Indulgent Gahat Kofta

The wonderful flavours of 'Gahat Kofta' will transport you to the heart of Uttarakhand's cuisine. This dish, a brilliant example of local cuisine, captures the spirit of the Himalayas. The koftas, made with local ingredients and inventiveness, are a tribute to the abundance of horse gramme lentils. These dumplings mimic the region's natural wealth with their subtle spices and textural contrasts, all of which are carefully encased in a fragrant sauce.

The mountains, forests, and reverence for environment are all integral parts of the culinary heritage of Uttarakhand. The story told in 'Gahat Kofta' is both gastronomically enticing and environmentally positive. When you eat a dish from Uttarakhand, you're not only satisfying your taste buds; you're experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the region and its people through its food.

• Origin: Uttarakhand, India
• Category: Gahat Kofta is a Pahari Vegetarian Main Dish which is considered Main Course
• Ingredient: Horse Gram, Spices are treated as main ingredients for this recipe. Other ingredients used are Ghee, Coriander
• Time and Flavour: This recipe takes approx 1-2 hours and the flavour is Spicy and Nutty
• Nutritional Information: Gahat Kofta contains 130 kcal calories per 100 g serving. This serving contains 3 g of fat, 6 g of protein and 20 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 2 g sugar and 5 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

'Gahat Kofta’ is a flavorful and hearty Pahari dish originating from the mountainous regions of India, particularly the Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It’s a dish that combines the earthy flavors of horse gram with a touch of culinary creativity. To prepare Gahat Kofta, horse gram (gahat) is soaked, boiled, and ground into a coarse paste. This paste is then mixed with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, red chili, and local herbs. The mixture is shaped into small round balls or koftas, which are either deep-fried until golden brown or gently simmered in a gravy.

The gravy is typically made from a tomato-onion base, seasoned with spices and aromatics like ginger and garlic. The koftas are gently placed into the gravy, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce while maintaining their texture.Gahat Kofta showcases the culinary innovation of Pahari cuisine, using horse gram, a locally available and nutrient-rich ingredient, to create a savory and satisfying dish. The contrast between the flavorful koftas and the tangy gravy results in a harmonious blend of tastes. It’s often served with steamed rice or roti, embodying the spirit of comfort and nourishment that defines Pahari cooking. This dish not only highlights the region’s culinary heritage but also celebrates the use of traditional ingredients in inventive ways.

• Horse Gram [ गहत दाल ], 1 Cup
  → Soaked Overnight. To Be Used For The Koftas.
• Onion [ प्याज़ ], 1 Piece
  → Finely Chopped. To Be Used For The Koftas.
• Green Chili [ हरी मिर्च ], 2 Pieces
  → Finely Chopped. To Be Used For The Koftas.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste [ अदरक लहसुन का पेस्ट ], 1 Tablespoon
  → To Be Used For The Koftas.
• Cumin Powder [ जीरा चूर्ण ], 1/2 Tablespoon
  → To Be Used For The Koftas.
• Coriander Powder [ धनिया चूर्ण ], 1/2 Tablespoon
  → To Be Used For The Koftas.
• Turmeric Powder [ हल्दी चूर्ण ], 1/4 Tablespoon
  → To Be Used For The Koftas.
• Salt [ नमक ], As desired
  → To Be Used For The Koftas.
• Mustard Oil [ सरसों का तेल ], As desired
  → To Be Used For The Koftas.
• Mustard Oil [ सरसों का तेल ], 2 Tablespoons
  → To Be Used For The Gravy.
• Onion [ प्याज़ ], 1 Piece
  → Finely Chopped. To Be Used For The Gravy, Small.
• Tomato [ टमाटर ], 2 Pieces
  → Pureed. To Be Used For The Gravy.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste [ अदरक लहसुन का पेस्ट ], 1/2 Tablespoon
  → To Be Used For The Gravy.
• Cumin Powder [ जीरा चूर्ण ], 1/2 Tablespoon
  → To Be Used For The Gravy.
• Coriander Powder [ धनिया चूर्ण ], 1/2 Tablespoon
  → To Be Used For The Gravy.
• Turmeric Powder [ हल्दी चूर्ण ], 1/4 Tablespoon
  → To Be Used For The Gravy.
• Red Chili Powder [ लाल मिर्च चूर्ण ], 1 Tablespoon
  → To Be Used For The Gravy, Adjust To Taste.
• Salt [ नमक ], As desired
  → To Be Used For The Gravy.
• Coriander Leaves [ धनिया पत्ता ], A few Grams
  → Fresh. To Be Used For The Gravy And Garnish.

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• Soak the horse gram, then rinse it and grind it into a coarse paste with a blender or food processor.
• Put it in a bowl, add chopped onions, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and salt. Mix everything together and shape the mixture into small balls or dumplings.
• Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat. Fry the koftas until golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, heat more oil and add chopped onions. Cook until they turn golden brown before adding ginger-garlic paste and cooking until there's no raw smell left.
• Stir in tomato puree, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the sides of the pan before adding water to adjust the consistency of the gravy if needed.
• Put the fried koftas into the gravy and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes.
• Sprinkle on some fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with roti, rice, or any Indian bread.

Horse gram, the main ingredient in Gahat Kofta, is packed with protein, dietary fiber, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Eating this dish can help you lose weight, boost digestion, and control your blood sugar levels.

• In Gahat Kofta, the primary ingredient, horse gram, is abundant in protein, dietary fiber, and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.. It is considered beneficial for weight loss, digestion, and maintaining blood sugar levels.
• This dish is healthy because it is low in fat and has no cholesterol, which is good for those managing their weight or cardiovascular health.
• It's believed that horse gram has diuretic properties that can assist in removing toxins from the body and enhancing kidney function.
• Those with respiratory issues may find horse gram beneficial due to its expectorant properties that help with cough and congestion.
• Spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which are used in the dish, offer health benefits such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity.

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 sum, the Pahari cuisine Gahat Kofta is representative of the region's culinary prowess, bringing together history and innovation in one delicious dish. This dish takes the humble horse gramme, which is high in protein and other nutrients, and elevates it with a sophisticated blend of aromatic spices. Pahari chefs' skill is on full display as they skillfully combine flavours and textures to create these delicious koftas. The Pahari people's ingenuity shines through in their 'Gahat Kofta,' which takes a common bean and turns it into a culinary wonder. Beyond its culinary merits, this dish embodies the Pahari people and their stories of fortitude and adaptation. Every taste of 'Gahat Kofta' captures the spirit of a people who have overcome great odds, and its flavours will always remind you of the skill of the region's cooks and the inextricable bond between cuisine and culture.