GOURMET FOOD USES

1. KASHMIRI SHAHI KAHWA –

• Begin by bringing the water to a boil in a small saucepan or a traditional Kashmiri samovar if you have one. These vessels are ideal for brewing and serving Shahi Kahwa.

• Once the water boils, add kashmiri shahi kahwa.

• Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse into the water.

• After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a minute.

• Strain the tea into cups using a fine mesh strainer to remove the tea leaves.

• Add thinly sliced almonds, chopped cashew nuts, and raisins adds a delightful richness and texture to the tea. These ingredients are not just for flavor but also for their health benefits.

• Sweeten the tea with honey or sugar if desired, stirring until it dissolves.

• Garnish each cup with a few sliced pistachios and rose petals if available. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle fragrance to the tea

• Kashmiri Shahi Kahwa pairs wonderfully with traditional Kashmiri sweets like baklava, phirni, or sheermaal. Enjoying it with these treats enhances the overall experience.

• Serve the kahwa hot and enjoy its aromatic flavor and warmth.

2. KASHMIRI SAFFRON –

Preparing Saffron Threads: Before using Kashmiri saffron in your recipes, it’s essential to steep the threads to extract their flavor, color, and aroma. Follow these steps:

• Take a small pinch of Kashmiri saffron threads, usually about 10-15 threads per serving, depending on the recipe.
• Crush the saffron threads lightly using a mortar and pestle or your fingers. This helps release the flavor and color.
• Place the crushed saffron threads in a small bowl.
• Heat a few tablespoons of warm water, milk, or broth until it’s warm but not boiling.
• Pour the warm liquid over the crushed saffron threads and let them steep for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the saffron to infuse the liquid with its rich color and aroma.

Adding Kashmiri Saffron to Recipes: Once the saffron has steeped, you can incorporate it into various dishes to enhance their flavor, color, and fragrance. Here are some common ways to use Kashmiri saffron:

• Rice and Grain Dishes: Add saffron-infused liquid to rice dishes such as pilaf, biryani, or risotto to impart a beautiful golden color and delicate flavor.
• Desserts: Incorporate saffron into desserts like kheer (Indian rice pudding), saffron-infused cakes, ice creams, and custards to add a luxurious touch and exotic flavor.
• Beverages: Use saffron-infused liquid to prepare traditional beverages such as saffron milk, saffron-infused tea (kahwa), or saffron-flavored lassi (yogurt drink).
• Savory Dishes: Add saffron to savory dishes like soups, stews, sauces, and marinades to enhance their taste and aroma.

Storing Kashmiri Saffron: Store Kashmiri saffron threads in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Proper storage helps preserve the saffron’s flavor, color, and potency.

Experimenting: Don’t hesitate to experiment with Kashmiri saffron in your cooking! Start with small amounts and adjust to taste. Kashmiri saffron pairs well with a wide range of ingredients and can elevate both sweet and savory dishes.

3. BLUE TEA–

• Infuse 1 tea bag or 5-6 flowers in 150 ml of hot water.
• Steep for 2-3 mins and watch the water turn into a cobalt blue tea.
• Squeeze some lemon and watch it turn purple magically.
• You can add honey as per taste.
• Your cup is ready! Enjoy your sip.
• You can add ice to it and make it a Blue Tea Butterfly Pea Flower Iced Tea

Coloring Food and Beverages:

• Albasir blue tea can be used as a natural food coloring agent. Its intense blue hue can be used to color rice, desserts, cocktails, and other culinary creations.
• Its color-changing property can be used to create visually stunning drinks and dishes by adding acidic ingredients like lemon or lime juice.

Natural Dye:

• The intense blue color of Albasir blue tea can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yarns, and other materials. It provides a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes

Beauty and Skincare:

• Some beauty and skincare products utilize butterfly pea flower extract for its purported benefits for the skin and hair. Albasir blue tea could potentially be incorporated into homemade skincare remedies like facial masks or hair rinses.

4. MOREL MUSHROOM GUCCI –

Cleaning: Ensure you clean the morels thoroughly. They often have dirt or debris trapped in their crevices. Use a soft brush or damp cloth to gently remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water as they can absorb moisture and lose flavor.

Cooking Methods: Morel mushrooms have a distinct, earthy flavor and a meaty texture. They can be used in various dishes and cooking methods, including:

• Sauteing: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the morels until they are tender and golden brown.
• Grilling: Larger morels can be grilled whole or skewered and grilled alongside other vegetables or meats.
• Roasting: Toss cleaned morels with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until they are crispy and golden.
• Stuffing: Remove the stems and stuff the morels with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, cheese, and other ingredients before baking.
• Soups and sauces: Morels can add depth of flavor to soups, sauces, and stocks. Simmer them with other aromatics to infuse the liquid with their earthy taste.

Pairing: Morels pair well with ingredients like butter, garlic, shallots, fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley), cream, white wine, and lemon. They can be used in various dishes, including pasta, risotto, omelets, sauces for meat or poultry, and vegetable sautés.

Safety: Make sure to cook morel mushrooms thoroughly before consuming, as they can cause digestive upset if eaten raw.

5. KASHMIRI HONEY-

As a Sweetener:

• Use Kashmiri honey as a natural sweetener in beverages like tea, coffee, and smoothies.
• Drizzle it over breakfast foods such as pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or yogurt.
• Use it as a substitute for sugar in baking recipes like cakes, cookies, and muffins.

In Sauces and Dressings:

With Cheese and Charcuterie:

• Incorporate Kashmiri honey into salad dressings, marinades, and sauces for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Combine it with ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, and herbs to create delicious dressings for salads or dipping sauces for bread.

• Serve Kashmiri honey alongside cheese boards or charcuterie platters. Its sweet and floral notes complement a variety of cheeses, particularly aged cheeses like Parmesan or blue cheese.
• Drizzle honey over slices of cheese or cured meats for an elegant and flavorful appetizer.

In Cooking:

• Use Kashmiri honey as a glaze for roasted or grilled meats, poultry, and vegetables. Its natural sugars caramelize during cooking, adding depth of flavor and a beautiful golden color to dishes.
• Stir it into stir-fries or Asian-inspired sauces for a hint of sweetness and shine.

In Beverages:

• Mix Kashmiri honey into hot or cold beverages like herbal teas, lemonades, or cocktails for added sweetness and flavor.
• Create honey-based syrups for use in mocktails or cocktails by combining honey with water and flavorings like herbs, spices, or citrus zest.

For Medicinal Purposes:

• Kashmiri honey is believed to have various health benefits, including soothing sore throats, boosting immunity, and promoting digestion.
• Enjoy a spoonful of Kashmiri honey on its own or mix it with warm water, lemon, and ginger for a comforting tonic when feeling under the weather.

STORAGE- Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness and quality over time.

6. KASHMIRI WALNUTS –

Kashmiri walnuts are Known for their unique taste, slightly sweeter & milder. We Offer you a premium variety of walnuts that are grown in the Kashmir.

• Snacking: Enjoy them straight out of the pack as a healthy snack. They’re delicious and packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber.

• Baking: Incorporate them into baked goods like cakes, cookies, and bread. Chop them up and add them to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

• Salads: Sprinkle chopped or whole walnuts onto salads for added texture and nuttiness. They pair well with leafy greens, fruits, and cheese.

• Trail Mix: Create your own trail mix by combining Albasir Kashmiri walnuts with other nuts, dried fruits, and seeds for a nutritious and energy-boosting snack.

• Granola: Add chopped walnuts to homemade granola for a nutritious breakfast option or snack. They add crunch and flavor to the mix.

• Smoothies: Blend walnuts into your smoothies for a creamy texture and nutty flavor. They’re a great addition to fruit-based or green smoothies.

• Oatmeal: Top your morning oatmeal with chopped walnuts for added protein, fiber, and crunch. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

• Nut Butter: Make your own walnut butter by blending Albasir Kashmiri walnuts in a food processor until smooth. Use it as a spread on toast or as a dip for fruits and veggies.

• Main Courses: Use chopped walnuts as a crust for chicken or fish dishes, or add them to pasta dishes for a unique flavor and texture.

• Desserts: Use walnuts in desserts like brownies, pies, and tarts for a rich, nutty flavor. They pair particularly well with chocolate and caramel.

7. KASHMIRI DRY FRUIT POWDER –

• Smoothies: Add a tablespoon or two of Albasir Kashmiri dry fruit powder to your favorite smoothie recipes. It will enhance the flavor and add nutritional value to your drink.

• Oatmeal or Breakfast Cereal: Sprinkle some dry fruit powder over your morning oatmeal or cereal for a delicious and nutritious boost.

• Baking: Incorporate the dry fruit powder into your baking recipes such as muffins, cakes, and cookies. It can add a unique flavor and moisture to your baked goods.

• Yogurt or Ice Cream Topping: Mix the dry fruit powder into yogurt or sprinkle it over ice cream for a tasty and healthy topping.

• Energy Bars or Balls: Make homemade energy bars or balls by combining Albasir Kashmiri dry fruit powder with nuts, dates, and other ingredients. It will provide a nutritious and delicious snack option.

• Desserts: Use the dry fruit powder as a flavoring agent in desserts like puddings, custards, or even as a dusting over fruit salads.

• Curries and Sauces: Incorporate the dry fruit powder into savory dishes such as curries, sauces, or marinades for a hint of sweetness and nuttiness.

• Tea or Coffee: Stir a spoonful of dry fruit powder into your tea or coffee for a unique flavor twist.

Remember to start with small amounts and adjust according to your taste preferences…..

8. KASHMIRI MASALA MIX –

Albasir masala mix is a popular spice blend used in Pakistani and Indian cuisine, particularly in dishes from the Punjab region. It typically contains a mix of aromatic spices that add flavor and depth to various dishes. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Curries and Gravies: Albasir masala mix can be used as a base for curries and gravies. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in oil or ghee until golden brown. Add your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, or vegetables) and cook until it’s partially cooked. Then, sprinkle in the Albasir masala mix along with other spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the ingredients evenly and cook until the protein is fully cooked and tender. Add tomatoes, yogurt, or coconut milk for a creamy texture, if desired.
2. Marinades: Create flavorful marinades for meats, seafood, or vegetables by mixing Albasir masala mix with yogurt, lemon juice, and oil. Coat the protein or vegetables with the marinade and let them marinate for at least an hour (or overnight in the refrigerator) before grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
3. Rice Dishes: Enhance the flavor of rice dishes by adding Albasir masala mix. You can use it to season biryanis, pilafs, or plain steamed rice. Simply mix the spice blend with the rice before cooking, or sprinkle it on top as a garnish.
4. Roasted or Grilled Foods: Sprinkle Albasir masala mix on roasted or grilled vegetables, meats, or seafood for an extra burst of flavor. Toss the ingredients with a little oil and the spice blend before cooking to ensure even distribution of flavors.
5. Snacks: Use Albasir masala mix to season snacks like roasted nuts, popcorn, or chickpeas for a savory and aromatic treat.
6. Soups and Stews: Add a spoonful of Albasir masala mix to soups, stews, or lentil dishes to add complexity and depth of flavor.

Remember to adjust the amount of Albasir masala mix according to your taste preferences and the intensity of the blend. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.

9. RAISINS AFGAN (Kishmish) –

• Rice Dishes: Afghan cuisine features many rice dishes where raisins are a common ingredient. One popular dish is Kabuli Pulao, where raisins are added to the rice along with carrots, nuts, and sometimes meat for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
• Stuffed Dishes: Afghan cuisine includes stuffed vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplants, or tomatoes. Raisins can be mixed with nuts, spices, and rice to create a flavorful stuffing for these dishes.

• Bread and Pastries: Afghan bread, like Sheermaal or Afghani Naan, sometimes contains raisins within the dough for added sweetness. Additionally, raisins are often used in pastries and desserts such as Baklava or Sheer Khurma, a traditional Afghan dessert made with vermicelli, milk, nuts, and raisins.

• Meat Dishes: Raisins can be used in savory meat dishes to add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. They are often added to meat stews or rice pilafs containing meat, creating a balanced flavor profile.

• Salads: Raisins can be a delightful addition to salads, particularly those with a mix of savory and sweet ingredients. Consider adding them to a salad with mixed greens, nuts, cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing for a burst of sweetness.

• Yogurt Dishes: In Afghan cuisine, yogurt is often served as a side dish or used as a base for sauces. Raisins can be mixed into yogurt along with honey, nuts, and spices for a delicious and refreshing dish.

• Chutneys and Sauces: Afghan cuisine includes various chutneys and sauces that can be served alongside main dishes or used as a condiment. Raisins can be incorporated into these sauces to add sweetness and texture.

When using Afghan raisins in your cooking, remember to soak them in water for a short time if they are too dry or hard. This will help plump them up and make them more tender.

10. DATES KIMIA ARABIAN –

• Snacking: Enjoy Kimia Arabian dates as a delicious and healthy snack straight out of the package.

• Cooking and Baking: Use Kimia dates in various recipes for both sweet and savory dishes. They can be added to salads, couscous, rice dishes, or used in desserts like cakes, cookies, and puddings.

• Stuffing: Remove the pit from the dates and stuff them with nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a tasty and nutritious treat.

• Smoothies and Shakes: Blend Kimia dates with fruits, milk or yogurt, and ice to make creamy and nutritious smoothies or shakes.

• Energy Bars: Chop Kimia dates and mix them with nuts, oats, and honey to make homemade energy bars or balls.

• Sauces and Dressings: Make a sweet and tangy sauce or dressing by blending Kimia dates with vinegar, olive oil, and spices.

• Sweeteners: Use Kimia dates as a natural sweetener in place of sugar in recipes like jams, sauces, and marinades.

• Chutneys and Relishes: Chop Kimia dates and combine them with other fruits, onions, and spices to make flavorful chutneys and relishes.

• Stuffed Meats: Incorporate Kimia dates into meat dishes by stuffing them inside chicken breasts or wrapping them in bacon for a sweet and savory combination

11. SNOW MOUNTAIN GARLIC –

• Culinary Use: Snow Mountain Garlic can be used in cooking just like regular garlic. It has a milder flavor compared to cultivated garlic but still adds a nice aromatic touch to dishes. Use it in stir-fries, soups, stews, sauces, marinades, and salad dressings.

• Seasoning: Chop or mince Snow Mountain Garlic and use it as a seasoning for various dishes. It goes well with meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and pasta.

• Pestos and Sauces: Blend Snow Mountain Garlic with herbs, nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese to make flavorful pesto sauces for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. You can also use it to make garlic butter or aioli.

• Pickling: Preserve Snow Mountain Garlic by pickling it in vinegar. Pickled garlic can be used as a condiment or added to salads, sandwiches, and antipasto platters.

• Infusions: Make garlic-infused oil or vinegar by steeping Snow Mountain Garlic in olive oil or vinegar. These infused liquids can be used for cooking, salad dressings, or as a finishing touch to dishes.

• Herbal Medicine: Snow Mountain Garlic has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, including its antimicrobial properties. It may help boost the immune system and promote overall health. However, consult with a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.
  • Raw Consumption: Eat raw cloves or incorporate minced garlic into food.
  • Infusions: Steep crushed garlic in hot water to make tea.
  • Topical Applications: Apply crushed garlic directly to the skin for insect bites or fungal infections.
  • Cooking: Add minced garlic to various dishes for its medicinal benefits.
• Garnish: Use Snow Mountain Garlic leaves as a garnish for dishes to add a fresh herbal flavor and a pop of green color.

Remember to use Snow Mountain Garlic in moderation, especially if you’re not accustomed to its flavor potency.

12. PURE SHILAJIT –

• Direct Consumption: The most common way to use pure Shilajit is by dissolving a pea-sized portion (about 300-500 mg) in warm water, milk, or herbal tea. Drink this solution once or twice a day, preferably on an empty stomach. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage if necessary.

• Sublingual Absorption: Some prefer to take Shilajit sublingually (under the tongue). Place a small amount of the resin under your tongue and allow it to dissolve slowly. This method may facilitate faster absorption into the bloodstream.

• Mixed with Honey: Mix a small amount of Shilajit with raw, organic honey. This combination is believed to enhance the taste of Shilajit and may offer additional health benefits due to the properties of honey.

• Combined with Ghee: Mix Shilajit with clarified butter (ghee) and consume it. Ghee is often used in Ayurveda for its health-promoting properties and may enhance the effectiveness of Shilajit.

• As a Paste: You can mix Shilajit with water or milk to create a thick paste. This paste can be stored and used as needed. Some people apply this paste topically to wounds or sore joints for potential therapeutic effects.

• In Smoothies or Juices: Add a small amount of Shilajit to your favorite smoothies or juices for an added nutritional boost. Make sure to blend it well to evenly distribute the resin.

Additionally, start with small doses and observe how your body responds before increasing the amount. If you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with a healthcare professional before using Shilajit medicinally.

13. KASHMIRI ALMONDS –

• Snacking: Enjoy Kashmiri almonds as a healthy and satisfying snack on their own. You can have them raw or roasted for added flavor.

• Trail Mixes: Mix Kashmiri almonds with other nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create a nutritious trail mix. This is perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a mid-day energy boost.

• Smoothies: Add a handful of soaked Kashmiri almonds to your favorite smoothie recipe. They add creaminess, richness, and a nutritional punch to your drink.

• Salads: Sprinkle sliced or chopped Kashmiri almonds over salads to add crunch and a nutty flavor. They pair well with both green salads and fruit salads.

• Baking: Use ground Kashmiri almonds as a substitute for flour in baking recipes to make gluten-free treats like almond flour muffins, cookies, and cakes. You can also add whole or chopped almonds to baked goods for texture and flavor.

• Homemade Almond Milk: Make your own almond milk by soaking Kashmiri almonds overnight, blending them with water, and then straining the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag. You can sweeten the almond milk with dates or honey and flavor it with vanilla or cinnamon.

• Almond Butter: Blend roasted Kashmiri almonds in a food processor until smooth and creamy to make homemade almond butter. Spread it on toast, use it as a dip for fruits or veggies, or incorporate it into recipes.

• Curries and Rice Dishes: Add sliced or crushed Kashmiri almonds to curries, pilafs, and rice dishes for added texture and flavor. They complement both savory and sweet dishes.

• Garnish: Use sliced or slivered Kashmiri almonds as a garnish for various dishes, including desserts, yogurt bowls, oatmeal, and vegetable dishes. They add visual appeal and a delicious crunch.

• Almond Flour: Grind Kashmiri almonds into a fine powder to make almond flour, which can be used in gluten-free baking or as a coating for meats and vegetables.

Remember to store Kashmiri almonds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness.

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LAST UPDATED: By SHREYAPAHUJA / 11-06-2024