All across India you will find regional spice blends (known as masalas). Vers masala hails from Kashmir and is commonly made and stored in small round cakes or tablets. Depending on the recipe (and the volume you are making), you can add either a small piece of Vers masala or a whole cake; usually towards ... Read more »
Kokur Yakhni | Chicken in Yoghurt and Saffron Gravy
This delicious chicken curry dish is from Romy Gill’s ‘On The Himalayan Trail’ cookbook. Yoghurt, saffron and a heady mix of spices meld beautifully into the yoghurt gravy, creating a fragrant and warming dish. Instead of a whole chicken, we made this using chicken thighs, which worked really well. Read our full review of On ... Read more »
Ruangan Chaman | Paneer in Tomato Curry
This Himalayan recipe for a simple paneer in tomato curry is a revelation. Slicing the paneer into thin strips rather than cubes (as is more typical in the Indian cooking I’m familiar with) means more surface area to be fried. It really changes the textural mouthfeel of the paneer! The recipe is from Romy Gill’s ... Read more »
Ghushtaba | Mutton Meatballs in a Yoghurt Gravy
This is a very simple but satisfying dish where the flavour of the mutton is able to sing. It’s from Romy Gill’s ‘On The Himalayan Trail’ cookbook and reflects the simple, wholesome and delicious cooking of the region. The mutton and other meatball ingredients are pounded together into a smooth paste before being shaped into ... Read more »
On The Himalayan Trail by Romy Gill
I’m a little behind the curve getting my hands on this beautiful cookbook. On the Himalayan Trail: Recipes and Stories from Kashmir to Ladakh by Romy Gill was published by Hardie Grant in April since when it’s received great feedback from keen cooks. Gill, who was awarded an MBE in 2016, is a British-Indian chef, food ... Read more »
A Taste of Ghurka Cuisine | Yaks & Yetis in Ross-on-Wye
I hadn’t had time to do any research about where to eat when spending a few days in Ross-on-Wye to attend a pottery course recently, so was relieved that the hosts of our beautiful bed and breakfast gave us a list of recommendations, one of which was Yaks & Yetis, a Ghurka restaurant, serving predominantly Himalayan ... Read more »