Harissa: All About Kashmir's Famous Winter Delicacy
By: EjazUlHaqBhat
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Harissa is a labour-intensive dish that requires a lot of manpower, muscle power, patience, knowledge of spices, and slow heat
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It's also expensive to prepare. People prefer it for its unique taste and the warmth and sustenance it provides during harsh winters
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The main ingredient of harissa is sheep or goat meat, cooked with rice, and flavoured with spices - fennel seeds, cinnamon cardamom and garlic
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Some even add saffron to harissa to make its appearance somehow different, and then it is known as "Zaffrani Harissa"
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It is typically eaten hot at dawn after morning prayers with Kashmiri bread called "Kander Tchot"
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The textural winter delicacy is prepared overnight and requires a lot of patience
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A stew-like dish, it is typically sold at harissa shops, locally known as "harissa-wan", where it is served hot
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It was originally a gift-giving meal, but eventually became a symbol of community and continues to be a cherished part of Kashmiri cuisine
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