The Lok Sabha elections of 2024 began on Friday, with 102 seats in 21 states and union territories going to the polls. At 7:00 AM on Friday, polling for the first round of Lok Sabha elections in eight constituencies of Western Uttar Pradesh started. The seats of the eight constituencies include Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina (reserved), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit. These fall on the jat and sugarcane belts of the state.
Reportedly, the ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, has allied with the Rashtriya Lok Dal, while the Samajwadi Party has joined hands with the Congress. Moreover, the Bahujan Samaj Party has decided to go solo. There are a total of 80 candidates, which includes 73 men and seven women in the first phase of polling. Among the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, 63 are for candidates hailing from any background, while 17 are for reserved candidates from the Schedule Caste communities.
As a responsible citizen, it must be your duty to cast your vote. Just as Uttar Pradesh is known for winning many votes, the state is also renowned for delicious delicacies that have won the hearts of the locals and tourists. From the royal kitchens of Lucknow to the busy streets of Varanasi, there is something about the foods in Uttar Pradesh that tantalises the taste buds. After casting your vote, if you want to indulge in Uttar Pradesh cuisine, here is a list of six popular foods. Take a look:
- Chaat
Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its delectable street foods and your culinary journey cannot be complete without trying the vibrant array of chaats. Ranging from Aloo tikki chaat to Papdi chaat, Uttar Pradesh provides a myriad of options to tantalise your taste buds. Chaat is a crispy fried snack made with an assortment of boiled potatoes, chickpeas, tangy chutneys, and a wide range of aromatic spices. All these come together and create a burst of flavour and texture in every bite. It can be enjoyed as a quick snack or an evening treat. Chaat is loved by all kids and adults alike.
- Tunday Kabab
Originating in the 17th century, this authentic kabab hails from the streets of Lucknow and is considered the signature dish of the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. These succulent kababs are mainly made from minced meat, beef, or lamb and are mixed with a whole lot of spices and herbs, namely ginger, garlic, garam masala, etc. Tunday kabab provides a melt-in-the-mouth experience, which is achieved through the addition of raw papaya, which acts as a natural tenderizer. It is generally served with mint chutney and roomali roti.
- Lucknowi Biryani
Also known as Awadhi biryani, this masterpiece originated in the royal kitchens of Lucknow. To prepare this basmati rice, it is cooked with tender meat, mainly chicken or mutton. The inclusion of a blend of spices like saffron, cardamom, and cloves provides a unique fragrance and taste to the dish. The biryani is slow-cooked in ‘dum,’ ensuring that the flavours meld beautifully. Lucknowi biryani is often garnished with mint leaves, fried onions, and a drizzle of saffron-infused milk.
- Kulcha-Nihari
If you’re in Lucknow or Kanpur, don’t miss out on this most beloved breakfast. The dish contains soft, fluffy kulchas served with nihari, which is a flavourful stew made with slow-cooked tender meat, typically beef or mutton, along with an array of spices and herbs. The combination of spicy stew Nihari and buttery kulchas is sure to make you fall in love with the marriage of flavours that is just irresistible. This breakfast is fulfilling and keeps you energised throughout the day.
- Nargisi Kofta
This Mughlai dish has found its way through the kitchens of Uttar Pradesh. This unique dish features hard-boiled eggs cased in a flavourful mixture of minced meat, spices, and herbs, shaped into koftas and deep-fried till golden brown. These koftas are dipped into a rich and creamy gravy and cooked with tomatoes, onions, yoghurt, and a blend of spices. The dish is rich and flavourful. It is often accompanied by naan or steamed rice.
- Nimish
End your savoury meal with Nimish or makhan Malai, a dessert that hails from Lucknow. Also known as Nimish, this is a sweet treat made by churning malai with sugar and saffron until it reaches a light and airy consistency. It is served chilled in earthen pots and garnished with chopped nuts. Makhan Malai provides a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
