The term, food that starts with U sounds mysterious but it refers to a legume that starts with the letter U. In fact, the first ever recorded eating of this type of food took place over 2 millennia ago in what is now Mexico. This legume was found in a tomb and is thought by some to be the oldest known vegetable. The tomb was the result of the early Aztecs’ excavation. They ate dried fruit, cooked beans and drank an aromatic liquid containing ube. This liquid contained a sweetish, bitter and pungent flavor that led the Aztecs to call it “the sweet drink of the gods”.

Ube is not related to any other vegetables or even any legumes: It is closely related to yam and has similar characteristics of both. It grows wild in the tropical south and Central America, and today it is grown on plantations as a food that starts with Umeboshi. It is also eaten raw or eaten in its edible powder form. The powder can be added to stir-fry or eaten in its original form.

The most common dish in India that starts with Uuthappam is Coconut chutney: There are hundreds of recipes for coconut chutney ranging from plain, roasted coconut to mildly flavored coconut with mild onion, garlic and curry sauces. Uuthappam is a rice salad with raw vegetables or cooked vegetables. In India it is usually served with raisins and is a great thirst quencher when traveling in tropical countries. In India Uuthappam is sometimes called Indian U Ruth and is considered a significant religious festival.

Rice congee is another one of those foods – that start with the letter U that we have all come to love. It is a thick soup made from cooked white rice that is then reconstituted to form a thick soup. Rice congee is used as a main staple of cuisine in the northern part of India. There are many versions of rice congee. It is commonly found in north-east India like Delhi and Punjab.

Rasagullas is a thick curd – like pudding prepared with a sweet syrup and a layer of sugar coating on top. Rasagullas is one of those foods that starts with the letter R in India. The word “Rasagulla” literally means “round rice pudding”.

The other main foods – that start with the letter U include Dry mangoes, pickles and ketchup. Dry mangoes are used to season various dishes. Pickles are a type of fermented fruit.

Ketchup is used in India to dress up our vegetables and meat dishes. It is a thick condiment used to serve any Indian curries or dishes.