Soup-Shashtra

It is quite interesting to investigate what the ancient Indians knew about various elements which formed the healthy diet. If we examine everyday food intake of present day Indians, we can assess that proteins (meats, fish, pulses), carbohydrates (wheat and rice), calcium-rich products (milk, curds, butter) were all included to form a balanced diet.

The use of leafy vegetables, rich in iron and fibers, and sprouted grams is an age-old practice. The science of cooking was known as Supashashtra. "Supa" or "Paka" means cooking in Sanskrit, and "shastra" is science. Supashastra was studied as science as well as art.

Ancient classics shed light on the prelavence of grills, spike-roasted meats, bone-marrow soup and barbecued steaks. The books also describe elaborate cleanling and methods of preparation.

It is very interesting to note that Manasollasa, a work of the 12th Century uses the word "Supa" in the same sense of the word "Soup" of English language.

See Also:
• More details of Manasollasa
• Creaming the Butter
• Social Drinking in Ancient India