India is the land of diversities, from diversity in religion to diversity in the food people eat, India has it all. 

Being the land of spices India excels in the art of preparing food. India's cuisine is world-renowned for its mouthwatering dishes full of flavors. Every state of India has a unique specialty in food. One of the states of India that offer tasty recipes with a blend of spices and flavors is Uttrakhand.

Uttarakhand is one of those states that perfectly use all the variety of spices and has some best mouth-watering dishes to offer. Uttarakhand cuisine has always been a popular choice among people, the Uttarakhand dishes are a great balance of tradition, flavors, and aroma.

Uttarakhand offers great food at any time, whether it's for the main dish or a sweet snack. Uttarakhand is a land of hills, and its cuisine is heavily influenced by two regions, Garhwal and Kumaon. 

Using readily available vegetables and grains, these regions make simple but incredibly flavorful delicacies.

The most famous Uttarakhand cuisine among a lot of dishes is – 

• Jhangora ki kheer 
• Jakhiya aloo / Aloo k ghutuk

Jhangora ki kheer

Jhangora ki kheer is one of the most popular dishes from Uttarakhand. It is a dessert from Garhwal. Jhangora ki kheer is a staple food in Uttarakhand that has a sweet regional touch in it. It consists of Jhangora combined with milk cooked together. Jhangora (Barnyard millet) is the native name for a type of millet, commonly found in the hills of Uttarakhand.

Since Jhangora/Barnyard millet is a great alternative to rice, Jhangora has also substituted rice as the main ingredient in kheer.

For people around the globe, Jhangora ki kheer is a must-try dessert. It is an all-time favorite for people in Uttarakhand. Its smooth, delicious texture makes it a favorite of every individual.

It is a delightful dessert that is not only a delight to eat but also contains plenty of nutrients. The main ingredient of this dessert is proven with various health benefits as 

• Rich in fiber
• Gluten-free
• Good source of iron
• Low in calories

Jakhiya Aloo

Jakhiya Aloo, also known by the name Aloo k gutka or Pahari aloo, is another popular dish from Uttarakhand.

 Jakhiya Aloo is a daily household recipe with an amazing blend of spices and no exaggeration.  Prepared using boiled potatoes, this dish when tempered with Jakhiya, seeds obtained from the Cleome viscosa plant is always a treat to have.

Jakhiya Aloo is a regional culinary gem for the people of Uttarakhand. It is a simple but amazing food that one can ever desire. The crunchy and aromatic nature of Jakhiya makes a great combination with spicy potatoes.

Other Famous Dishes from Uttarakhand 

Except for the above-mentioned dishes, there are also a variety of other mouth-watering food that Uttarakhand is famous for

• Kafuli – One of the oldest members of Pahari cuisine, Kafuli is a subtle but delicious combination of nutrients and flavor. Made by cooking the blended paste of the leafy vegetables, Kafuli is great to have with rice. It is one of the most preferred Garhwali foods of people even outside Uttarakhand.
• Baadi - Just like most of the Pahari food, Baadi is also loaded with a huge amount of nutrients. Made with Kwada ka aata, a type of flour, it is considered the best traditional food of the Garhwal region.
• Kandalee Ka Saag – Preferred by most of the visitors this is a green Leafy vegetable commonly found in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand. Often called ‘Bicchu Ghas’, this dish is certainly a must-try in Uttarakhand.
• Arsa – Arsa, a form of dessert made using rice, is a must-cook dish on festivities and happy occasions. It is one of the most famous and delicious dishes of Uttarakhand.