Jhol Momo to Paalak Methi Mattar ka Saag: 15 dishes Vladimir Putin was served on his India trip

Russian President Vladimir Putin was recently on a trip to India for the December 4-5 state visit and the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit. When it comes to diet and food choices of world leaders, there are certain protocols. It is reported that unlike most world leaders who sit through official banquets, Putin travels with one of the most tightly controlled culinary ecosystems in the world. As per reports, his meals abroad are usually prepared by a dedicated team flown in from Russia, ingredients are vetted long before reaching his plate, and every dish is screened to avoid potential threats. And when it comes to India, we are famous for our "Mehmaan Nawazi,” which literally means hospitality. In Indian culture, welcoming guests warmly and treating them with utmost respect is considered a virtue and a duty and this time was no exception. As per the paparazzi page Viral Bhayani, on his 2-day trip to India, President Putin was hosted to a lavish vegetarian state dinner by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. As per the post, the evening also featured Indian classical ragas blended with Russian melodies, creating a unique cultural experience. Take a look at the dishes served during the state dinner.

As per the menu card, it included delicately spiced broth of moringa leaves and moong beans, garnished with curry leaf scented seeds.

For appetizers, there were stuffed morels with Kashmiri-style walnut chutney.

This refers to pan-grilled kebabs of black gram, with mint sauces and sheermal bread.

This included Pelmeni-inspired steamed vegetable dumplings with water chestnut, spicy tomato dip.

This was one of the main course dishes, which included a roulade of cottage cheese and dry fruits dipped in saffron scented sauce.

Keeping the Delhi winters in mind, there were slow cooked winter greens of spinach, fenugreek leaves and fresh peas, tempered with wild mustard seeds.

This included stuffed char grilled potatoes, marinated in yogurt and spices.

This refers to baby aubergines cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce flavoured with spices.

A heart blend of yellow lentils simmered with tomato and onion, and spices.

Lachha Paratha is a popular North Indian flatbread known for its layered, flaky texture. The word “lachha” literally means “layers” or “strands,” which perfectly describes the way the bread looks and feels when cooked. It uses flour, curd, oil, and salt in its preparation.

It is a rich Indian flatbread that uses nut seeds or kernels, most commonly almonds, pistachios, cashews, and sometimes melon seeds along with flour, curd, ghee or butter, sugar, and cardamom in its preparation.

Also known as Satnaj Roti is a traditional Indian flatbread made using Satanaj seeds, which are more commonly known as nigella seeds, black cumin, or kalonji. It mainly used flour, water, salt, oil, and seeds.

This Indian flatbread is made with a mix of whole wheat flour and gram flour (besan), giving it a distinct flavor, texture, and nutritional boost compared to regular roti.

Biscuity Roti is a type of Indian flatbread with a crisp, slightly crumbly texture, that resembles a biscuit and is made with flour, butter, ghee or oil, sugar, salt, and milk.

Badam Ka Halwa is a rich and indulgent Indian dessert made primarily from almonds (badam), sugar, and ghee. It’s especially popular in North India.

Kesar Pista Kulfi is a classic Indian frozen dessert, often called the traditional version of ice cream, but denser and creamier and is made with full-fat milk, condensed milk, sugar, saffron, pistachios, and cardamom.

As per the post, there was Gur Sandesh and Murakku on table. For beverages, there was pomegranate, orange, carrot and ginger juice. And for salads, there was beetroot, khaman kakdi, shakarkandi papdi chaat with kamrak, boondi raita, and gongura pickle, mango chutney, and banana chips.

Images Courtesy: istock