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Pakistani Cuisine
Key Ingredients
Dhal
Dhal starts out as whole beans, peas and lentils and becomes dhal when they have been skinned. They are a staple of Indian cooking and are high in both protein and fibre. There are many varieties of dhal including; urad, chana, mung, toor & masoor, to name just a few.
Bread
Roti is a Pakistani bread which is round, flat, unleavened and cooked on a grill. Naan which is leavened and is cooked in the tandoor oven.
Rice
Pakistani basmati rice is aromatic and long grained, and regarded as one of the finest in the world.
Ghee
A clarified butter with a higher burning point than oil.
Cumin
Black or brown cumin is used in many dishes including curries, rice dishes, breads and chutney. The seeds can be ground or used whole.
Coriander
Coriander is essential in all masala mixes. The seeds can be ground, or used whole.
Cardamom
A dried seedpod fruit from a herb belonging to the ginger species, cardamom comes in both green and brown varieties. Green cardamom pods are crushed to release the black seeds inside and are used extensively in Pakistani cuisine. Stronger in flavour, the brown variety is reserved for meat and vegetable dishes.
Garam Masala
A roasted and ground mixture of spices, including cumin, coriander seeds, chilli and cardamom. Try to buy the freshest spices and make just the amount you need to preserve the fragrance and flavour of the masala.
Dried Plums
Dried Plums impart a sweet and sour flavour and are often used in dishes like biryani.
Saffron
The hand-picked red stigma of the crocus flower, saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and is believed to have been first cultivated in Kashmir in the 3rd century. Loved for its unique flavour and colouring ability, it is used extensively in curries, biryanis and in Pakistani sweets.
Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate Seeds are used both whole and ground. Dried pomegranate possess similar properties to dried plum, providing a sweet and sour flavour.
Chaat Masala
A sour, spicy blend of spices typically including amchur (dried green mango powder), dried ginger, cumin, coriander and black pepper.
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Glossary
Saltimbocca
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