And All This Time You Thought These Dishes Were Indian?

Food continues to create a powerful image about India. The sheer variety and magnitude of culinary delights found in India are second to none. Anyone who comes to India, eats some of the most delicious and extravagantly varied forms of food and enjoys the euphoria. However, some of the food listed as Indian are not really of Indian origin. Time to get your facts straight.

Samosa

Don't we just love some Samosa? Any time is a good time for a samosa. It is one of those friendly snacks akin to a best friend that one can't do without.

But you would deeply mistaken to think that Samosa is an Indian invention. Samosa was originally invented in the Middle East, where even today, it is served with a meat filling unlike here in the sub-continent.

Jalebi

A dull day is made good by the delicious taste of Jalebi. One can even fight till the last breath to get hands on to this marvelous delight of India. A little portion of Jalebi is never enough, hence the constant petulant fight about having more of it.

But Jalebi isn't an Indian invention. Many centuries ago, the Middle East discovered created this sugary delight. In fact, in Middle East it is still refered to as Zulbia. 

Daal-Chawal

Lentil soup, such an important part  of our daily regimental consumption, chances are, at this point of time, someboday in India is surely licking off Daal-Chawal from his fingers. Legend has it that India's staple diet was invented in Nepal and later brought to Bharat.

Rajma

Don't gasp in shock. It is true. Sadly, everyone's favorite Rajma wasn't invented in India. 

It was first grown in Mexico, carried back to Europe by the Portuguese and then brought to the South-Western coast of India.

Gulab-Jamun

Chances are, you had no idea that the sweet delicious delight called Gulab Jamun which you occasionly over indulge in, has another name in a distant part of the world!

Orginally invented in Iran and brought to India by Badshah's and Moghul Emperors, Gulab-Jamun was originally called Iuqmat-al-Qadi.

Paneer

An accidental discovery, legend has it that Paneer was invented by pure stroke of luck thanks to the Mongols. The Mongols, who were out on a long trip, possibly during a conquering-excursion on horses, had been carrying some milk in Mushkis(raw-hide). But due to the inclement weather, milk turned into cottage cheese. The newfound product would be later brought to India along with delicious herbs, spices et cetera by the Moghuls.

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