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Dum Aloo – Let’s Talk about it!

Kashmiri Delicacy!

Hey all! I am originally from Kashmir, the Paradise of earth they say!

So I thought I would start by writing about something unique to the rich heritage of Kashmiri culture! And hence I chose ‘Dum Aloo’, one of the most loved Kashmiri delicacies. I assume that some of you have tasted “Kashmiri Dum Aloos” at restaurants. Those don’t even come close to authentic Kashmiri food as they’re the generalized variants of potatoes! You are better off trying to cook this delicacy at home using a recipe from a Kashmiri.

Being a Kashmiri, I have also tasted Dum aloo at many restaurants across India and in the USA. But I haven’t come across Kashmiri Dum Aloos that bring childhood memories!I have been cooking dum aloos for a few years now, but I never imagined that I would write about it someday. It’s one of the favorite foods in our family. When Dum Aloos are on the menu, our family gets all excited, especially when I am going to pair it with ‘Tahar‘. Even my 5 year old toddler, whose tolerance for spicy Indian food is “beginner” at best, loves Dum Aloos.  She keeps drinking water at her side! Seeing her relish our cuisine, brings such joy to my heart.

I remember one of our close friends stopped by on the way to Newark, NJ a few month ago. We had leftover dum aloos, and he was more than happy to indulge himself. After he took his first bite, he was astonished by the taste of it. I wish I could have captured that moment. He mentioned that he had never tasted Dum aloos like these, despite having eaten at various restaurants and weddings before. Not bragging about my culinary skills, but its more about how the authentic Dum Aloos have a unique taste that is not found in restaurants.

Recently some friends, who were visiting us for Halloween, requested that I make the traditional Kashmiri Dum aloo. Of Course I was more than happy to cook! Now, as they were all relishing dinner, one of them mentioned he hates potatoes, but not this style! It was a proud moment to see no leftovers!

For years I thought people wouldn’t appreciate the taste and consequently never cooked Dum aloos for friends. But recently, I have come to realize, great food and recipes bring people together! Proud of being a Kashmiri!

Small Things That Make a Happy Family!

Well, I thought it’s a good day to start off after a little break. First of all, Merry Christmas to you all. Hope everyone is having a great time with their families. Speaking of Christmas, Santa visited our house too and my kids have been busy and merry since morning.

  • Basement turned into Dance Floor!

Kids are so easy to please. Just hand them some random little toys, and Ooh, they are happy. But personally, when we as a whole family play or spend time together, is the best. It could be anything silly, serious or even scary. No matter what, I think they are the happiest then.

Kids always want to play with their parents and it helps in great bonding too. Lately we are trying to dedicate time everyday no matter how busy we are. And the kids look forward to it as well.

We have been playing board games like Pictionary, Bingo, Silly Street, Snakes and Ladders etc. Believe me, these two girls love it. I think it’s the best time we spend together as family. There are arguments, fights, anxiety and of course lots of love and bonding involved.

Have you guys tried playing “Blindfold” with your toddlers? Try it and let me know how they liked it. For us, it has been almost an everyday activity now. Me and my husband have been sharing these immense belly laughs while playing it. And the kids won’t get tired at all.

Some days when we get all lazy, we try and dance on our popular “Bollywood tracks”. Just add some strobe lights and darken the room up, and hit the dance floor. These little things make them feel on the top of the world.

Lately We haven’t been able to go out a lot because of this pandemic, but still, we do our best to take them outdoors with full precautions and explore the nature as well. That is another favorite activity as a family. Walking through the trails, playing in the snow is the best.

Typically, all parents are always busy with something or the other, but believe me if you try to make at least 30 minutes from your busy schedule, it will make a difference. Don’t forget, Kids grow up pretty fast. Try spending some nice quality time with your family together.

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