Cuisine

The vastness of India, together with its great regional diversity (including Punjab), is a main factor that places India's cuisine in its unique and interesting position in the culinary history of the world.

Indian food reflects the colorful and varied life led by its people as well as the external and internal influences that have shaped its particular style of cooking.

Centuries ago, the Mughals, a regal race of Muslins, invaded India from their traditional homeland of Afghanistan and the Middle East, bringing with them exotic spices as well as dried fruits and nuts, which they combined with milk and cream to concoct rich "Mughali" dishes.

Each subsequent wave of settlers brought with them their own culinary practices. The Portuguese, Persians and British made important contributions to the Indian culinary scene. It was the British who started the commercial cultivation of tea in India.

Indian cuisine is as diverse as its culture, its geography and its climate. The essence of good Indian cooking revolves around the appropriate use of mixed Aromatic Spices.

Basic ingredients of mixed spices are elements such as Coriander, Cumin, Turmeric, Red Pepper, Nutmeg, Mustard, Saffron, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger Powder, Paprika, Mace, Cardamom, Cloves, Black Pepper etcetera.

The subtle blending of these spices enhance rather than overwhelm, the underlying flavor of a particular dish. These spices are also used for appetizers and digestives.

Besides spices, the other main ingredients of Indian cooking and Indian meals are milk products like Ghee (clarified butter) and Dahi (curd). Lentils or Dals are also common across the country and regional preferences and availability determine the actual use in a particular area.

Vegetables naturally vary across regions and seasons. The style of cooking vegetables is dependent upon the main dish or cereal with which they are served.

India boasts of thousands of years of cultural and natural heritage, 86 national parks, 448 wildlife reserves, more than 2.4 million temples, mosque and churches, magnificent forts and palaces, the towering Himalayas, a large coastline and infinite other attractions. According to Lonely Planet, India is among the top five destinations for individual travelers among 134 countries, and is mentioned in the list of 101 best hotels in the world.

India is also a country of striking contrasts; this is evident not only in its cuisine but also in its climate, geography, precious stones, culture and customs.

Punjab is located in the northwestern corner of India. The word Punjab is a compound of two Persian words, panj ("five") and ab ("water"), signifying historically the land of five waters or rivers. Punjab has a fragrance all of its own through the scent of its fertile fields.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Punjab and forms the backbone of the state economy. More than 80 percent of Punjab is cultivated.

From the beginning, the traditional hospitality of the state of Punjab, has been one of warmth and friendship. Even when the British arrived as victors in the 1800's, they were astonished to discover that not only the cities, but every little village, had special places to honor guests. One way this generous hospitality is expressed, is through the sharing of meals.

An extroverted people, Punjabi women gather in the kitchen to make a tasty meal made up of curries, lentils, chicken and lamb, and, as the spicy aroma swirls throughout the house,  the men gather in the main living area, swapping local news.