Pakistani’s Breakfast: Like a King

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Lachha-Paratha.04-1728x800_cPakistan is a country that seems to have taken the phrase “breakfast like a king,” literally, the heart. From urban centers to the rural outskirts, privileged families struggling households, and low-calorie diets bingeing, uninhibited indulgence, breakfasts across the country are something to behold. They are a delight to the palate, and a feast for many. Whatever the situation, the quantity, quality and variety of the menu are certainly worthy of royalty!

The spicy cuisine of the subcontinent with his Qormas, Tikkas biryani and much celebrated worldwide. This is because the dishes that originate here have a unique flavor that can not be found on any other ones. This is courtesy of the variety of herbs and spices that go into the making of the tempting fare. The resulting fragrant aroma and impeccable taste is also a testimony to the culinary expertise of the locals.

But while all the gushing tales of foreign delicacies justified, these stories often seem to neglect foods that adorn our tables and dastarkhwaans breakfast. When it comes to items for the most important meal of the day, Pakistanis can testify that they are so delicious; if not more!

If you consider a must-have roti for lunch and dinner, parathas have their own special place in the heart of the kitchen desi. These are considered a staple in the morning, and an essential part of the first meal of the day. Flaky, crispy and oh-so-good-fatteningly, these parts are greased celestial excess layers and fried to perfection. And does not have to stop there for those looking for an even more rewarding experience with the bread. Some people like to fill up with aloo parathas (mashed potatoes with spices), paneer (cottage cheese), gobhi (cauliflower or cabbage), qeema (minced meat), dal (lentils) or basically any and every type of fill that imaginable. Thus, there is a burst of delicious flavor in your mouth with every bite. And with all the space to improvise, parathas are absolutely perfect and chewing food crunchers alike!

puriWhat are pancakes to west, parathas and puri are to us! Puri are bloated version, fried and lighter parathas of the above, and a particularly preferred breakfast item. These are all eaten along with halva, a sweet dish usually made of carrots or semolina and garnished with nuts and all kinds of nuts.

The combination is so celebrated throughout the country that the whole meal is called halva puri. The puri also eaten with channas, a rate made with chickpeas. Along with halva, together comprising a hearty breakfast.

The eggs are eaten in a lot of ways for breakfast, but the most common ways are hard, fried or scrambled b00abbd3-2375-4b12-981e-3611c57b3ea1plain. Khagina is our kind of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, green peppers and spices thrown in for good measure. Pakistanis have their own version of omelettes too. While most cultures stop at launch in a few chopped vegetables in the spongy mixture of beaten eggs, we go further.

Cheese, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, green pepper, spices and just about anything and everything it can and does get into the tortilla. The resulting golden goodness is bordered by dark stripes and served open or folded, depending on consumer preference.

Glasses of milk alone or flavored, plus milkshakes and smoothies made with an amazing variety of fruits, are a common sight in many Pakistani breakfast. Also coffee or herbal tea and other greens are not unknown to mealtime. But most of the reception in the morning beverage of all is the dhoodhpati; consumed in huge quantities throughout the country by people of all age, class and social status. It is doodh-pati-54596_220x220creamier (and dare I say yummier!) Cousin ubiquitous black tea.

Unlike other teas milk, this particular type is made directly into the milk instead of first boiling the leaves or tea bag in the water and just add milk to taste later. It also often has cardamom or cinnamon infused thrown into the mix, and more often than not has a good portion of sugar to boot. But when it comes to waking up in the morning, there is nothing better than a refreshing cup of this amazing mix!

08mpchew_ART_GS_08_1356722eSome other products favorite breakfast of Nihari and locals include Siri paye. These are especially popular in the famous food streets of Lahore.

Nihari is a very spicy curry with tender pieces of beef or chicken slowly cooked in thick sauce. Siri paye refers to a dish made with the head and hooves of a goat, cow or sheep, and has a sticky texture. These are eaten with tandoori naan, which leavened bread cooked in a clay oven. As is apparent, Pakistanis have no qualms about having meat for breakfast. It is also perhaps a deeper logic behind having these two for breakfast since both are heavy on the stomach. They are simply too good to boycott, so the next best thing is to eat first thing in the morning. And they have all day to work them off!

The rich set of options around here does not end with just salty foods. Breakfast items are served on shahi-tukrayspecial occasions include Sheer Khorma, which is basically a noodle pudding garnished with pistachios, raisins and almonds. Tukray Shahi is another sweet dish that fits perfectly, and is essentially fried bread cooked in a mixture of milk and topped with cheese or nuts syrup. These are, in contrast to the spicy, salty or crunchy food commonly found and consumed in a typical breakfast of Pakistan.

Please note that just because we have our own kitchen does not mean you enjoy a variety of others. Croissants, rolls, jams, waffles, pancakes, muffins and french toast, along with hot chocolate, lattes and cappuccinos are always around for those so inclined. But when you have about Pakistani food, other kinds of truth simply is not enough.


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