Malwa Cuisine: Food From Madhya Pradesh, The Heart Of India

Madhya Pradesh –  second largest state located in the central part of India also referred to as “Heart of India”. It is a land of majestic forts, magnificent temples, spectacular cities and beautiful landscapes. The evolution of food culture of this state is linked to history, unique tribal traditions and climatic conditions.

Malwa region comprises 10 districts – Ujjain, Indore, Rajgarh, Jhabua, Ratlam, Sehore, Dewas, Neemuch, Mandsaur and Dhar. It has been the house of various magnificent monuments and religious places. River Shipra and Ujjain city are the major sacred places in this region. There are nearly 100 ancient Hindu temples in Ujjain, among them Mahakal temple is one of the twelve jyotirlingas.

Malwa cuisine is a popular regional cuisine. Due to the Malwa region being one of the major trade hubs, this cuisine is heavily influenced by neighbouring states – Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. With an array of lip smacking street food and appetising desserts, Malwa cuisine is undeniably the most popular among Bundelkhand, Mahakoshal and Gwalior cuisines. Traditionally, Gluten-free jowar was the staple cereal in this region until wheat was replaced as a major crop after the green revolution in India.

The list of popular vegetarian dishes of Malwa cuisine:

Shahi Shikanji: A signature drink from Madhya Pradesh is this thick and sweet shikanji made of milk and dried fruits.

Indori Poha: A famous breakfast dish made with flattened rice. Perhaps, Indore is synonymous with poha! Usually it is served with jalebi and sev. Infact Indori poha is sweet, tangy and topped with sev compared to Maharastrian cuisine’s kanda poha.

Daal Bafla: Bafla is a boiled and baked hard wheat-based bread served with zesty daal. A variant of the popular Rajasthani cuisine dish Dal Baati.

Bhutte ka Kees: A famous street food from Indore made of grated corn, milk and a few essential spices..The word literally translates to grated corn, “Bhutte” means corn and “Kees” means grated.

Chakki ki Shaak: A delicious curry made of steamed wheat flour dumplings in a flavourful sauce. This delicacy from Madhya Pradesh pairs well with rice or roti.

Palak Puri & Aloo Sabji: Palak puri is a deep-fried bread made of wheat flour and spinach and aloo sabji is a potato curry. This combination is the most preferred breakfast.

Sabudana Khichdi: A light, healthy and flavourful breakfast dish made of tapioca pearls, spices and nuts.

Indrahar ki Kadhi: Indrahar is a delicious steamed lentil cake made by soaking, grinding, steaming and pan frying four varieties of lentils. These steamed cakes are then added in a yogurt based gravy called kadhi. Unlike Punjabi kadhi, steamed lentil cakes are used instead of pakoras.

Khasta Kachori: A crispy, flaky and incredibly delicious lentil stuffed deep-fried puffed pastry dish. It is either served as a starter or as a snack.

Mawa Bati: An indulgent sweet dish made of milk powder and dried fruits. The appearance is similar to well renowned Gulab Jamun.

Jalebi: A very popular spiral-shaped crisp and delicious dessert specifically preferred during the festival season.

Malpua: Cardamom flavoured crispy yet fluffy deep-fried pancakes soaked in sugar syrup.

Are you looking to expand culinary horizons? Then check Chettinad, Kumaoni, Awadhi, Malabar, Malnad, Andhra, Odia, Kathiyawadi cuisines. Do like, share this post and let us know in the comments which Indian cuisine you want us to write about next.