When we think of eating out, one often orders Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Continental among the most popular cuisines. As for the regional cuisines, it is usually, Punjabi, South Indian, or Lucknowi preparations, especially for non-veg and biryani lovers.
Seldom do we think of Kashmiri cuisine right? Yes, as except for a few dishes and beverages, Kashmiri cuisine may not be the first dining option that comes to mind. Is it because there are not as many restaurants serving Kashmiri fare and so we haven’t really understood the Kashmiri cuisine?
But debate aside, the Kashmiri cuisine is one of the finest cuisines of India and it is not just a taste of the various preparations, but a fine, culinary experience to savour and treasure one’s life. The Hyderabadi cuisine is influenced by the Persian, Turkish and Afghan invasions the region has witnessed. It comprises the very popular Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Kashmiri Yakhni and Kashmiri Gushtaba as main course and Noon Chai, Kahwa among their most popular beverages.
The highlight of Kashmiri cuisine is the ‘Wazwan’, a lavish spread which literally translates to, a feast in the host’s courtyard. The ‘wazwan’ is a 36-dish multi-course meat-based meal chiefly eaten by Kashmiri Muslims. The wazwan comprises meat-preprations and their love for meat even shows up in vegetarian preparations in the form of mutton broth. Nevertheless, pure vegetarian dishes can be cooked too on request.
Mutton
Think the Kashmiri way of cooking mutton, and Mutton Rogan Josh is what comes to mind. The Kashmiris’ diet is majorly non-vegetarian. They primarily eat mutton or lamb and on some occasions, chicken too. The curry is one of the most delicious mutton curry preparations in a fine cashew-tomato puree with exotic spices including fennel that lends its unique taste to the dish. Rice is the daily staple food of Kashmiris, hence always serve it hot with steamed rice or alternatively, plain parathas.
Kamal Kakdi
Kamal Kakdi or Lotus Stem is a staple ingredient in Kashmiri cuisines. Their love for spinach is also equally well-known. Hence, one of the few vegetarian preparations with Kamal Kakdi is this Kashmiri Nadru Palak. The dish uses lotus stem with coarsely mashed spinach that also go as garnish on the spinach and Kamal Kakdi preparation.
Yakhni
Yet another fabulous recipe that is associated with Kashmir is the Yakhni. Here, I have a Chicken Yakhni recipe that is quite unusual in its preparation. The curd is cooked separately to which spices and condiments are added, and then the chicken. Interesting right? Chicken in a yogurt gravy.
Here, I have touched upon a few iconic dishes from Kashmiri cuisine. I am sure you are eager to try out the same and you should too with the links given below. You will certainly thank me for the same.
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