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EatingWithYourHandsandOtherIndianFoodTraditionsNDTVFood
More interesting is how traditions have come into shape, evolved and transformed over time. They primarily vary by region and religion. In a
land of numerous rituals, the act of offering food to deities gave birth to many traditions. The prasadsam served at temples, the langar at
Gurudwaras or the lavish Iftar meals are a reflection of our diverse ethnicity. These traditions made their way into our kitchens and
influenced how we regard food sacred and pure. For instance, in some cultures a prayer of thanks comes first and then you reach out for
food with your hand.
Eating is an elaborate ritual in India and certain traditions creates our cultural identity. Heres exploring some ancient food traditions that
form the basis of our culinary reputation and have left a significant mark on our multicultural cuisine.
(Looks as Good as it Tastes? Why an Attractive Plate Makes for a Tastier Dinner)
Eating with your fingers stimulates these five elements and helps in bringing forth digestive juices in the stomach. The nerve endings on
your fingertips are known to stimulate digestion. Feeling your food becomes a way of signaling the stomach that you are about to eat. You
become more conscious of the taste, textures and aromas. Besides India, it is also common in some parts of Africa and the Middle East.
(Flavour Boosters: 5 Ayurvedic Herbs We Must Have in Our Kitchen)
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EatingWithYourHandsandOtherIndianFoodTraditionsNDTVFood
natural antioxidant found in many plant-based foods. It also adds to the aroma of food and enhances the taste. Traditionally, water is
sprinkled on the banana leaves before use as an act of purification.
The use of banana leaves dates back to a time before metal became mainstay. People found it more hygienic to use fresh leaves that were
disposable instead of wooden utensils. Several Hindu temples used lotus leaves to serve Prasad as the flower is considered scared and
pure. But they were not big enough for a meal. Banana leaves, on the other hand, were abundant, big, thick and not perforated. They could
easily carry dishes like curries or chutneys. Moreover, sitting on the floor and eating was recommended as the repeated bending of the
spine was known to improve blood circulation.
(10 Best South Indian Recipes)
Traditionally, it consists of 36 courses and each of them takes you back in time. The meal begins with the ritual of washing hands.
Attendants carry Tasht-Nari (a type of vessel) around for your convenience. The meal is served in four groups. Heaps of fragrant rice, tender
kebabs and delicately spiced curries are beautifully placed in carved platters called 'taramis. Some dishes are left to cook overnight that
lends the memorable taste. The complexity and variety of food is not to be matched elsewhere. The meal ends on a sweet note with Phirni
along with Kahwa; a green tea flavoured with spices and slivered almonds.
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EatingWithYourHandsandOtherIndianFoodTraditionsNDTVFood
Jol Pan
A tradition followed across Bengal and Assam, jol pan is a quick snack that is often eaten before breakfast. In some cultures, it is a mix of
different varieties of regional rice cooked traditionally and served with curd, jaggery and pitha. Pitha is a type of rice cake, pan-fried on the
hot griddle. It is offered to guests and at weddings and special occasions. Since most regions in the East are humid, curd with its cooling
properties acts as a great reliever. Jol pan is also accompanied with a steaming cup of tea.
(Happy Bohag Bihu: Of Festivities & Traditional Assamese Food)
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