Exquisite Rus

'Rus', a traditional meal from Uttarakhand, is a great place to start learning about the region's rustic charm through food. This simple but delicious recipe exemplifies the ingenuity of the locals and their deep connection to the area they call home.Uttarakhand's cuisine reflects the profusion of the region's natural setting in the Himalayas. The dish 'Rus' exemplifies the skill of using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

'Rus' is essentially a savoury soup with a sour, buttermilk or curd base. With its blend of aromatic spices, this dish provides a cooling and comforting blast of flavour, perfect for the region's warmer days. The inhabitants of Uttarakhand, whose cuisine is epitomised by the dish 'Rus,' are masters of making something tasty out of inexpensive and readily available ingredients.Every bite of 'Rus' is an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the region through its distinctive flavour. The cuisine of Uttarakhand, represented by the name 'Rus,' is a reflection of the state's ethos, which is a combination of austerity, ecological awareness, and spirituality.

• Origin: Uttarakhand, India
• Category: Rus is a Pahari Vegetarian Soup which is considered Main Course
• Ingredient: Yogurt, Gram Flour, Vegetables, Spices are treated as main ingredients for this recipe. Other ingredients used are Asafoetida, Ghee, Coriander
• Time and Flavour: This recipe takes approx 30-40 mins and the flavour is Tangy and Spicy
• Nutritional Information: Rus contains 70 kcal calories per 100 g serving. This serving contains 1 g of fat, 1 g of protein and 15 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 8 g sugar and 2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is other nutritional component. [ These values may vary based on ingredients used and its quantity ]

Photo Credit: AboutUttarakhand.com

'Rus,’ also known as 'Chana Madra,’ is a classic Pahari dish originating from the hilly regions of India, particularly Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It’s a flavorful and creamy curry made with chickpeas, showcasing the richness of Pahari cuisine. To prepare Rus, chickpeas (chana) are soaked and cooked until tender. They are then simmered in a luscious gravy made with yogurt and aromatic spices. The dish is typically seasoned with a blend of Pahari spices, which can include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and asafoetida. The use of yogurt imparts a tangy and creamy flavor to the curry.

Rus is often enjoyed with steamed rice or local flatbreads like 'Chapati’ or 'Roti.’ It’s a staple in Pahari households, especially during festivals and special occasions. This dish embodies the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the region. The use of yogurt, spices, and chickpeas creates a dish that is not only delicious but also a reflection of the cultural heritage and resourcefulness of Pahari cooking.

• Black Bean [ भट्ट दाल ], 50 Grams
  
• Horse Gram [ गहत दाल ], 50 Grams
  
• Kidney Beans [ राजमा ], 50 Grams
  
• Chickpeas [ चना ], 50 Grams
  
• Black Gram Split [ उड़द दाल छिलका ], 50 Grams
  
• Rice [ चावल ], 30 Grams
  
• Ginger [ अदरक ], 50 Grams
  
• Garlic Flakes [ लहसुन के गुच्छे ], 5-6 Pieces
  
• Cumin Seeds [ जीरा ], 1 Tablespoon
  
• Cloves [ लौंग ], 5-6 Pieces
  
• Black Pepper [ काली मिर्च साबुत ], 1 Tablespoon
  
• Hot Spice [ गरम मसाला ], 1 Tablespoon
  
• Green Coriander [ हरा धनिया ], 1 Bunch
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• Soak the rice overnight and grind into fine paste.
• Daals need to soak the previous evening and then be boiled in a lot of water until mushy.
• A fine paste made of cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, cloves, and black pepper should be prepared.
• Fry the powdered paste briefly in oil.
• Adding dal extract (stock) and thickening with rice paste after cooking for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add hot spice to the mixture.
• To decorate the Rus, chop some green coriander and serve it over rice that has been cooked.

• Bhatt dal, also known as black soybean lentil, is a fantastic source of protein, fibre, iron, and magnesium. It helps keep blood sugar levels under check. It could help lower cholesterol levels. It contains antioxidants that protect cells from degradation and may reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
• Gahat dal, also known as horse gramme lentil, is high in calcium, iron, and fibre. It helps manage blood sugar levels, which may be helpful for diabetics. Digestion may be enhanced, and constipation may be eased. It contains antioxidants that protect cells from degradation and may reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
• Urad dal (black gramme lentil) is a good source of protein, fibre, and minerals including potassium and iron. It may be advantageous to those who have diabetes because it lowers blood sugar. It might improve digestion and help with constipation. Antioxidants found in it protect cells from cellular damage and may reduce the incidence of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
• Cumin seeds contain antioxidants that protect cells from cellular deterioration and may reduce the risk of acquiring chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Its anti-inflammatory properties cause the body's inflammation to lessen. Gut health may improve, and digestion may benefit. It has elements that might help decrease blood sugar.
• Ginger contains substances that may have anti-inflammatory properties that help to lessen body inflammation. It could reduce nausea and vomiting. It might make the muscles feel less sore and swollen. It contains substances that might lower blood sugar levels.
• Garlic contains substances that may reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. It could be anti-inflammatory, which would help to lessen inflammatory reactions in the body. It might improve overall health and strengthen the immune system. It might have properties that are antiviral and antibacterial and help treat infections.

Although these components may offer some health benefits, it's crucial to keep in mind that everyone's experience may vary, and they must be consumed in moderation as a part of a balanced diet. If you have any specific health issues or concerns, it's recommended to speak with a healthcare provider.

In conclusion, the Pahari dish 'Rus' is representative of the region's inventiveness in the kitchen and its affinity for the natural world. A traditional drink of the Pahari people, 'Rus' is a refreshingly original mixture of buttermilk and a variety of indigenous spices. The skill required to churn buttermilk and infuse it with flavours exemplifies the ability to both honour the past and look forward to the future. Culturally significant beyond its gastronomic allure, 'Rus' is a refreshing beverage typically served throughout the hot summer months. With each sip, you'll be transported to the heart of Pahari culture, where food is more than simply fuel; it reflects the earth and its rhythms. The Pahari people are known for their resourcefulness and adaptability, and 'Rus' exemplifies these qualities while also showcasing their unique culinary talent.