From healthy breakfasts to afternoon snacks and evening thalis, Pahadi Mix Salt can enhance the flavor of numerous dishes. Only those who have tasted the 'salt of Uttarakhand' truly understand the meaning of Pisyu Loon. The name alone is enough to make your mouth water, evoking memories of mountain cucumbers, grapefruit, carrots, radishes, kachori, and mandua roti, all of which are incomplete without Pisyu Loon.
What is Pisyu Loon?
Pisyu Loon, or ground salt, is an ordinary salt on the surface but its preparation involves grinding green coriander, mint, garlic cloves or their green leaves, green chilies, and rock salt together. Some variations may also include ginger, sesame, or murray (mountain herb) to enhance its taste. Regardless of the ingredients used, what makes this simple salt special is the sill batta, the stone for grinding everything together.
Why Pahadi Mix Salt is Special?
The strong aromas of fresh green chilies and garlic, with hints of asafoetida and celery, make Himalayan mix salt a favorite among pahadi people, often preferred over the aroma of any royal dish. When served with Mandua roti, the taste of Pahadi Mix Salt enhances the flavors of the accompanying vegetables, making the meal incredibly enjoyable. Fruits, too, pair excellently with this salt, combining their sweetness with its salty taste.
Traditional Preparation Method
Modern machines are often used to grind Pisyu Loon quickly, but the traditional method using a sill batta ensures the salt retains its authentic taste and nutrients. Now, thanks to online platforms, Pisyu Loon can be enjoyed outside Uttarakhand as well, preserving its original taste.
How to Make Pahadi Mix Salt at Home?
Ingredients:
- Fresh green chilies - 3-4
- Garlic cloves - 5-6
- Fresh coriander - a handful
- Mint leaves (seasonal)
- Himalayan Rock Salt - 1 small bowl
- Lightly roasted cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Ginger (optional)
Method:
- Wash and dry the sill-batta thoroughly.
- Wash the green chilies and peel the garlic cloves.
- Grind the green chilies finely.
- Add garlic cloves, and ginger and continue grinding both together.
- Add lightly roasted cumin seeds and grind into a paste.
- Add 1-2 spoons of water if necessary, ensuring the salt doesn't become too wet.
- Add Himalayan rock salt and pahadi haldi and mix well.
- Your Pahadi Mix Salt is ready to use.
How to Use Pahadi Mix Salt:
- Enjoy with cucumber to enhance its flavor.
- Use instead of regular spices in vegetables for a tastier dish.
- Sprinkle on fruits for a unique twist.
- Substitute chaat masala with Pahadi Mix Salt in raita for a delightful flavor.
Can't make it at home? Nirvana Organic presents a unique blend of Himalayan pink salt with pahadi herbs and spices, traditionally crushed by Uttarakhand's rural women.
Click here to experience this aromatic accompaniment to any salad, raita, or roasted vegetables.
