A visit to Patiala

Hi Friends!

Recently I visited Patiala. Patiala is a city in the Punjab State of India. It takes about one and a half hour to drive to Patiala from Chandigarh. Patiala is famous for its peg (referred as Patiala Peg), pagri (traditional headgear), paranda or Parandi (women weave them at the end of their plaits or braids. The ‘parandi’ today seems to have become an item used exclusively in weddings or as a souvenir being bought by tourists or being gifted to them), Jutti (traditional Punjabi footwear embroidered in several patterns and colours to match dresses), Patiala shahi salwar (A large amount of cloth is required to make the heavily pleated salwar . In the olden times only Royal people could afford to buy the seven metres of cloth needed to make a suit with a Patiala salwar. Hence tagged ‘shahi’), Patiala Lassi (a big glass of lassi) and Phulkari (traditional embroidery of Punjab).

"Sheesh Mahal"

Another picture of "Sheesh Mahal"

"Quila Mubarak"

A "Jutti" shop in Patiala

Now, I am telling you the way Patiala Lassi is being made. Though one can have Lassi in any season, it is best to consume it during hot Summer days. It kills body heat.

Lassi Patiala

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh Curd
1 tbsp. sugar
1 cardamom powdered
8-10 strands saffron
1/2 cup crushed ice
Malai - 2 tsp.
Milk - 1 tsp.

Method:

1. Soak saffron in 1 tsp. of milk and rub till dissolved.
2. Mix sugar in curd till well dissolved.
3. Just before serving combine all ingredients.
4. Whip well with a hand or electric beater.
5. The lassi is ready when it is light and frothy.
6. Serve chilled with malai (fresh cream) on top.

Note: 1-2 drops of Rose, Kewra or Vanilla essence can be added instead of saffron. Also cardamom is optional.