Culinary Delights Of Uttarakhand: 5 Delicious Dishes That Should Be On Your Foodie Bucket List

Uttarakhand's culinary heritage mirrors its people, simple yet remarkable. Within its two distinct regions, Kumaon and Garhwal, lies a treasure trove of flavourful dishes that also pack a nutritional punch. This state's cuisine is a carefully curated selection, designed not only to tantalise taste buds but also to make the most of the region's available resources. Furthermore, food preferences in Uttarakhand shift with the changing seasons. In winter, you'll find dishes like Gehat ki Daal and Til Laddus or Madua Rotis taking centre stage, while the summer months bring the delightful duo of Dubkas and Chholia Rotis to the forefront. Here, we present a list of 5 must-try dishes from Uttarakhand for every food enthusiast.

1. Gahat Ki Dal

With its aromatic profile, pahadi gahat ki dal offers a delightful culinary experience. Its earthy and robust flavours, combined with traditional spices, make it a truly delicious dish that tantalises the taste buds. This pahadi dal is also renowned for its substantial health advantages and is a true blessing for individuals. This legume boasts numerous medicinal properties that underscore its significance as a staple in one's daily diet. Gahat ki dal is a rich source of essential minerals such as iron, (foods rich in iron) calcium, and phosphorus. Furthermore, it serves as a protein-packed dietary option and provides a significant dose of dietary fibre. Remarkably, Gahat ki dal has demonstrated its effectiveness in the natural treatment of kidney stones.

2. Kumaoni Raita

Kumaoni Raita, a staple in Uttarakhand, accompanies almost every meal, much like Bhang ki Chutney. This delectable dish features yogurt, turmeric, and cucumber, offering a blend of health benefits and an irresistible taste. While the cucumber's goodness is beneficial for your well-being, it's the heavenly flavour that truly makes this raita irresistible.

3. Aloo Ke Gutke

Hailing from the Kumaon region but cherished throughout Uttarakhand, Aloo ke Gutke is a culinary delight. Each household in Uttarakhand has its unique rendition, and every version is simply exquisite. To whip up this flavourful dish, you'll need boiled potatoes, jakhiya (Cleme Viscosa), red chilies, and a garnish of fresh coriander leaves. Aloo ke Gutke holds a special place in the hearts of Pahadis who relish it with pooris, bhang ki chutney, and Kumaoni raita, a delectable combination.

4. Dubuk

Dubuk or Dubke is a Kumaoni dish prepared by soaking local pulses like Gahat and Bhatt overnight. These soaked pulses are then ground into a paste and cooked with a blend of powdered spices in an iron pot, imparting a unique flavour to the dish. While you might wonder what sets it apart from other dal dishes, Dubuk is here to redefine your expectations. Although it's traditionally enjoyed during winter, there's no reason you can't savour its goodness year-round.

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5. Aloo Ki Thechwani

Aloo Ki Thechwani is a quick and straightforward dish that can be ready in under 15 minutes. The preparation involves boiling potatoes and preparing a tomato and onion-based curry, combining both, and allowing it to simmer on low heat. This dish is renowned for its simplicity and is prepared in the traditional manner, whether in the urban or rural areas of Uttarakhand.

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Credits: Cook With Pooja Instagram, Hungry Pahadi Instagram