There’s a lot that’s special about Himachal Pradesh, from its snow-capped peaks to the local culture. But there’s one thing that undeniably stands out about the state, and that’s the food. Even a simple Maggi tastes different once it’s made Pahadi-style and that’s the beauty of the place. When you’re looking for recipes that have been passed down from generations in the mountains, there’s no better side to explore other than Himachali Khatta.
As the name suggests, Himachali Khatta is a tangy dish made from a combinations of ingredients including black chana (chickpeas). The dish gets its characteristic sourness from tamarind pulp and jaggery, balanced with a blend of aromatic spices that are typical of Himachali cuisine. It is often served as a side dish combined with other dishes and rice or Indian flatbreads.
The use of locally available ingredients and the perfect harmony of flavors make Himachali Khatta a standout dish. It begins with ghee, which is the foundation of many great Indian dishes. This imparts a rich, buttery and aromatic base to the Himachali Khatta. Hing is used to enhance the overall flavor, while also being beneficial for digestion.
The spices used in this are mainly Kashmiri chili powder, pudina (mint) powder, jeera (cumin), saunf (fennel seeds) powder and dhaniya (coriander) powder. The flavors balance out with the addition of jaggery and tamarind pulp. The spices are tempered with ghee, which releases the essential oils in the spices while enhancing its flavor. The result is something that’s delightfully sour, but sweet, but immensely flavorful all at once.
When you’re looking to pair your cocktails with light appetizers, Himachali Khatta should become your new go-to choice. Whether combined with gin, whiskey or vodka, it’s a snack that’s easy to munch on, and won’t cause a mess! And if you’re coming to Taftoon for the full meal experience, this is a side that you can’t miss out on. It pairs great with many of our main dishes, including:
- Saundhey Aloo Puri from Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh
- Dahi Bhutteyan de Kebab from Jalandhar
- Boti Ghee, discovered in Bihar Sharif
- Rista, a Kashmiri Waza delicacy
And if you’re looking for breads and rice to complement your meal, here’s what to go for:
- Girda, a Kashmiri flatbread
- Tandoori Roti
- Whole-wheat Roomali Roti
- Gucchi Pulao, a dum-cooked rice dish with Kashmiri morels and dry fruits
- Bhapa Chawal (choose between Indrayani and Basmati rice)
At Taftoon, we have made it our mission to take you on a journey along GT Road, so you can experience the best flavors, times and experiences. When you’re looking for an unparalleled experience when it comes to food and drinks, there’s no better time to head to Taftoon. Our gastronomic options will definitely leave you wanting to come back again and again. Take this chance to get a glimpse of the GT Road, right in the heart of Mumbai, India. Call us today at 7777076563 (BKC) and 9619493100 (Powai).
