Food In Assam | Assam Cuisine | 5 Amazing Facts
Assam is a state in India known for its unique culture and cuisine. The Assam cuisine is an amalgamation of various cultures, with influences from the neighboring states of Bengal, Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya.
The food of Assam is characterized by the use of a variety of herbs, spices, vegetables and meats. The staple foods of the region are rice and fish. The traditional Assam cuisine uses the ‘tetel’ or mustard oil for its cooking. The use of ‘khar’, a kind of alkaline substance made from the ashes of banana tree, is also popular in the region.
If you’re someone who loves to explore different food cultures and are planning a trip to Assam anytime soon, here’s a guide to some of the must-try dishes and local delicacies that you absolutely cannot miss.
- Maasor Tenga: This tangy and sour fish curry is a staple in every Assamese household. The fish is usually cooked in a tamarind-based broth with a variety of spices, and is usually served with steamed rice.
- Xaak Bhaaji: This dish is made with a variety of leafy greens and is often served as a side dish with rice. It is typically prepared with mustard greens, lentils, and a variety of spices, and is a great source of protein and nutrition.
- Baanhgajor Lagut: This is a traditional Assamese dish made with bamboo shoots, which are a popular ingredient in many of our dishes. The bamboo shoots are cooked with a variety of spices and served with steamed rice.
- Khaar: This is a unique dish that is made with lentils and vegetables, and is usually served as a side dish with rice. It is typically prepared with a variety of spices, including mustard seeds and cumin, and is a great way to add some flavor and nutrition to your meal.
- Pitha: These are sweet or savory rice cakes that are popular during the winter months in Assam. They are typically made with rice flour and are filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, such as coconut, jaggery, or lentils.
- Laru: These are small, round balls of sweet or savory dough that are deep-fried and served as a snack or appetizer. They are typically made with a variety of ingredients, such as coconut, jaggery, or lentils, and are a great way to satisfy your cravings for something sweet or savory.
In addition to these dishes, there are also many other local delicacies and snacks that you can try while in Assam. These include curd rice, which is a popular summertime treat made with yogurt and rice, and chira, which is a type of flattened rice that is often served with milk or yogurt.
One of the things that I love most about the food culture in Assam is the emphasis on locally grown and seasonal ingredients. Many of the dishes that we prepare are made with ingredients that are grown in our own gardens or sourced from local farmers, which means that they are always fresh and full of flavor.
In addition to this, there is also a strong tradition of food preservation in Assam, with many families preparing and storing food for the colder months. This includes a variety of pickles, chutneys, and fermented foods that are used to add flavor and nutrition to our meals throughout the year.
5 Amazing Facts on Assam Cuisine
- Assam cuisine is characterized by its use of indigenous ingredients and spices like ginger, garlic, onions, chillies, and tamarind.
- The staple food of Assam is rice with fish curry and lentils.
- Assam cuisine is known for its use of fermented and smoked foods, such as smoked meats, vegetables, and fish.
- Assam cuisine often includes a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as greens and herbs, such as mint, coriander, and fenugreek.
- Assam cuisine also includes traditional dishes such as Pithas (rice cakes), Larus (rice pudding), and Jolpan (rice porridge).
Overall, the food culture in Assam is a rich and diverse one, with a wide variety of dishes and flavours to explore. From the spicy and sour flavours of our traditional dishes to the sweet and savoury snacks that are enjoyed as part of our daily lives, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful and flavourful corner of the world.
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