Rajasthan is a land of rich culture, heritage, and cuisine. The Thar desert, which covers most of the state, offers a unique and diverse range of food that reflects the history, geography, and lifestyle of the people living there. The food is spicy, flavorful, and satisfying, and often made with simple ingredients that can withstand the harsh climate. Here are seven must try food from the Thar desert that you should not miss if you visit Rajasthan.

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Ker Sangri

Ker Sangri is a traditional Rajasthani dish made with dried ker berries and sangri beans that grow in the desert. These are soaked, boiled, and then cooked with spices, yogurt, and ghee. Ker Sangri has a tangy, nutty, and aromatic taste that goes well with roti or rice. It is also a great dish to make for travel as it stays well at room temperature for a long time. Ker Sangri is a specialty of the Marwad region of Rajasthan and is often prepared during festivals and special occasions.

Gatte ki Sabzi

Gatte ki Sabzi is another popular dish from Rajasthan that is made with gram flour (besan) dumplings cooked in a spicy and sour yogurt-based gravy. The dumplings are kneaded with spices and oil, shaped into cylindrical logs, boiled, and then cut into bite-sized pieces. The gravy is tempered with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and other spices. Gatte ki Sabzi is a hearty and delicious dish that can be enjoyed with roti, paratha, or rice.

Daal Baati Churma

Daal Baati Churma is a classic and iconic dish of Rajasthani cuisine that consists of three components: daal, baati, and churma. Daal is a thick and spicy lentil stew that is cooked with various spices and herbs. Baati is a baked wheat ball that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Churma is a sweet and crumbly mixture of coarsely ground wheat, ghee, sugar, and nuts. Daal Baati Churma is a wholesome and satisfying meal that is usually served with ghee, pickle, and salad. It is also associated with the festivals of Makar Sankranti and Diwali in the Dhundhand region of Rajasthan.

Pyaaz Kachori

Pyaaz Kachori is a mouthwatering snack that originated in the city of Jodhpur. It is a flaky and deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy onion and potato mixture. The filling is seasoned with ginger, green chilies, fennel seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, and amchur. Pyaaz Kachori is usually served hot with green chutney and tamarind chutney. It is a popular street food that can be found in almost every corner of Rajasthan. It is also a common breakfast dish that is enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Makhania Lassi

Makhania Lassi is a famous lassi of Jodhpur that is made with thick and creamy yogurt, milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom, and rose water. It is topped with homemade unsalted butter and chopped nuts and raisins. Makhania Lassi is a refreshing and rich drink that has a lovely flavor and aroma of saffron and rose. It is a famous mocktail of Jodhpur that is served in a tall glass with a spoon. It is best enjoyed chilled and can be a perfect accompaniment to any meal or snack.

Ghevar

Ghevar is a traditional Rajasthani dessert that is made during the month of Shravan and the festivals of Teej and Raksha Bandhan. It is a disc-shaped sweet cake made with flour, ghee, and sugar syrup. It has a honeycomb-like texture and a crisp and porous surface. Ghevar can be plain or topped with malai, mawa, rabdi, nuts, saffron, and silver vark. It is a delicacy that is not to be missed and is often gifted to newly married daughters on Sinjara, the day preceding Gangaur and Teej.

Kadhi

Kadhi is a yogurt-based gravy dish that is made with gram flour, spices, and herbs. It is a common dish in many regions of India, but each one has its own variation and flavor. The Rajasthani Kadhi is thicker and creamier than other versions and has a sour and spicy taste. It is tempered with curry leaves, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, and red chilies. It is often served with rice or roti, but can also be paired with gatte, pakora, or khichdi.

These are some of the amazing food from the Thar desert that you should try at least once in your life. They are not only delicious, but also reflect the culture, tradition, and resilience of the people of Rajasthan. So, the next time you visit this beautiful state, don’t forget to indulge in these culinary delights.

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