When Parsis came to India they claimed that they would dissolve with people of India like sugar dissolves in milk. Despite being less in number, the Parsis have made a special place for themselves in the Indian culture. Parsi cuisine is influenced by the Goan, Maharashtrian, and Gujarati cuisine. Though the spices used are similar to the rest of the Indian cuisine its distinctive blend is what gives the Parsi cuisine a unique identity. Every dish of the Parsi cuisine has nailed the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy. Here are some of the most loved Parsi dishes that you cannot miss.
12 Parsi Dishes that you Must try out
1. Mawa Cake
Mawa cake is a delicious Parsi cake made from khoya. The cake is soft and spongy and is eaten with tea in the morning or evening. The sweetness is not too overpowering and it is garnished with lots of dry fruits to give it a rich taste.
2. Patra ni Machi
Patra Ni Machi is a special steamed pomfret dish. The pomfret fish is smeared with a generous coating of delicious green chutney and then steamed inside a banana leaf. It is eaten as a starter. The x-factor of this dish is the distinctive flavor of the banana leaf. Apart from being scrumptious, this dish is extremely healthy as well. The simplicity of this dish enables the flavor of fish to shine.
3. Parsi Sev
Unlike the normal tangy and savory sev, Parsi sev is a crunchy dessert made with vermicelli roasted with loads of ghee and dry fruits to give it a rich taste. This dish is eaten mostly during Parsi festivals.
4. Kheema Pav
Keema pav is a decadent staple of Parsi cuisine. It is one of the most loved Mumbai street food. Minced meat is marinated with an amazing blend of spices and then slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, potato, and peas. It is enjoyed with homemade bread called pav. One of the most popular variations of this dish is the addition of eggs, which takes its taste to a different level.
5. Akuri pav
Akuri pav is a Parsi style scrambled egg eaten with homemade buns. The dish is exceptional because of the flavor of spices. The simplicity of the dish and the incredible flavor makes it the ultimate comfort food.
6. Chicken frill Cutlet
These insanely good cutlets are made by frying the minced chicken patties. The spices used in this dish make it incredibly flavorful and the bread crumbs provide the perfect crunchiness to the dish. It is the perfect snack to serve at parties.
7. Fish Vindaloo
This dish beautifully showcases the Goan influence on Parsi cuisine. It is on the spicier side and Pomfret is cooked with the amazing vindaloo spices. The usage of jaggery and red vinegar gives it a unique taste. It is a must-have dish for every spicy food lover.
8. Mutton Dhansak
Mutton dhansak is a wholesome and hearty Parsi dish made from mutton, pumpkin, brinjal, potato,toor dal, masoor dal, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish is a perfect embodiment of the Parsi culture. It is not extremely spicy and has a mild hint of sweetness which ties the whole dish together. A Parsi celebration is incomplete without this special dish.
9. Sali Boti
Sali boti is a red hot mutton dish prepared with aromatic spices, red vinegar, and jaggery. It is garnished with a generous amount of crispy fried potato wedges which gives the dish an amazing flavor and textural contrast. This dish will surely send your taste buds for a joyride.
10. Berry Pulao
Berry pulao is the most iconic Parsi Dish. The rice is cooked with either vegetables or meat and then garnished with fried onions, cashews, and zereshk berries. The sweetness from the berries is not too overpowering due to the spiciness of the meat or vegetable. This dish is an epic combo of spicy and sweet and is one of the heartiest dishes you will ever eat.
11. Bombil Fry
Bombay dusk fish is coated in a spicy mixture of semolina and rice flour till it is crispy and has a golden crust. The fish is extremely succulent and goes well with the crunchy crust. This dish is one of the most loved seafood dishes in Mumbai.
12. Caramel Custard
Caramel custard is the perfect ending to a delicious Parsi meal. It is made from egg topped with an exquisite caramel sauce and garnished with dry fruits. The rich taste of caramel sauce compliments the lightness of the souffle-like custard very well. The dish not just tastes great but it looks good as well.
