Gujarati Cuisine: A Look at the Food from Northwest India

Gujarati cuisine comes from the state of Gujarat in northwest India. Gujarati cuisine is unique in that it is mainly vegetarian because of the philosophy and religious beliefs of the region. The food is resourceful, environmentally friendly and very high in nutritional value. The subtle taste and "heat" of the food is different than in other parts of India and also varies among families. A Gujarati Thaali, or plate, consists of Rotli (wheat bread) Sabzi or Shaak (curried vegetables), Daal (pulses) or Kadhi and Bhaat (rice).

Rotli
A flat bread that is made from wheat flour. Dough is made by mixing wheat flour and water, broken up into small pieces and rolled out flat in the shape of a circle. Then it is cooked on both sides in a frying pan.

Shaak
Also known as Sabzi, this is the main entrée on a Gujarati thaali. It is a curry that is made from different vegetables. Although most Hindus are vegetarian some may cook a meat, such as chicken or lamb, to make curry. The spices used depend on the vegetable, or meat, that is being used. Shaak can only be dry boiled or stir-fried.

Daal or Kadhi
Daal is a liquid side dish that is more common in southern Indian but is also used as a staple in north India.

Rice
Rice, known as bhaat in Gujarati, is used to complete every meal. The two most common types of rice used are Basmati Rice or Jasmine Rice. The rice is cooked in a boiling pot of water with a pinch of salt. Once the rice feels cooked it is strained. All of the water in the pot is not allowed to soak into the water. If you let all of the water soak itself into the rice your rice will be sticky.

Etiquette
Indians don't usually eat with utensils such as knives and forks. Instead they use their fingers. This is why hygiene is a very important component when eating Indian food. This might sound messy or unpleasant, but once you start using this technique you will find that it is very easy, your food tastes better, and when you learn to eat this way you'll actually enjoy it. There is a technique to eating the Indian way.

1. The left hand is considered "unclean" and is never used for eating, even if you are left-handed.

2. Don't start eating until everyone else is ready to start eating and never before you are served. Although women are not thought of as second-class to men, they do feel a sense of responsibility to serve men.

3. Once you have started eating do not share the food on your thaali (plate) with anyone else. This is considered very unclean and disrespectful toward others seated at the table. The food itself is not unclean but rather "polluted."

Once you start eating Indian food you will find it enjoyable and also that you start to feel better. A lot of the spices used in Indian cooking have medicinal value.