach. The Saag has a unique taste from the cumin, garlic, and coriander. It may not be for non-vegetarians but veggie-lovers do check this amazing dish. It serves well with Roti, Paratha, and rice but the unbeatable combination is Makki Di Roti.

Malai Kofta

Malai means creamy or buttery and Kofta means spicy balls in the Hindi language. In other words, it is simply a delicate ball of potato and paneer. They are deep-fried and served with a creamy and spicy tomato curry. It is made nearly with any vegetable and the spicy and soft vegetable balls are put into a rich tomato gravy. It is further cooked in butter and elegantly topped with cream. 

Dal Fry

 Onion, garlic, ginger, and spices make up the Indian Lentil soup which is the Dal. Punjabi Dal is easy but not your regular Dal curry with turmeric and salt. It comes with varied textures and flavors and it’s your fault if you haven’t tried it yet. Punjabi Dal has bold flavors from seasoning to complement its thick consistency. It is incredibly smoky, spicy, and perfect with crisp tandoori rotis. Also, get onions on the side with a touch of lime juice to complete the dish.