For Chef Yashita Aggarwal, a Delhi native turned Hyderabadi at heart, the allure of Haleem was irresistible. But as a vegetarian, she felt left out of the culinary experience
Chef Yashita Aggarwal's Veg Haleem for Hyderabadis (Photos by arrangement)
In the bustling streets of Hyderabad, the scent of Haleem wafts through the air, tantalizing the taste buds of foodies and locals alike. For Chef Yashita Aggarwal, a Delhi native turned Hyderabadi at heart, the allure of Haleem was irresistible. But as a vegetarian, she felt left out of the culinary experience.
Chef Yashita Aggarwal (Photo by arrangement)
"I have been eating Haleem in Hyderabad for 10 years, and I always wondered why vegetarians couldn't enjoy the same flavours and textures," Yashita reminisces. "Growing up in a Delhi vegetarian family, I knew that our cuisine lacked a dish that could replicate the richness and depth of Haleem."
Determined to create a vegetarian version of Haleem, Yashita embarked on a journey to recreate the iconic dish. She began by sourcing spices from Old Hyderabad, seeking out the authentic flavours and fragrances that define the traditional recipe.
But the real challenge lay in replicating the texture of Haleem, typically made with mutton or beef. After months of experimentation, Yashita stumbled upon an unlikely hero: Jackfruit. The tropical fruit's meaty texture proved to be the perfect substitute, allowing Yashita to craft a vegetarian Haleem that was both authentic and innovative.
As the first batches of vegetarian Haleem simmered on her stovetop, it was evident that Yashita's creation had captured the essence of traditional Haleem, with the added bonus of being accessible to vegetarians.
Yashita's vegetarian Haleem is set to be a sensation in Hyderabad's culinary circles, that is sure to attract foodies and vegetarians alike. As she serves up steaming bowls of her signature dish, Yashita smiles, knowing that she's created something truly special – a flavour of nostalgia that transcends culinary boundaries.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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