When you think of Kashmiri food, the delicious flavors of Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and the famous Wazwan feast are often pictured in your minds. Despite the fact that these dishes are culinary gems in true sense, Kashmiris have much more to offer than what the eye can see at first and taste at first. Here we will explore seven lesser-known dishes from Kashmiri cuisine that should be revealed and enjoyed in this culinary journey.
1. Veri Kokur: Masala Tikki Chicken
Veri Kokur is a delicious culinary masterpiece, with succulent chicken tikka pieces bathed in a rich, aromatic gravy. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of local Kashmiri spice, which infuses it with an enjoyable variety of flavours and hints of smoke from the tandoor. Tender chicken tikkis are perfectly complemented by the irresistible gravy, which is rich in tomatoes, cream and a variety of spices.
2. Bumchoonth Te Maz
Bumchoonth Te Maz is a delicious Kashmiri dish combining tender pieces of chicken with the unique sweet and sour taste of quince apples. This dish consists of a rich and delicate gravy blended with traditional Kashmiri spices, which brings together all the flavours perfectly. In order to capture the fruit essence of quince, tender chicken is used in the dish. The dish is paired with pulao and flatbreads.
3. Goshtaba
Another dish from Kashmiri cuisine called Goshtaba is a prime definition of the slow-cooking technique. Finely minced meatballs are cooked in a velvety yogurt gravy that has been flavored with fragrant and appetizing spices in this rich and creamy mutton dish. Goshtaba is not only scrumptious but also a demo of Kashmiri chefs' skill in the kitchen.
4. Matschgand
The dish Matschgand respects the Kashmiri cuisine's devotion to meat. These succulent, flavorful meatballs are made with ground mutton and a wide variety of spices. The unique flavor of Matschgand's dried ginger powder, which is used in an original way, lingers long after the meal is finished.
5. Modur Pulao
Any Kashmiri meal is benefitted when Modur Pulao, a sweet and flavorful rice dish is added to the meal. Modur Pulao is made by blending together saffron, ghee, and a variety of dry fruits, including raisins, cashews, and almonds, with basmati rice in a wok or cooker. A flavorful and aesthetically pleasing dish is the end result that perfectly accentuates the savory and spicy flavors of Kashmiri cuisine.
6. Moonji Kokur
Moonji Kokur exemplifies Kashmiri cooking's loyalty to chicken. Moonji Kokur is prepared by chicken pieces cooked in a sumptuous gravy made from yogurt, onions, and a mixture of flavorful spices. Dried mint leaves are also used in Moonji Kokur which give the curry a distinct and refreshing flavor. This unique flavor is the standout element of the dish.
7. Masale Tchot
A lesser-known dish called Masale Tchot, which is essentially a wrap, catches the root of Kashmiri street food. Split peas are cooked with a flavorful blend of spices and sautéed onions in this simple yet filling dish and then wrapped into a large paratha or flatbread. A spicy chutney is also used in this wrap. Masale Tchot is a perfect example of the spirit of Kashmiri Cuisine as its flavors and taste will entice you to the core.
8. Mujh Gaad
The dish Mujh Gaad, also known as fish curry made in Kashmiri style, honors the region's modification of freshwater fish. The fish is gently boiled and simmered in a flavorful tomato and yogurt gravy that is infused with the distinctive Kashmiri spices. The end result is a tangy, hot fish curry that brings out the subtle flavors of the fish.
Even though these dishes might not be as well-known as some of their Kashmiri counterparts, these dishes still provide a delightful and distinctive dining experience.
One must go off the beaten path and discover these undiscovered gems in order to fully understand the variety and depth of Kashmiri cuisine.