Oh my God!!! We've been wrong all these years thinking that our popular desi snacks, that have become an integral part of all our celebrations, are Indian. But what we're gonna tell you would make your jaw drop.
Yes, that' right as most of these lip-smacking delicacies, which we've been gorging almost every other evening with the trademark cup of chai, are not Indian at all! Don't believe us? Read on to know their origins:
1. Samosa
Yes, we know what you're thinking right now, but it's true! Samosa originally belongs to the Middle East and derives its name from the Persian word sambosa. It was introduced to Indian traders by Muslim traders in the 13th and 14th century and since then it has become an essential tea time snack, especially when you have unannounced guests at home.
Originally, its filling was prepared by a mixture of nuts, meat and spices, however, once in India, it got its numerous avatars such as Jain samosa, paneer samosa, dry fruit samosa, kachori samosa and so on.
The historical samosa also finds a mention in a traditional manuscript dating back to the 13th century by poet saint Amir Khusro, which says that samosa was a favourite food of the royalty.
Continue reading on the next page to know which other desi foods are not from India
2. Gulab Jamun
We know you thought it was always an Indian invention, but sadly it isn't. Gulab jamun also finds its origin in Persia and gets its name from the Persian words gol (flower) and ab (water). History says that gulab jamun was introduced to India by the fritter that was brought by the Turkic invaders to India.
Historical texts also say that it was Shah Jahan's favourite Chef who accidentally prepared it one day in the kitchen and the emperor was so impressed with the invention that he would have it almost every day.
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Gulab jamun is also similar to the Arab dessert luqmat al-qadi, which further validates its origins. Like samosa, gulab jamun also has its own Indian variations with some adding elaichi or cardamom to the sugar syrup to it while some stuff it with dry fruits.
Continue reading on the next page to know which other desi foods are not from India
3. Jalebi
Alright, enough of jaw-dropping now! Sadly, your favourite Jalebi isn't Indian either. This delicacy derives its name from the Arabic word zulabiya and the Persian word zalibiya. History says that in Iran jalebi was traditionally offered to the poor in the holy month of Ramadan.
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There are also several recipes of the sweet mentioned in the 10th and 13th-century cookbooks, besides finding a mention in a cookbook by Muhammad bin Hasan al-Baghdadi, a culinary legend of the 13th century.
Continue reading on the next page to know which other desi foods are not from India
4. Kulfi
This sweet delicacy has its origins in the 16th century and likely originated in the Mughal empire that spread across Afghanistan. The word kulfi is Persian in origin and simply means a covered cup.
Kulfi also finds a mention in Ain-i-Akbari that was a historical record kept by the administrators of the Mughal kingdom. During that time kulfi was usually made in metal cones and flavoured with kesar and pista, which is how it is mostly enjoyed today as well.
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Continue reading on the next page to know which other desi foods are not from India
5. Idli
Yes, all this information must have blown your mind by now, but we promise this is the last shocker of the day. According to food historian, KT Acharya, steamed idlis seemed to have originated in Indonesia, where it is a common traditional, culinary practice to use fermented foods.
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It is also said that idli made its debut in India between 800 and 1200 CE. Some food historians also say that it was brought to India by the Arab settlers.
Also Read: You've been making the biggest health mistake by eating Palak Paneer
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