Pakistani cuisine is a flavourful mix of many different cuisines. Although it seems as if Pakistan just eat meat dishes, it is not quite true. Vegetables, legumes, and lentils are commonly cooked at homes and are served as the main dish. Dinner parties although are often meat parties, there are always one or vegetable dishes. Lentil cooked in stew or curry style is also very popular. These are grown in the country and have been part of Pakistani food.
Sarson ka Saag
Palak Paneer is spinach dishes cooked in ghee and topped with paneer (cheese). The spinach is boiled and made into a puree which is then fried along with spices. Cheese is added in the end.
Shahi Daal (Lentils)
Shahi Daal is made with yellow split gram which in Urdu is Mong. Shahi daal is cooked along with spices to give it a yummy taste. Many people add chicken stock to bring out more flavors but it is optional and can be prepared with the stock. Order it at any restaurant or dhaba and ask them to leave out the chicken flavor and stock.
Bhindi (Okra)
Bhindi is one of the favorite vegetables in Pakistan but it must be cooked right. Okras and fried along with onion, tomatoes, and spices. Bhindi must not be undercooked or overcooked to get the perfect taste. It is a semi-dry curry style dish with loads of flavors packed in it.
Daal Mash
Daal Mash is ivory gram and is one of the most ordered dishes in Pakistan. Dhaba style fries daal mash is very popular. It is made by first boiling and then stir-frying the Daal with spices. It is also prepared in many different style.
Channa Masala (Chickpeas)
Channa is Chickpeas and is commonly cooked at homes. Channa is made by first boiling the chickpeas and then frying it with ginger, garlic, and tomatoes. Spices and salt are added and it is served with naan or roti (flatbread)
Mix Vegetables
Mix Vegetable is a very common dish that people like to eat. It is prepared by cutting potatoes, carrots, in small cubes, and frying them with peas and spices. It is most popular to order as vegetable variety depends on the season and the availability of the vegetable.
Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cheese)
Saag is a Punjabi vegetable dish that people love. It is made with the mustard greens which is called ‘Sarson’. It is made with ghee and lots of spices. People serve it with Corn flatbread. It is a must-try dishes in Pakistan.
Apart from these Bingle (eggplant), Zucchini, Gourd, cabbages and many other seasonal and regional vegetables are grown, cooked and enjoyed at home.
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