LOCAL AND INCREDIBLE CUISINES OF UTTRAKHAND

There is a saying that ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach; the varied mouth-watering food delights prepared in Uttarakhand vividly exemplifies this phrase.

WE PEOPLE OF UTTRAKHAND ARE FOND OF HAVING DELICIOUS AS WELL AS NUTRITIONAL FOOD. The cuisine of Uttarakhand is similar to its people, simple yet incredible. The two distinct regions, Kumaon and Garhwal offer palates of flavoursome dishes that are high on nutrition as well. 

A balanced flavour is the key to authentic Uttarakhand cuisine that is mostly cooked over a slow fire of wood.

MAJOR DELICACIES OF UTTRAKHAND AND KUMAON

The dishes in Garhwal deeply connects to its people, the food is prepared with the right amount of spices, which only entices one to savour it. Phanu, Kafuli, Thechwani, Chainsoo, Jholi, Gahat ke Paranthe, Roat and Baadi are some of finger-licking Garhwali dishes. Meanwhile, in Kumaon, Aaloo Gutuk, Dubke, Thathwani, Kaapa, Chudkani, Jaula and Sisunaak Saag are the mouth-watering presentations.

Although Kumaon and Garhwal are divided in different regions; they unite as one in its methods of cooking and the choice of ingredients. There are also several dishes that two regions are common but have different names

1.KAFULI- A BLEND OF HEALTH AND TASTE

Kafuli or Kapla is made by using spinach, lai (the alternative of mustard leaf) and fenugreek leafs. The vegetables are cooked in an iron kadhai and is then served with steaming rice.

The presence of Spinach makes this food one of the healthiest food. Served with Topping of ghee. People consume kafuli mostly in winters.

2.THICHHWANI: A LIP-SMACKING DELICACY

In our local language thichwani means something smashed, it is our one of the most famous local variant. For making thichwani me take some potatoes (especially baby potatoes) or made with smashing radish as well. It is served with steamed rice along with bhang ki chutney. This is one of our lip-smacking along with very easy to make dish of pahad.

3.PHAANU: TRESURE OF LENTILS

Phaanu is very delicious, creamy, tasty and healthy dish prepared using horse gram. A different variety of dals like – Gahat, Arhar or green Mung can be used to prepare Phanu. It appears as soupy meal and served with steamed rice, This is very nutritious recipe which gives lots of energy to stay fit in cool climates of hill stations. Horse gram is very healthy lentil having it regularly cures kidney stones, heart diseases and diabetes.

4.URAD DAL KE PAKODE- INCREDIBLE SNACK

Urad dal ke pakode is a tasty pakoda recipe made with urad dal and spices. These soft and spongy Pakoras are one of the best things that you’ll have in Uttarakhand. Whether there is a festival, wedding or any important function, Urad dal Pakoras are made every single time. To make this dish, you need to soak black lentils overnight. Strain the water and grind the lentils into a fine paste. Then add chopped onions, coriander leaves, chillies, jeera powder, garam masala and salt to taste. Make small balls by applying water on the palms, flatten them and coat them with sesame seeds. Deep-fry in oil and serve hot with chutney.

5.SWALA: OUR STUFFED BREAD

Uttarakhand is known for its characteristic food items, one of which is swala of Uttarakhand. a. These stuffed pooris are huge. It has Gehat ki dal as stuffing along with blends of spices. Gehat is horse gram also known as Kulath ki Daal. These stuffed pooris are served with aloo torkari or aloo subzi. 
Swala of Uttarakhand is a familiar dish that is an essential component if one seeks to prepare a comprehensive list of dishes which would represent the local cuisine.

6.Bhatt Ki Churdkani- BLEND OF FLAVOURS

The occupants of Uttarakhand just love to spend their coveted weekends in the cozy comforts of home and satiate their hunger by devouring the most exotic dish of Uttarakhand, Bhatt Ki Churdkani. Being also spelled as ‘Churkaani’, Bhatt Ki Churdkani augments the glory and charm of many occasions and festivals feted in the state of Uttarakhand.

It is prepared from black bhatt blended with rice paste and ordinary flour, Bhatt Ki Churdkani also has a very high nutritive value. Bhatt Ki Churdkani is bestowed with all the various essential elements like vitamins, proteins, minerals, etc.

7.BHAANG KI CHUTNEY-THE ULTIMATE LOVE

Bhang Ki Chutney is one of the most famous dip of uttrakhand, and it is very easy to make and safe to eat for all including children. Chutney made from bhaang seeds, mint leaves and green chillies. In Uttarakhand, it is eaten with main meal and sometimes just rolled with madua(ragi or finger millet) roti.

8.ARSA- A MOUTH-WATERING SWEET

A sweet dish famous in the Garhwal and Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand, Arsa is an integral part of “Kaleo” – a return gift on any auspicious ceremony in any household of this region. This delicious recipe is prepared with simple ingredients like cane sugar, rice and mustard oil.

9.MANDUE/KODE KI ROTI-OUR EMOTION

Mandua ki roti is a simple and nutritious chapatti made of wheat flour, manduaflourManduakiroti is staple food in many parts of north India especially from Uttarakhand. For preparing this healthy and nutritious Manduakiroti, mix mandua flour and wheat flour well together and prepare stiff dough with water. Divide this into even sized balls and roll out into chapattis. Heat a griddle or tava and cook the chapatti on both sides on the fire.

10.KANDALI KA SAAG- LOVE OF LOCALS

Uttarakhand is known for its distinctive food items, one of which is Kandalee Ka Saag. This dish is one of the vegetable preparations that are highly popular with visitors and tourists to the area. Kandalee Ka Saag is actually a green leafy vegetable dish, prepared in the way you would cook any other green vegetables. The leaves are regionally known as ‘Bichhu Ghas’ and are plucked when they are young

A great number of people in Uttrakhand are vegetarian in diet. The highly nutritious kandalee ka saag of Uttarakhand feature prominently in their diet. It is also great loved by the visitors to this magic land in the lap of the Himalayas.

ALSO READ ABOUT FAMOUS SWEETS OF UTTARAKHAND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *