By- Deepa Srivastava Kumar
Kashmiri Pundits have had the earliest influence on Kashmiri cuisine. Although Pundits in other parts of the subcontinent do not normally eat meat, the Pundits of Kashmir have always eaten all meat preferably lamb.
Although wazwani food of Kashmir has gain more popularity than actual Kashmiri meal, lately Sheraton Saket organized one such festival of the lost recipes by Lady Chef Suman kaul, a veteran in Kashmiri Pundit cuisine. It was an extraordinary experience as we rarely find lady chefs and the cuisine which has influenced Central Asia, Afghanistan and Persia anywhere.
Kashmiri Pundit food is also very elaborate, and is an important part of the local Hindu culture’s identity. The food usually uses a lot of yoghurt, aniseed (sauf powder), saffron, asafoetida (hing), dry ginger powder, pure ghee or mustard oil strictly avoiding onion, garlic, tomatoes. Chef Suman offered sumptuous traditional preparations like Naine Rogan Josh, Kokur Yakhani, Kashmiri Haak ka Saag, Gogji Rajma,Methi Chaman Dum Aaloo, Gobhi ki Sabzi served with Kashmiri Poori, Khameer and khichdi were pleasingly rich.
The lavish spread of Kokur Kanti (yogurt marinated chicken cubes) , choonth Pakori(green apple fritters)served with mooli chutney and pudina akhrot chutney along with the luscious Kesari kheer
was equally appealing to the senses.
Bringing alive this tradition,Chef Suman started her journey from Sheraton Hyderabad, with no professional degree to back her expertise, she has created a niche for herself and her food amongst the residents of Sheraton group of Hotels. Actually speaking she was a simple housewife who is always been passionate about cooking and doesn’t like to be disturbed while she is in kitchen, says her husband, whoz been her confidante in this gastronomical journey.
It’s been a soul stirring experience with all places full of wazwani food, hence if you desire to have authentic Kashmiri hindu meal, go searching for Chef Suman Kaul at the Sheraton’s. Rest assured you will not be disappointed. Bon appétit
