Rewa Kusli

Kusli is a traditional sweet prepared in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for Teej. Commonly known as gujiya, this deep - fried sweet is prepared from desi ghee, spices, desiccated coconut, dried fruits and nuts, homemade khova and maida.   Maida and desi ghee are mixed in a large bowl till the mixture reaches the right consistency (should be... Continue Reading →

On the history trail: Dabhades and the Peshwa

Khanderao Dabhade, appointed as Senapati by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj on 11 January 1717 had once been a competent leader. However, he was greatly overshadowed by the dashing Peshwa Bajirao who had proved his mettle more than once. The Peshwa on his part continued to serve the Chhatrapati assiduously by raising independent armies to secure the boundaries and lead expeditions... Continue Reading →

Rewa Bagheli Aam Panna Bagja

A traditional summer dish of Rewa that is eaten either as a snack or with hot rice and vegetables or chapati is aam panna bagja. Locals use native mangoes and spices to prepare this age - old dish.   In a large kadai or frying pan, red chillies, cumin seeds and coriander seeds are dry roasted till they become... Continue Reading →

Rewa Indrahar

Rewa, a former princely state is famous for its contribution in the 1857 First War of Independence that saw many nationalists lose their life, diverse agricultural produce and natural resources and Bagheli cuisine that derives its name from the Baghelkhand region of which Rewa is a part.   Their most iconic dish that is also... Continue Reading →

Banarasi Kale Chane ki Ghugni

The delicious kale chane ki ghugni, originally a Bihari innovation is offered as prasad on the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami. This protein - rich dish is best enjoyed with hot puris and halwa.   As this is the traditional preparation for Navaratri, it is made without onion and garlic. Kala chana (black chickpeas) is soaked overnight, washed thoroughly and pressure cooked with... Continue Reading →

Banarasi Sattu ka Paratha

Sattu, often referred to as the 'poor man's protein' is hugely popular in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and the border villages across the North - East. Sattu is fibre and protein - rich flour prepared from powdered chana (Bengal gram) or other pulses or barley or jowar or wheat.   It has been traditionally... Continue Reading →

Banarasi Tamatar Bonda

Tamatar bonda, a rainy season snack is sold mainly by small shops near the Banaras Hindu University. Best enjoyed with a piping hot cup of adrak chai, this delicious snack is hugely popular among locals.   A couple of medium - sized potatoes are boiled, peeled, mashed and allowed to cool. Paneer is also added... Continue Reading →

Banarasi Palangtod

One of the most fascinating winter sweets of Kashi is the centuries - old palangtod that literally translates to bed breaker! Though the name makes one laugh out loud, its taste will definitely leave you speechless. Known to be an expensive sweet because of the time, effort and labour involved, this sweet has been given the... Continue Reading →

On the history trail: Battle of Bundelkhand

The invasion of Malwa by Peshwa Bajirao and Chimaji Appa on the advice of Sawai Jai Singh opened up new avenues for the Marathas and the Rajputs who were dissatisfied with the Mughals. The Bundelas in particular had been friendly with the Marathas for a long time and adopted their approach to fight for their independence.... Continue Reading →

Banarasi Khajur (Thekua)

Thekua or khajur as it is known in Uttar Pradesh is a traditional deep - fried sweet offered as prasad during Chhath Puja, Saraswati Puja and Navaratri. Though the dish originated in Bihar, it is now hugely popular in Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh.   Thekua is made from wheat, jaggery or sugar, desi ghee, spices and nuts. It has a... Continue Reading →

On the history trail: Battle of Amjhera

The military stratagem displayed by Peshwa Bajirao under difficult conditions in Palkhed proved his ability to take on a war veteran like the Nizam with relative ease. This notable victory helped the Peshwa secure the confidence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and others.   Peshwa had already formed his own group of faithful followers both in the... Continue Reading →

Banarasi Doodh Peda

A delicious milk sweet of Kashi that has been served as prasad in most of the temples for centuries is the humble doodh peda. Made from full fat milk that is in abundance in Varanasi and Ghazipur districts and areas around the Ganga River, this simple milk innovation is hugely popular among locals and visitors and makes... Continue Reading →

On the history trail: Battle of Palkhed

With opposition building on all fronts, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was at his wit's end. Peshwa Bajirao was still in the Karnatak and those close to him advised him to effect a compromise with the Nizam. Shahu Raje accepted their advice and instructed his Pratinidhi and Sumant to negotiate a peace treaty with the Nizam.   The Pratinidhi proposed a... Continue Reading →

Banaras Lal Peda

Kashi's most iconic milk sweet is the centuries-old Lal Peda that has been praised to the hilt by travellers, food connoisseurs and historians. This traditional dairy product of Kashi is offered as prasad in the Kaal Bhairav Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.   In the olden days, the abundance of milk in the... Continue Reading →

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

Up ↑