As you take the winding road up your favourite hill station in Uttarakhand, you are greeted with different aromas coming from the forests and the roadside eateries. And when you start to smell food close, I am sure your stomach starts to growl just like mine but instead of choosing anything native we settle for something which is known to us. Food, wherever you go makes an essential part of your trip and if we speak specifically of Uttarakhand, we might have to stop and think how much time we invested in trying out the local food instead of the sightseeing. The truth is, we may know the furthest destination in their state but most of us are unaware what these beautiful red-cheek people eat! So, for the love of Uttarakhand, let me take you on a small journey through the cuisine of this state, which is as lovely as its destinations and as simple as its people.

Bhang Ki Chutney

Now this one is a real scene stealer when it comes to enhancing the taste of the cuisine of Uttarakhand. The fresh aroma and the tangy tamarind taste can stay on your tongue for quite a long time. Made from Hemp Seeds that has an irresistible aroma; cumin seeds, garlic leaves; tamarind and salt, this simple chutney compliments any dish made in Uttarakhand.

Aalu Ka Jhol

Here is an all time favourite for the people of Uttarakhand and you ask why, because it is simple to make and scrumptious to savour. The entire preparation takes less than 15 minutes, so it is one of those dishes that one can abide by when either too tired or lazy to cook. Just boil some potatoes, prepare a simple onion and tomato curry and leave the potatoes in it to cook over slow fire and the result is well…surprising!

Kafuli

It is a dish that almost all Pahadis swear by in Uttarakhand. Well, if you ask me, I can have this every single day without complaining…it is that exotic! Made from spinach and fenugreek leafs and cooked in an iron kadhai, kafuli is complimented by hot steaming rice. The gravy for this dish is prepared by adding rice or wheat flour paste along with water. The taste is further enhanced by slow fire cooking. I am sure Popeye too would have loved this recipe!

Arsa

Those with sweet tooth are going to love this. Well, honestly this can be the Pahadi version of Pua (another sweet item made in many North Indian states). What makes Arsa different from Pua is the use of jaggery and curd in it. Once prepared these soft round balls can be munched during tea time or as a dessert after meals. These sweet balls seem to melt in mouth and the flavour of jaggery and curd is so prominent that once eaten, you wouldn’t forget the taste for long.

Jhangora

Our Garhwal kitchen has a preparation for you too and it is called Jhangore ki Kheer. Jhangora is type of millet and is the main ingredient of this dessert item. This sweet dish of Uttarakhand has the goodness of milk, cashews and raisins. This particular dessert is known for its rich texture and a taste that one cannot easily forget. High in nutrients and taste this is a must try after a heavy course of Garhwali cuisine