Sunday, August 22, 2021
Mongolian influence on Indian food
Mongolian influence on Indian food can be seen to a great extent in different parts of the country. India always visited various neighboring regions due to its strategic geographical location. In addition, the cuisine of the Indian subcontinent has been geographically and culturally influenced. India's north eastern border is located near countries like China and Mongolia. Mongolian influence on Indian food is most prominently displayed in the states of Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya as well as Arunachal Pradesh. Mongols Invasion In the 13th century, the Mongols invaded India. The Mongol Empire made several invasions into the Indian subcontinent from 1221 to 1327 but most of the campaigns proved unsuccessful. Although repeatedly unsuccessful, the Mongols stayed in India for some time and contributed to Indian cuisine.
Mongolian influence on Indian food brought changes in cooking style and introduced many ingredients to Indian kitchen. Most of the people living in the eastern part of India consume rice as their staple food. Mongolian influence on Indian food introduced the production of rice and popularized its consumption as a staple food. Other staple foods of Mongolian cuisine that have gained recognition in Indian kitchens include green vegetables and fruits that are used in abundance. Traditional Mongolian food mainly consists of dairy products and meat. The concept of making a variety of drinks and dishes from milk and cream is derived from the Mongolian people. Mongolian influence on Indian food originally offered simple methods. This effect can be seen in the north eastern part of the country. The people of eastern India have developed a liking for sweets and sweets as a result of Mongolian influence. Mustard oil is another popular ingredient that has gained prominence in Indian kitchens after the Mongolian invasion. Other vegetable oils are also used along with spices and ingredients such as mustard and paste, chilli, panch phoran (a mixture of five spices – white cumin, onion seeds, mustard seeds, fennel and fenugreek seeds). Curd, coconut, corn and gram flour are also common ingredients.