Ah, Punjab, the land of abundance. Fertile agricultural lands, vibrant people and a revered food culture make this northern Indian state entirely unique.
The culinary practices of this beautiful land are simple and rustic. But don’t let this simplicity of technique fool you, for the dishes of Punjab are known for their exceptionally complex and well-developed flavours, honed and perfected over the course of centuries. Punjabi cuisine is, after all, a veritable symphony of Indian-Mughlai-Persian-Afghani influences, rendering it entirely unique and it’s characteristic flavour profiles the result of a complex convergence of sociopolitical and geopolitical events throughout the course of history. If your mouth is already watering, you’ll be pleased to know that today we’ll be taking a look at five staple dishes of Punjabi cuisine.
1/ Amritsari Fish
Amritsari Fish is a widely celebrated dish from the city of Amritsar, the economic capital of Punjab.
This delicious dish is one of the most popular types of street food on offer in Punjab, and is also commonly enjoyed as a delicious appetiser at the beginning of a meal. Amritsari Fish is traditionally made using freshwater fish – typically pond or river fish – that is marinated in a blend of gram (chickpea) flour, carom seeds, asafoetida and fresh chillies, before being fried in hot oil.
You can sample this beloved Punjabi dish here at Sachins, where we have taken this traditional Amritsar staple and enlivened it with our characteristic flair and flavours. Our Amritsari Fish consists of fresh, juicy monkfish coated in a delicately spiced gram flour batter before being shallow fried to perfection and served on a bed of crisp salad.
2/ Daal Makhani
Daal Makhani, also known as Black Daal, is an authentic recipe hailing from Punjab that has now become widely popular the world over.
In the land of Punjab, makhani literally translates as “buttery”, and if there is one thing that this dish is first and foremost, it is most certainly buttery!
Here at Sachins, we craft this delicious, protein-rich staple from whole black lentils that are simmered overnight and tempered with garlic, ginger, tomato, butter and a little cream. The resulting dish is an exceptionally creamy, melt-in-your-mouth indulgence that delights the senses and leaves you feeling nourished and satisfied.
3/ Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka is a beloved dish of the Punjab region of Northern India, and is a must-have when compiling the menu for any kind of celebration, wedding or function in Punjab.
In Punjabi cuisine, Tikka refers to meat, fish or vegetables that are marinated in a special blend of spices before being cooked in a tandoor oven. Here at Sachins, we craft our Panchrattan Paneer Tikka from pieces of homemade curd cheese that have been tossed in creamy yoghurt and marinated in our unique Sachins spice blend before being cooked to perfection in the tandoor.
4/ Murgh Makhani
Our roster of five staple Punjabi dishes would simply be incomplete without the inclusion of the world-famous Murgh Makhani, more commonly known as Butter Chicken.
Butter Chicken is one of the most delicious dishes hailing from Punjab, and is beloved across the globe, having successfully gained popularity at the international level. This sumptuous chicken dish is prepared from a thick, buttery gravy and is traditionally served with roti or rice.
Here at Sachins, our Murgh Makhani holds fast to the unique flavour profile that has earned this dish global acclaim, and is loved by many for its mellow, velvety sauce. Lovingly prepared from a base of butter, tomatoes and a unique blend of fine spices in which our tender chicken is attentively marinated, this staple dish is mildly sweet and incredibly creamy, making it perfect for even the most delicate of palates!
5/ Kulcha
Kulcha is an incredibly special type of unleavened flatbread hailing from Northern India, and is often described as a local variation of the famous Indian naan bread.
Widely known and loved for its characteristic spicy flavours and crispy texture, Kulcha can be found in the form of numerous variants, such as Aloo Kulcha, Masala Kulcha, Paneer Kulcha and many more.
Here at Sachins, we offer a delicious Aloo Kulcha flatbread. Our unleavened dough is filled with a mouthwatering mix of spices, potatoes and onions before being baked in the tandoor. The finished bread is pillowy soft in the middle, with a characteristic crunch around the edges.
Is your mouth watering for a taste of authentic Punjabi flavours? Book your table with us today here.
Amritsar, Daal, Flatbreads, Kulcha, Murgh Makhani, Paneer Tikka, Punjab