HEALTHY PUNJABI THALI

Punjabi Thali – A Royal Taste of Punjab

Tagline: “Flavors that Speak the Language of Punjab!”

Description:

A traditional Punjabi meal is a symphony of rich flavors, creamy textures, and aromatic spices. This famous combination includes Dal Makhani, Chole, Aloo Gobi, Palak Paneer, Jeera Rice, and Butter Kulcha — all representing the soul of North Indian cuisine. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this thali is a must-try for every food lover!

Main Components & Recipes

1. Dal Makhani (Creamy Black Lentils)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole urad dal (black lentils)

• ¼ cup rajma (kidney beans)

• 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp cream

• 1 onion (finely chopped)

• 2 tomatoes (pureed)

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• Salt, red chili, garam masala to taste

Method:

1. Soak dal and rajma overnight.

2. Pressure cook until soft.

3. In a pan, sauté onion and ginger-garlic paste in butter.

4. Add tomato puree and spices.

5. Add cooked dal, simmer for 20 minutes, and finish with cream.

2. Chole (Spicy Chickpeas Curry)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups boiled chickpeas

• 2 onions, 2 tomatoes (finely chopped)

• 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tbsp chole masala

Method:

1. Heat oil and add cumin, onions, and tomatoes.

2. Add spices and stir till oil separates.

3. Add chickpeas and cook for 15 minutes until thick and flavorful.

3. Palak Paneer (Spinach & Cottage Cheese)

Ingredients:

• 250 g paneer (cubed)

• 2 cups spinach (blanched and pureed)

• 1 onion, 1 tomato, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• Salt, garam masala, cream

Method:

1. Sauté onions and ginger-garlic paste in oil.

2. Add tomato, cook until soft.

3. Add spinach puree, spices, and paneer cubes.

4. Finish with cream for richness.

4. Aloo Gobi (Potato Cauliflower Curry)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cauliflower florets, 1 potato (cubed)

• 1 onion, 1 tomato

• Turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder

Method:

1. Fry onion and tomato with spices.

2. Add cauliflower and potatoes.

3. Cook covered till tender and aromatic.

5. Jeera Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tbsp ghee

Method:

1. Cook rice separately.

2. In ghee, add cumin seeds, let them splutter.

3. Mix with cooked rice and fluff gently.

6. Butter Kulcha

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup yogurt

• 1 tsp baking powder, salt, butter

Method:

1. Knead dough with yogurt and rest for 1 hour.

2. Roll and roast on a tawa till golden.

3. Brush with butter before serving.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve all dishes together on a platter with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and a bowl of pickle or chutney. Add a spoon and fork for a complete dining experience.