Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently hosted a dinner for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Members of Parliament, showcasing a diverse culinary experience with regional flavors. The menu aimed to represent the diverse tastes of India, featuring dishes from various states.

Among the notable dishes served were Gongura Paneer and Palakura Pappu, highlighting Andhra cuisine. Gongura Paneer is a spicy and tangy curry made with paneer (Indian cheese) and gongura leaves, also known as red sorrel leaves. This dish offers a unique flavor profile, blending the richness of paneer with the sourness of gongura. Palakura Pappu, also known as Palak Pappu, is a lentil-based dish cooked with spinach and spices, a staple in Telugu-speaking households. It is a nutritious and comforting dish often served with rice.

Gongura Paneer: A Spicy and Tangy Delight

Gongura Paneer combines North Indian and South Indian flavors. Paneer, a widely popular ingredient in North Indian cuisine, is cooked with gongura, a sour leaf used extensively in Andhra cuisine. The curry is made by frying onions, ginger-garlic paste, and spices, then adding the gongura leaves and tomato paste. The paneer is added later and simmered in the gravy, allowing it to absorb the flavors. The result is a spicy, tangy, and flavorful dish that goes well with roti or rice. Some variations include green chilies, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and other spices to enhance the taste.

Palakura Pappu: A Nutritious and Comforting Staple

Palakura Pappu is a simple yet nutritious dish made with lentils and spinach. It is a staple in Andhra Pradesh and is known for its comforting and wholesome qualities. The dish is prepared by cooking lentils with spinach, tomatoes, and green chilies. Tempering with mustard seeds, urad dal, garlic, and red chilies adds flavor. Palakura Pappu is typically served with rice and a dollop of ghee, making it a satisfying meal. It can also be served with roti or jowar roti for a healthy, diabetic-friendly option.

Beyond these Andhra specialties, the dinner menu included a variety of dishes to cater to different palates. There were items from every state, like Kashmir's Kahwa, Bengal's Rasgulla and Punjab's Missi Roti. Other options included Jodhpuri sabzi, dal, dum biryani, and a selection of Indian breads. A Punjabi food counter was also available. For those preferring lighter options, bajra khichdi, a millet dish, was included. The beverage selection featured a range of juices, shakes, and raita. The dessert selection included white rasmalai and several types of ghewar.

This elaborate dinner hosted by PM Modi provided a platform for NDA MPs to celebrate their alliance and enjoy the diverse culinary heritage of India.