Ramya Menon · Follow
Published in · 8 min read · Aug 11, 2016
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For a while now, I have been contemplating a series of recipe round ups that go beyond heart attack meals and 15 minute desserts. I wanted the round ups to be something that we want to come back to, and perhaps even something that we can show budding cooks, so precious memories and moments can be preserved for a whole new generation to experience.
And since it was approaching the Indian Independence I decided to begin this series with a round up of forgotten recipes from the Indian kitchen. Even more so because most Indians have a deep association with the kitchen, which sort of make experiences with food nothing short of valued inheritances. And I mean that very, very seriously. Grandmas will pass on a chutney recipe to you with the same intensity as someone passing on a princess cut diamond ring handed down through generations!
So without further ado, here are some forgotten recipes from kitchens all over the country.
Starting off this list is something that the whole world would love to discover! Vegan, nutritious and packed with flavour. This amaranth coconut curry is representative of the memories associated with a lot of South Indian lunches.
Every Indian is familiar with Poha, but not a lot of us are aware of this lesser known cousin from Maharashtra.
Made with the cooling khus herb, this drink is perfect for those long Indian summers!
A rice and jaggery sweet that were staples during Diwalis of the past. About time we tried one of these this year instead of the store bought barfis, right?
Delicate and soothing, this delicacy from Orissa is often overlooked for fancier stuff like Rasagullas. Time to give your palette an opportunity to experience this!
While there are loads of coastal curries for India to boast about, none really have the delightful flavour and texture combination that this spicy curry and crispy Rotti bring to the table. A gem from Mangalore!
One of the most forgotten treasures of India’s culinary history is the lovely flavours of Parsi cuisine. While the Dhansak is still a recognised staple, this egg and mutton delicacy is something to really savour.
While a lot of are familiar with Milagai Podi, a popular accompaniment to Dosa and Idli down south, not a lot of us know of this version that includes the highly nutritious horse gram. And since it’s Grandma’s special, bound to be perfect, right?
While most of us profess undying love for the king of fruits, some of us are not big fans of the fruit. But go the Indian route and try this curried ripe mango delicacy, you will fall in love with mangoes!
Made from water chestnuts, this street food favourite from the gallis of Lucknow needs to get more airtime . Packed with flavour and nutrition, this is truly spectacular!
Tempered with curry leaves and mustard and served with a fresh coriander chutney, these lentil stuffed dumplings are exactly what we Indians love to eat!
A spicy, tangy stew that is oh so nutritious and perfect for the heat of Andhra. But also soon getting forgotten from menus all over the world.
And how can this list not have a hidden gem from Goa’s coastal finery. Seafood, coconut and spicy goodness. Yum!
The smell of melting ghee and the aromas of mashed vegetables. This dish from Bihar is what memories are made of, for a lot of my food blogger friends. And I wish I could taste it now!
A super addictive snack that was a staple in homes in Kerala but is fast loosing out in popularity to Lays and Pringles.
A Makar Sankranthi special in Andhra.
Soft, melt in your mouth snacks which are perfect for the ‘tiffin’ that Tamil Nadu is famous for!
Made from cauliflower stems in a spicy, tangy gravy, this Punjabi dish is just what you wanted with the roti.
While everyone is aware of Indian sweets made with khova and cashews and dry fruits, not a lot of us know about sweets made with egg, right?
A popular breakfast or tiffin in the past, these are getting forgotten in favour of dosas and idlis. Shame!
One of the lesser known of Tam Brahm specialties, this is a curry made using 7 vegetables and served specially on Thiruvathirai.
Even though when most of us think of Goan cuisine, it is seafood and non vegetarian dishes tat come to mind, there are a lot of very special vegetarian delicacies that this cuisine celebrates. Case in point!
A cleansing curry from down south that a lot of us could do with after putting our bodies through rigorous appreciation of junk food.
Dried ginger powder milk, equals the best drink for cold winter mornings. Nuff said!
Also known as Methkoot (yes that’s what it’s called!), this dish from North Karnataka and Maharashtra is made from various mixed pulses and grains. And with some warm ghee and hot rice, perfection!
The famous Bengali love for fish, shines in this spicy, garlicky concoction.
A specialty from Kerala, this curry is super versatile and is definitely the stuff that lingers on as tantalising memories on your taste bud.
A cheese based dessert that’s popular in Orissa, especially during festivals like Durga Pooja. The world need to know about this!
One of the things that I constantly want to try is one of these sun dried fryums. Making them used to a treasured family tradition, but busy schedules have meant that it’s remained a dream…
A lost North Indian recipe, that is so simple, but oh so flavourful. Time to get it back to our kitchens?
While the rice based Paniyarams are quite common, this barnyard millet variety is an even better option and packed with nutrition.
One of the most under appreciated root vegetables is the Chinese potato or Koorka. Since it takes a long time to clean, people are often put off by making it. But this recipe is a killer twist on the classic koorka upperi.
An heirloom recipe, popular in the north, this is great with a bowl of steaming rice and hot dal.
A pudding made from sugar cane juice, this Punjabi dish is a revelation to anyone who thought kheer had to be all milky.
And as a finale to this list, it is this very special recipe, brimming with nostalgia and memories. These are the things that cooking and food should be all about. Love and laughter!
