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Kashmiri Besrakh, a sweet to crunch and munch
dish for all seasons
by Afzal Butt

     Srinagar: Besrakh, the traditional sweet crispy dish of Kashmir valley, is a highly demanded item here. Today, it has its lovers around the world. This snack for all times commands a good demand throughout the year. There are several families who have been preparing it for generations to meet the market demand. "Kashmiris like Besrakh and relish this crispy snack at any time of the year. It is also used for the purpose of gift to one's in-laws and during marriages. The sweet is distributed to neighbours. Everyone likes it," said Ashiq Ahmed, local Available at almost all bakeries here throughout the year, Besrakh is prepared with flour, dry fruits, almonds and ghee (clarified butter). "Ghee, cardamom, flour, almonds, dry fruits and cashew nuts are mixed to prepare Besrakh. Throughout the year Besrakh remains in demand," said Mohammed Shafi, local. Besrakh is an exclusive culinary art, which requires wooden pots and plates to prepare. Ghulam Ahmed, in one of the Besrakh confectioners, whose family has been into this trade for generations, is delighted to be carrying on the family tradition of preparing and selling a good quality Besrakh. "When I was a small child I used to see people buying Besrakh in large quantities and carry them in boxes. Besrakh is consumed during marriages and also sold at bakery shops. It is sold outside Kashmir and has a good demand," said Ghulam Ahmed, Besrakh confectioner. Available in different varieties, its price ranges from Rs100 to 200 per kilogram.
-Oct 26, 2008