Siddu

Popular in Himachal Pradesh, Siddu is a type of stuffed bread eaten with ghee, especially during the winter season to keep the body warm and energised. Siddu uses a variety of ingredients like urad dal, wheat flour, yeast, and ghee. Spices including coriander leaves, coriander powder, asafoetida, turmeric powder, green chillies, ginger, red chilli powder and salt are also added to make the dish palatable. It takes a few hours to prepare but the freshness and taste at the end are worth the effort.

It's normally oval or disc shaped, and is generally a family recipe passed down from one generation to the next, with each recipe having slight variations. It’s traditionally made by steaming the dough and is stuffed with a variety of options. Khas-khas (poppy seeds) and walnut paste are the most popular filling option, although some cooks also use vegetables. Today, keeping up with the times, many also experiment with new stuffing options like mashed potatoes and oats.

Since it's served traditionally with ghee, there are a lot of health benefits when consuming it. Ghee has healthy fats which contributes to good cholesterol in the body. It also lines the digestive system, cleaning it out, preventing ulcers and other problems, and promoting digestive health. Being a source of vitamins and a rich antioxidant, it also boosts the immune system. Ghee also helps cosmetically through preserving the body's moisture, and repairing and smoothening skin. Application on the head also improves hair quality and brings relief from itchy scalp. Since it gives a boost to one’s metabolism, ghee can also lead to weight loss.