Mawal: Kashmir’s Hidden Spice & Its Uses in Food and Wellness

Kashmiri cuisine is known worldwide for its rich flavor profile, vibrant colors and completely natural and healthy ingredients. What makes the dishes of this region different and unique is the use of exotic spices that you do not normally find in other parts of the world.

One such secret ingredient in most Kashmiri recipes is the spice called Mawal which has been passed down through generations. This spice is known by many names such as Cockscomb Flower, Amaranth Flower, Dried Red Cockscomb and many more.

This blog uncovers the secrets of this native Kashmiri spice in detail highlighting its culinary wonders and health benefits. This information is going to help you realize what makes Mawal special and why you need to add it to your daily diet. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

• What is Mawal?
• Uses of Mawal in Kashmiri Cuisine
• Popular Kashmiri Dishes That Use Mawal as an Ingredient
• Benefits of Mawal for Health and Wellbeing

What is Mawal?

Mawal also known as Cockscomb or Celosia Cristata (C. Argentia) is a revered flower used in several signature Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh, Wazwaan and Korma to name just a few. The Mawal flower looks a lot like a rooster’s comb which is exactly why this flower is known commonly as the cockscomb.

This natural food imparts a basil or spinach-like flavor, a rich red hue and natural coloring to a wide range of Kashmiri recipes.

The Mawal spice is made from dried cockscomb flowers that not only enhance your recipe’s overall aesthetics and flavor but also make it much healthier and nutritious.

To make this healthy spice, local Kashmiris handpick the cockscomb flowers and then sundry them in a clean open space. The use of traditional methods ensures the spice doesn’t lose its nutritional value or vibrant color during harvesting or drying.

When using Mawal for cooking purposes, you can simply place a few dried leaves in a small amount of water in a saucepan. Now you can cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over low to medium heat for some time.

Once the water boils, reduce the heat and let the flower simmer for about 20 minutes. This will ensure the cockscomb releases all of its natural color and nutritional components into the water.

Then, you can simply strain the liquid and use it as a flavoring and food coloring agent in many recipes of your choice.

Uses of Mawal in Kashmiri Cuisine

Following are some important culinary uses of Mawal spice that make it extra special.

• Mawal is used to add a savory flavor to traditional Kashmiri dishes which resembles a lot like basil or spinach.
• It is used in several curries as a natural food coloring.
• This versatile ingredient can be paired with meat, poultry, soup and even salads.
• Both the fresh flowers and sundried cockscomb can be used to elevate traditional Kashmiri recipes like Rista, Lahbi Kabab, Muslim Rogan Josh and Mirchi Korma.
• It is used to add an earthy and floral hint to savory Kashmiri cuisine which is not something you can get from other spices.

Popular Kashmiri Dishes That Use Mawal as an Ingredient

Following are some important Kashmiri dishes that use Mawal as a key ingredient.

• Yakhni

Yakhni is a delectable curry made from yogurt paired with mutton or chicken. Traditionally, it comes in a pale color. However, most Kashmiri households add Mawal to the mix which not only gives it a vibrant reddish color but also balances the yogurt’s tanginess. The final result is a visually pleasing and delicious curry that is a treat both for the eyes as well as your taste buds.

• Vegetarian Cuisine

Mawal is also used in vegetables like lotus stem, spinach and several others. This spice makes these ordinary vegetarian dishes more colorful and flavorful making your every bite a true delight.

• Korma

Korma is a very popular Kashmiri dish that has a rich and creamy sauce. Usually eaten with rice or naan bread, this dish has no match when it comes to flavor. The addition of Mawal to this already delicious cuisine is just the cherry on top. Mawal gives Korma a reddish tint along with an extra layer of flavor.

• Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is a red-colored lamb curry made from a diverse mix of spices. This dish uses Mawal to give you a distinct signature hue. The intense flavor of the spices in this curry paired with the subtle earthiness of Mawal is a combination you will not forget any time soon.

Benefits of Mawal for Health and Wellbeing

Apart from its diverse culinary uses, Mawal also has a wealth of health benefits when used regularly. Following are a few of these to give you a general idea:

• Mawal is rich in antioxidants, protein, Vitamins A and C, Iron and calcium.
• This spice aids in digestion and reduces the risks of diabetes and gout.
• It has several medicinal properties that make it effective for controlling blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation.
• Its vitamins and antioxidant contents are known to rejuvenate dry skin.
• Vitamin A present in Mawal improves vision and overall eye health.

Conclusion

Mawal represents the rich culinary history and traditions of Kashmir. It has been a staple in most Kashmiri recipes for centuries and still, most locals use it on a daily basis to impart a distinct flavor, aroma, color and many health benefits to their everyday recipes.

This spice is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and essential minerals that keep both your mind and body in shape. Thus, by adding Mawal to your daily diet, you can give even the simplest recipes an elegant touch and a higher nutritional value which is a win-win. If you are looking for authentic Kashmiri spices, food items, home and living products and personal care items, then visit our website Kashmers right now. We take pride in our top-quality and pure Kashmiri products that are worth every penny.