Sikh American Food

Sikh Americans were not counted in the 2010 census, but the population is estimated at over 200,000. They are followers of a religion and way of life founded by the teacher Guru Nanak (1469–1539), who was born in Punjab, a region now part of both Pakistan and India. Repudiating the caste system, rituals, and multiple deities, Nanak traveled far, spreading the message to remember the One Creator, do honest work, and share with the less fortunate. Welcoming all to enjoy a free vegetarian meal was his revolutionary means of breaking caste, class, and religious barriers. In any gurudwara (Sikh temple) anyplace in the world, this tradition of langar is carried on. Karah prashaad (blessed halvah) made with equal weights of wheat, butter, and sugar is shared after the hymns and before a meal, which is similar to those eaten by Sikhs in homes across America.