Let’s sit down for a nice meal, and revel in the wonderful flavors of Pakistan!
Even if you are familiar with Indian cuisine you might not be as knowledgeable about Nepali cuisine. Likewise, Pakistani cuisine shares some commonalities with Indian cuisine (and Afghani cooking, for that matter) but it also stands on its own as a delightful example of how different cultures how their own spins on popular dishes and ingredients that are fondly recalled all over the world. Let’s sit down for a nice meal!
Halwa Poori
Breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day. Therefore, it’s only fitting that we begin our examination of Pakistan and its famous dishes with a breakfast offering. Halwa is a semolina pudding, while poori is a soft fried dough. Sugar syrup, pistachios, and almonds kick this dish up a notch – which is why it is popular in both Pakistan and India!
Sajji
Now for an appetizing meat dish – is your mouth watering yet? Sajji comes to us from the province of Balochistan. It is typically prepared from two types of meat – lamb or chicken. The meat is marinated, skewered, and then roasted. Salt, green papaya paste, potatoes, rice, lemon juice, naan bread, and raita dip complete the experience.
Zarda
We can’t forget about dessert! Zarda is one of the most popular desserts to be found in its homeland. Basmati rice is cooked in milk and sugar and decorated with food coloring. That’s why it looks yellow. Cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron are the most common spices used blended into it. Zarda also incorporates raisins, pistachios, almonds, and walnuts. Most of the time, you’ll only see it at a special occasion, but that doesn’t stop it from being an everyday classic – especially when some delicious tea is involved! Also, in the Punjabi region, you will come across something similar called meethe chawal.
Seekh Kabab
This kabab, or kebab is another amazing variant on the kabab dishes you are probably fond of – whether you make them at home, visit a specialty chain restaurant, or even seek it out in the mall food court! Minced lamb meat is combined with onions, garlic, ginger, coriander, lemon juice, yogurt, and garam masala. The skewers are cooked over hot coals, although using a tandoor oven is also acceptable. Once it’s ready, you’ll see a huge array of side dishes offered alongside it: salads, onions, fries, mint chutney, or flatbreads, just to name a few! Incredibly it can either be an appetizer or an entree. Open up and say ahhhh!
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