Northwest (Punjab) Region
India’s western region produces simpler cuisines and incorporates more of the country’s staple foods, such as rice and flat breads, into each dish. Peanut oil is frequently used in place of ghee, and vegetables are steamed instead of fried. The emphasis in the northwest region is on texture and presentation style. Kala masala is a regional spice mixture common to many of the local recipes. Visitors to the region can enjoy a variety of vegetarian and seafood dishes, many of which are particularly delightful in the western state of Maharashtra.