Rajasthan

The Rajasthan region is located in North West India. The cuisine in this area was influenced both by the warlike lifestyles of its inhabitants as well as by the availability of ingredients in such an arid land. Very little grows in the region – the extreme heat, scarcity of water and rugged terrain means that vegetation is sparse – and this led to the development of a simple, rustic, hearty cuisine unlike others in India. Wheat and millet are the staples, instead of the more ubiquitous rice found in other parts of India. Meat dishes abound, as well as the use of lentils, pulses, dried fruits and milk products (including yogurt, dried milk and ghee).