De Leij: Culinary Art of Kashmir

A Cookbook of All Popular Kashmiri Dishes along with a Guide to Healthy Eating

Kashmiris are hospitable by nature. They enjoy social life and mutual entertainment. This has been one main cause of the development of their culinary art. Different types of menus were also inspired by the  cuisines of different rulers and visitors, who came in the past from Persia, Afghanistan and other places. Mughals especially had a great influence on the cooking of Meat Dishes and different Pulavs. Emperors Jehangir and Shahjehan, with their lovely queens, their courtiers and kith and kin, made Kashmir their health resort and a place of sport, enjoyment, eating and drinking. Shahjehan used to visit Kashmir every summer and called it a Paradise on Earth. Jehangir's last wish, at his death, was 'Kashmir and Nothing else'.

Its salubrious climate, unrivalled and picturesque natural scenery, its  invigorating, digestive, sweet and crystal-clear waters of springs and abounding streams, its beautiful lakes, majestic Pine and Deodar forests, and snow capped mountains, its breezy summers, flaming and blazing colourful and breathtaking autumns, the cool and calm grandeur of its winter snows, followed by charming flower-laden fragrant springs, all have made Kashmir a gourmet's heaven. Here amongst these blessing of Mother Nature, enjoying good and delicious spicy food, is a delighting desire of men, women and children alike.

Outdoor picnics, luncheons and dinners, in big and small comfortable boats, (House Boats, Dungas and Shikara.), plying on the famous Dal lake, are common. Parties of people of every class are seen enjoying hearty meals, Qehva, Shier Chay, cookies and sweets, according to their means. The spicy aroma of food, being cooked in the small kitchens, provided in the bigger boats, permeates the air. Strains of soothing Sufiyana music to the, accompaniment of Sitar, Saz, and Dukra (Tabla), or sound of exciting choral Chhakri-lyrical songs, with Nuot, Tumbaknar and Roani beating time and Sarangi playing to the tune, come from some of the boats, all heading slowly towards the 'Mughal' and other gardens, 'Chinar' groves, Shrines and springs situated here and there, on or near the shores of the lake. Fields of lotuses and water- lilies bloom on the outskirts of the lake, and the surrounding hills are mirrored in its clear water.