New Delhi: Sindhi food stands out as a true gem in the wide fabric of Indian cuisine, with a rich culinary legacy profoundly anchored in tradition. Sindhi cuisine is the distinctive regional cuisine of the Sindhi people of Sindh, Pakistan, which has been inspired by Mughal, Central Asian, and Iranian culinary customs. The majority of the food is non-vegetarian. The typical Sindhi diet consists of rice and wheat-based flatbread (phulka), along with two dishes- one gravy-based and the other dry with curd, papad, or pickles. In Sindhi cooking, freshwater fish and a variety of vegetables are frequently employed.
Three more factors, including slow cooking, layering garam masala, and a preference for blending sweet and savoury flavours, contribute to the distinctive flavours of Sindhi food. Other defining characteristics of this unpretentious and strong cuisine include a fondness for amchoor (dry mango powder) and basar (white-sautéed onions).
Here are some delicacies from Sindhi cuisine:
1. Koki:
The most popular breakfast option for all Sindhis worldwide is koki, which is similar to a paratha but a little thicker. Wheat flour, onions, coriander, curry, pomegranate seeds, and a generous amount of desi ghee are all that are used to make koki. Koki is rolled out and cooked on a griddle until it turns golden and crispy. For the ideal combo, it goes well with yoghurt as well as condiments like pickles.
2. Sindhi Chicken:
Sindhis prepare their chicken in a hearty onion gravy with numerous entire garam masalas and a generous amount of cardamom at the very end. It is a typical brown Sindhi gravy prepared with juicy succulent chicken pieces.
3. Spicy Sindhi Biryani:
A savoury rice dish called Sindhi Biryani is a perfect blend of Mughlai and Sindhi influences. Layers of luscious meat (such as mutton or chicken), flavorful spices, and caramelised onions are placed on top of fragrant basmati rice. The rice is then prepared over a low flame, allowing the flavours to combine and produce a dish that is both aesthetically pleasing and flavorful.
4. Sai Bhaji:
Sai bhaji, a vegetarian curry from Sindh, is made with dal, palak, and other vegetables. Due to the variety of greens, it contains, it is a mainstay of the local cuisine and is regarded as a great source of nourishment.
5. Sindhi Curry:
The tangy and fragrant Sindhi Curry, sometimes referred to as Sindhi Kadhi, is a dish worth trying. It has a delicious mixture of veggies, gram flour, and a variety of spices, such as cumin, fenugreek seeds, and asafoetida. This hearty curry is often paired with steamed rice or crispy pakoras, creating a symphony of flavours on the plate.