Beverages, Dessert & Food of Haryana

Food in Haryana

People in Haryana are simple, straight forward, and down-to-earth. So is the food of this northern state in India. Haryana is known for its vivid culture. The state is extensively rich in agriculture. That makes the food ofHaryana simple and fresh with goodness of nature. People in this region prefer wholesome diet to complement their hard working daily schedule. But the most distinguishing feature of their cuisine is the generous use of milk and dairy products in it. One thing is for sure that Haryanvi people are mostly vegetarian. Hence, the state may not offer much variety to the non vegan foodies. However, you can always enjoy the sumptuous taste of its simple vegan dishes.

Haryana is as rich in cattle wealth as it is in terms of agriculture. The famous Murrah buffalo and cows of this state ensure abundance of milk and milk based products for Haryanvi people. Homemade butter and ghee is commonly found in every household of Haryana. So, when you plan a visit to Haryana, be ready for a heavy dose of butter adding some extra pounds to your weight! But the underlining fact is that food of Haryana is simply lovable. So let us explore the cuisines of this state.

Famous Dishes of Haryana

The dishes in Haryana are usually simple to prepare and completely satisfying. Devoid of any complex ingredients, you will feel fuller after eating these typical Haryanvi meals. Interestingly, you will also find great influence of neighboring states, Punjab and Rajasthan, in Haryana’s cuisine. The famous dishes of Haryanainclude the following:

Rajma Chawal:
This is a dish famous in both Punjab and Haryana. Delicious kidney bean curry is eaten with steamed rice.
Methi Gajar:
This is common vegetable combination preferred by Haryanvis. This is a curry made from carrot and fenugreek leaves. This is a very healthy dish.
Mixed Daal:
This is a mixed lentils curry that is included in daily meals of people in Haryana.
Kadhi Pakori:

This is a simple but very tasty dish. Gram flour dumplings are cooked in yogurt based curry on low flame for some time, rendering it an aromatic flavor.
Daal Churma:
This is the most famous dish from Rajasthan. Due to closeness in the culture of these two states, daal churma is loved by the people of Haryana as well.
Tamatar Chutney:
It is a spicy and tangy sauce of ripe tomatoes prepared with lots of spices and some sugar or jaggery. With Haryanvi style breads, it tastes delicious.
Kair Sangri ki Sabji:
Kair and sangria are the dried berries and beans mostly found in dry areas of Rajasthan and Haryana. They are delectable prepared into a spicy curry seasoned with yogurt.
Dahi Bade:
These are quite famous across northern India. Every state has its own style of making Dahi bade. InHaryana also, it is a special recipe cooked on festive occasions. Soft dumplings are made from soaked and grinded lentils. Then, they are fried and soaked with lots of curd.
Potato Curry:
Small potatoes are used for making this delicious curry. It has rich gravy that makes it more tempting.

As mentioned earlier, there are no specifically laid out menus for non vegans in Haryana. But still, there are some specialty dishes meant for such foodies visiting the state. One such dish include Saag Ghost prepared from mutton.

Staple Food of Haryana

In the agrarian culture of Haryana, the staple diet of people is constituted of wheat. In their daily meals, Haryanvi people love to eat wheat chapattis smeared with lots of ghee. Apart from these, bajre ki roti (Millet Flour Bread) is also widely preferred by the people. Rice is eaten rather occasionally in this state. The simplicity of Haryanvi culture is reflected in this staple diet that also includes bajre ki khichdi. 

This dish is simple to prepare but it is full of nutrients required for the hard working schedule of people. However, whatever dish they gorge upon, ghee or butter is generously used in the food of Haryana.

Along with these, milk and dairy products are also an essential part of daily diet in this state. Milk, curd, buttermilk, and clarified butter (Ghee) completes and complements their meals. Mostly, they make ghee and butter in their kitchen itself. Homemade butter is called as Nooni Ghee in Haryana. It is considered very healthy and fulfilling for pregnant women as well. Traditionally, barley and gram flour are also used in staple diet of Haryana. They are rich in nutrients and great in taste. But with times, food culture has undergone some changes and people now rely more upon wheat in their diet.

Beverages in Haryana

Haryana is famous for its cattle wealth. As such, there is no dearth of milk and milk based beverages. These drinks are an essential part of their meals. People prefer having them fresh. Beverages of Haryana are both healthy and tasty. They carry many nutrients in them. The famous drinks preferred by Haryanvi people are:

Lassi:
It is a sweet beverage prepared from fresh yogurt. It is very beneficial to beat the sun heat during scorching summers.

Chaas:
Chaas or Buttermilk is the famous drink that is included in the daily diet of Haryanvi people. It helps in easy digestion of food. People of this state mostly welcome their guests with glassful of chaas.
Thandai:
It is also an excellent drink for the summer season. Also called as Kachi Lassi, it is prepared from sweet milk with lots of other traditional spices and herbs.
Sharbat:
It is the sweet syrup made in different ways that include khus-khus, gulab (rose), kewra, kesar, et al.

Desserts in Haryana

Like the people of Haryana, its cuisine is also full of sweetness. There are many desserts that are included in typical Haryanvi food.

They are marked by rich use of ghee, sugar, and dry fruits in their preparation.

Most of the desserts in this state are simple to prepare but absolutely sumptuous to taste. The famous desserts of Haryana include:

Gajar Ka Halwa:
It is the sweet dish prepared from grated carrots simmered in milk and garnished with lots of dry fruits.

Kheer:
Rice cooked slowly in sweetened milk with chopped dry fruits.
Raabri:
It is the traditional custard prepared from wheat flour cooked in sweet buttermilk.

Other desserts of Haryana include Kaju ki Barfi, Jalebis, Malpua, Pinni, Gulab Jamun, and Mitha Chawal.
References: http://www.haryanaonline.in/