It is high time for the whole world to know that Paradise on Earth, Kashmir, does not only have mind-boggling scenic beauty but also a wide variety of critical dishes. Kashmir has a vast collection of exquisite and aromatic dishes which capture the fresh produce and centuries of tradition prevalent in the region.
Kashmiri delicacies go back to the region's rich culinary heritage, beginning from intricate flavors to traditional cooking techniques. This picares que region of the Himalayas is highly sophisticated with its traditions and cultural roots. Let's take you through the intricate alleys of Kashmir’s gastronomic journey through the famous 10 delicacies from Kashmir. Make sure you add these dishes to your food checklist for your next tour to Kashmir.
Video Credit: YouTube/Chef Ranveer Brar
1. Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a popular dish from Kashmiri with a strong aroma and bright red color. The dish contains succulent pieces of lamb or mutton simmered in a thick gravy made of spices such as saffron, cardamom, and dried red chilies. This hearty dish indeed represents how authentic the regional cuisine can be.
2. Kashmiri Baingan
Small and tender eggplant cooked in rich and pungent tomato flavoured gravy is called Kashmiri Baingan. This tasty food is made by boiling vegetables such as potatoes or beans, and it usually contains a mixture of Kashmiri spices, also adorned with fresh coriander, which makes it balanced in terms of flavors and an essential part of the local cuisine.
3. Yakhni Lamb Curry
This includes Yakhni Lamb Curry, in which soft lamb is cooked in an aromatic yogurt-based gravy spiced with whole spices such as cardamom and clove from Kasmir. The region’s unique flavors are reflected in this delicious, creamy stew typically sprinkled with fresh coriander to make a truly enjoyable experience.
4. Kashmiri Pulao
The fragrance of Kashmiri Pulao, or the rice dish par excellence for the Kashmiris. The long grain basmati rice is cooked in saffron, giving it a vibrant color and adding a touch of earthiness to its taste. Sweetened dried almonds, cashew nuts, and raisins are other delicious snacks that will make this succulent dish an irresistible aroma.
5. Shab Deg
Shab Deg, also known as “night-time stew,” is an important Kashmiri cuisine prepared slowly with many combinations of meats, vegetables, and spices. This dish is cooked in a traditional cauldron overnight. It results in a tasty stew full of flavor that personifies Kashmiri delicacies, often served at festive and social events.
6. Dum Olav
Dum Olav is one of the great dishes in Kashmir, where the baby potatoes are cooked with yoghurty gravy. This has aromatic spices infused in it and is creamy, having different types of flavours. Slow cooked this dish, and served with a warm feeling.
7. Godhtaba
A favorite delicacy of Kashmiris is known as Gushtaba, and comprises soft meatballs made from processed mutton, or lamb, as appropriate. The scrumptious balls are cooked in an alluring gravy soup with yogurt and flavored spices. Gushtaba is the finest delicacy that comes with dried mint thus turning one into the real Kashmiri delicacy.
8. Nadru Monje
Monje Nadru is one of the most popular and tasty Kashmir dishes. Lotus stems that have been shaved thinly get a spiced gram coating before frying until crispy. Monje are made from fried gram flour that is crispy and makes an appreciated snack with different textures in Kashmir food culture.
9. Shufta
Shufta is a delicious Kashmiri pudding that represents its heritage in cuisine. The dessert is an aromatic dish containing dried fruit like almonds, cashews and raisins mixed with saffron and ghee that are eaten on certain occasions, celebrations, and festivities.
10. Sheermal
Sheermal is a sweetened saffron-flavoured flatbread. This delicacy is usually eaten in the parts of Iran and the chilling northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. Sheermal is a rich and enjoyed dessert made from milk, all purpose flour or maida, sugar, ghee, and saffron. It is savored by most of the Kashmiris dude festive seasons.