Lesser-Known Comfort Dishes from Central India

Dec17,2025

A rustic cousin of Rajasthan’s baati, bafla is boiled, then baked and generously soaked in ghee. It is typically served with dal and chutney, making it deeply warming and filling.

Bafla (Malwa & Bundelkhand)

A winter comfort dish made from grated corn cooked with milk, mustard seeds, and mild spices. Soft, creamy, and subtly sweet, it is best enjoyed hot.

Bhutte ka Kees (Indore)

A thick kadhi with gram flour dumplings cooked directly in spiced yogurt gravy. Unlike pakora kadhi, the dumplings soak up flavors, making it intensely comforting.

Dubki Kadhi (Bundelkhand)

A unique dal made with crushed chironji seeds instead of lentils. Nutty, rich, and warming, it is traditionally eaten in colder months.

Chironji ki Dal (Baghelkhand)

Steamed rice flour dumplings, mildly spiced and often tempered with ghee and garlic. Light yet satisfying, faraa is a staple winter comfort food.

Faraa (Chhattisgarh)

A hot and tangy mixed vegetable curry thickened with bamboo shoot paste or forest herbs. It has a deep, earthy warmth unique to tribal kitchens.

Aamat (Chhattisgarh tribal cuisine)

Green chilies stuffed with spiced lentils and slow-cooked in gravy. Served warm with rotis, it balances heat with comforting spices.

Bharela Mirchi (Malwa region)