Kashmir, fondly known as the heaven on earth is surrounded by picturesque valleys and Mother Nature has blessed this beautiful city in abundance. This place not only is a treat to the eyes but also is a treat for your taste buds. Kashmir offers an exquisite variety of dishes that are rich, flavoursome and are a pleasure for a gourmet lover. Origin of a wide variety of meat dominated delights; rice is the staple food item that is an accompaniment to these beautifully prepared delicacies.
I would like to take you through the tantalizing dishes which are to be relished when wandering in this extremely beautiful part of India.
13 Heavenly Dishes to Try When You’re in Kashmir
1. Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a classic mutton dish which is originated in Persia and is a fondly savoured dish in Kashmir. It is prepared with lamb meat and Kashmiri red chillies are used to give it the tempting red colour. This dish is a combination of various spices which gives it an alluring aroma. This dish is very rich as it is made in ghee, yogurt, onion, and various spices and the lamb is cooked until tender. It is a delight for all meat lovers and is a must-try dish.
2. Dum Aloo
Dum aloo is a delight for all vegetarians. This is a traditional Kashmiri cuisine prepared using baby potatoes. It is a very creamy and rich delicacy that is primarily made of yogurt and Kashmiri spices. To enhance the texture of the dish cashew nuts are added in order to make it rich.
3. Mutton Yakhni
For relishing the authentic Kashmiri flavours Yakhni is a must-have dish. Yakhni is a yogurt curry-based mutton dish that gives away an authentic flavour, originated in this region. This dish was introduced by the Mughals and it has been loved ever since. Mutton is cooked in yogurt broth and varied spices are used to give it an outstanding flavour. Yakhni rice is also commonly eaten in Kashmir where rice is cooked in the yogurt broth along with the meat.
4. Modur Pulav
Modur pulav is a sweetened rice dish made using basmati rice. It is a commonly rejoiced dish in the region. Prepared with a generous dose of ghee, milk and contains a handful of nuts which adds to the flavour. Saffron is used to enhance the aroma and to give the dish a vibrant colour. Served with a gravy on the side it suffices for a good meal.
5. Matschgand
There are no second thoughts about the fact that Kashmir is a paradise for connoisseurs of meat. Matschgand is yet another dish worth putting your taste buds on fire. This is a spicy red gravy based dish. This minced meatball dish gets its fiery flavours from a blend of Kashmiri spices. It is hard to resist these tempting mutton koftas and their taste will make you ask for more. This is a must-try dish for meat lovers.
6. Nadur Monji
Nadur Monji is a cute fried snack contributed to the North Indian cuisine by Kashmir. This is made from lotus stem and is served as a side or appetizer in Kashmiri cuisine. It is a substitute for potato fries commonly found in the streets of Kashmir. Salt and spice are sprinkled on the top to make it tasty. It’s a fondly eaten snack in the region.
7. Muji Gaad
Amongst the wide variety of mutton based dishes, Kashmir is also the origin of an unusual yet delicious fish delicacy known as Muji Gaad. This dish has an uncommon combination of fish and radish. Muji Gaad has a thick consistency and is more on the spicy side. It is prepared in a paste made from a variety of Kashmiri spices and is an absolute delight. If you relish fish then this Kashmiri dish is not be missed.
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8. Kahwa
As soon as a person hears Kashmir, Kahwa immediately pops into our head. Kahwa is a famous tea coming from the valleys of Kashmir. This tea is flavoured with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and saffron. It is most loved and consumed during winters and has a soothing as well as relieving impact. Kahwa is topped with nuts like almonds, pistachio, walnut, and dried flower petals. If you haven’t tried Kahwa then you definitely have missed something.
9. Goshtaba
Goshtaba is an extremely rich and creamy dish prepared in yogurt curry. This dish is usually eaten at the end of the meal as it is good for digestion. Minced meatballs are added to the rich gravy and imbibe a royal taste. This dish is an outcome of the utmost finesse and its taste justifies its preparation process.
10. Kashmiri Shufta
Kashmiri Shufta is a traditional Kashmiri dessert that purely consists of dry fruits. It is an extremely rich and royal dessert that is easy to make but it adds weight to the palate. Dry fruits are mixed together and covered with sugar syrup and spices. This is an exquisite sweet dish which this state has to offer.
11. Noon Chai
Noon chai is also known as Gulabi chai or pink tea is a traditional Kashmiri tea. This tea is pink in colour and is made with special tea leaves. Its colour is obtained by adding a pinch of baking soda to it. Noon chai or sheer chai is prepared with milk, nuts and sea salt. This hot beverage is a must-have in Kashmir.
12. Haak Saag
One of the healthiest vegetarian dishes cooked in the serene valleys of Kashmir. Haak saag is made using locally grown haak. This basic dish is cooked simply in Kashmiri spices and is eaten by all. It is a must-try for vegetarians.
13. Paneer Chaman
Paneer Chaman is as good and rich as the meat-based gravies that Kashmir has given to the culinary world. It is a lip-smacking vegetarian dish that has cottage cheese slices and is prepared in rich tomato gravy. This dish is a delight for all cottage cheese lovers and is full of flavours. It is undoubtedly a finger-licking dish.
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