Some Maharashtrian (e.g. Kolhapuri cuisine) and Punjabi (can't think of any right now) dishes are plenty spicy. Heard the same about a few Rajasthani dishes too

Some Maharashtrian (e.g. Kolhapuri cuisine) and Punjabi (can't think of any right now) dishes are plenty spicy. Heard the same about a few Rajasthani dishes too. (I've had plenty of the first two types, not had the third yet.) This is probably true of some other Indian states as well, maybe including the North-East ones (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, etc.). (Edit: Add Goa to the above list of states with spicy food - some Goan dishes are hugely spicy :) After all, that "heat" may be helpful in cold weather as well, to stimulate the body, to clear the sinuses and so on. And the northern Indian states are colder than the South. And speaking of cold weather, any of you who are in such an area and don't mind spicy stuff, check out lasun chutney (garli chutney). Easy to make at home, hot and tasty stuff (use small amounts with your food), and will add some zing to many meals. A Maharastrian item. The two main ingredients are red chilli powder and garlic (a few other spices may be added by some people). Ground and roasted (maybe) and then fried into a thick paste.