5 lesser-known 'lost dishes' of India and here's how they were traditionally made

As India continues to develop and modernize, many traditional dishes are being forgotten or left behind. These lost dishes offer a glimpse into the country's rich culinary history and cultural diversity. From the remote regions of the northeast to the southern coast, there are countless dishes that have been passed down through generations but are now in danger of disappearing. In this article, we'll explore some of the lesser-known and forgotten dishes of India and share their recipes that are close to their traditional ones. (Images courtesy: Instagram)

Kamal Kakdi, which is also known as lotus stem is a vegetable that many people do not enjoy eating. These lotus stems might look like wood, but the taste of this curry is super-delicious. This curry is hot and spicy, and is mostly enjoyed in the hilly areas of Uttar Pradesh. To make this kofta curry, peel and grate the lotus stem, and mix it with besan (gram flour), spices, and salt. Form the mixture into small balls and fry until golden brown. For the curry, heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, tomato puree, and spices like coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and red chili powder. Cook the mixture until the oil separates from the sides. Then, add water and bring the curry to a boil. Add the koftas and cook for a few minutes until the koftas are fully coated in the curry. This dish can be enjoyed with rice or roti. (Image courtesy: Instagram/@desi.jalapeno)

The name may sound strange to you, but it is the most popular dish enjoyed in North eastern states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Mizoram. In English, this is popularly known as Grilled Shrimps and is often enjoyed with rice. The dish is made using shrimps, which are marinated in a mixture of turmeric, chili powder, and salt. The marinated shrimps are then wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed until fully cooked. In a separate pan, onions, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes are sautéed until softened, and then ground spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel are added to create a flavourful paste. The cooked fish is then added to the pan with the spice paste and simmered until the flavours have melded together. This dish has a unique smoky and spicy flavours. (Image courtesy: Instagram/@__malluchef__)

Goa is known for partying, drinking, dancing, beaches and delicious seafood. But do you know, there is a dish from this place that many do not know? This state has a dish called Patolio which is a dessert, but the traditional recipe has been lost. Also known as Patoleo or Patoli, this dessert looks like Mochi Rice Cakes and is a dish that’s prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi. To make Patolio, a batter is prepared using rice flour, coconut, jaggery, and cardamom powder. The batter is then spread thinly onto a turmeric leaf, which is then folded and steamed until fully cooked. The turmeric leaf imparts a subtle flavor and aroma to the dessert, which is then served hot. Patolio is a sweet and fragrant dessert that is popular across Goa, and it's often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The dish is known for its unique combination of sweet and savoury flavours, as well as its striking appearance due to the turmeric leaf wrapping. (Image courtesy: Instagram/@goafromhome)

It’s a traditional Gujarati dish made with whole wheat flour, yoghurt, and a blend of spices. To make this dish, the dough is kneaded with water and salt until it is pliable and smooth. The dough is then rolled into small balls and flattened into thin discs, which are cooked on a hot tawa or griddle until lightly browned and cooked through. The cooked discs are then crumbled and added to a tomato-based gravy made with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The mixture is simmered until the flavours meld together and the gravy thickens. Chakki ki Shaak is typically served with rice or roti and garnished with fresh cilantro. The dish has a hearty and comforting texture, and its combination of fresh wheat flour and savoury spices makes it a unique and flavourful dish. (Image courtesy: Instagram/@house_of_dawat)