The Cuisine of North India

A curry based dish with meat and garnishes in a a steel pan on a granite surface with limes close to the pan. There is a wooden board with more limes and garnishes that are placed on top of naan.

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North India has extreme climates – summers are hot, and winters are cold. The region includes the following states: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Geographical and Cultural Influence

There is an abundance of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetable to be had. Its geographical position with relation to the rest of the Sub-continent means that this region of the country has had strong Central Asian influences both in its culture and its food. Mughlai and Kashmiri styles of cooking are not just prevalent; they are also popular.

Style of Food 

North Indian curries usually have thick, moderately spicy and creamy gravies. The use of dried fruits and nuts is fairly common even in everyday foods. Dairy products like milk, cream, cottage cheese, ghee (clarified butter) and yogurt play an important role in the cooking of both savory and sweet dishes. Thanks to the fact that such a rich variety of fruit and vegetable is available at all times of the year, the region produces a dazzling array of vegetarian dishes.

Staple Foods North Indians Seem to Prefer

Indian bread is preferred over rice if the rich variety is anything to go by. This region is home to the tandoori roti and naans (bread made in a clay tandoor oven), stuffed parathas (flaky Indian bread with different kinds of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fillings) and kulchas (bread made from the fermented dough). Rice is also popular and made into elaborate biryanis and pulaos (pilafs).

Cooking Oils Commonly Used

Vegetable oils like sunflower and canola. Mustard oil is rarely used and only in some states of the region. Ghee is normally reserved for special occasion cooking.