Kashmiri Lyde

L yde, also known as Leda or Laddu, is a popular sweet dish from Kashmiri cuisine. It is a small round ball-shaped sweet that is made with wheat flour, clarified butter (ghee), sugar, and various nuts and spices. The dish has a rich cultural and historical significance in the region, and its origins can be traced back to ancient times. The dish became a staple during festive occasions and religious celebrations, such as Eid and weddings.

It is often served as a dessert after meals or as a snack with tea or coffee. One of the unique features of Lyde is its preparation. The dough for the sweet is made with wheat flour, ghee, and water, which is then shaped into small balls. The balls are then deep-fried until they are golden brown, giving them a crispy exterior. Once the balls are fried, they are soaked in a sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and rose water, which gives them a sweet and aromatic taste.

Lyde has different variations as well. For example, certain Kashmiris prepare the dish by swirling the batter into small, round shapes, giving it a twisted appearance. Lyde is often garnished with various nuts and spices, such as pistachios, almonds, and cinnamon. The nuts add a crunchy texture to the soft and sweet interior of the sweet, while the spices enhance the flavour and aroma. The sweet dish has also undergone several variations and adaptations, with some recipes calling for coconut or semolina instead of wheat flour, and others using jaggery instead of sugar.