Dhindo


Dhindo is a meal prepared in Nepal. It is prepared by graudally adding flour to boiling water while stirring. It is a staple meal in various parts of Nepal and the Sikkim and Darjeeling regions of India. Though it is a staple food in Nepal, dhindo has previously been seen as an inferior food compared to rice, and was associated with low status. The inclusion of dhindo on urban restaurant menus has coincided with a rise in the food's prestige, possible attributed to the changing perception of Nepal's indigenous crops, which are now recognised for their nutritional advantage.

Preparation and serving

To prepare dhindo, water and flour are combined in a ratio of approximately three to one. While cooking, dhindo may have ghee, garlic, and salt added to it, or the ghee may be served as a separate accompaniment. The flour is added to the boiling water slowly, and stirred vigorously until the mixture is stiff. The process of making dhindo is called maskaaune.
Dhindo is traditionally prepared from ground buckwheat or millet, but corn meal is common as well. Theoretically, any flour can be used to make dhindo, as it is essentially a simple mixture of hot water and ground grain. Optionally, chopped mutton can be added to the dhindo, or small pieces or powder of soft chhurpi.
The vessel of choice for preparing dhindo is phalame tapke. A narrow iron spatula called a dabilo is used to stir the dhindo as it thickens.
Dhindo is eaten by making a small ball with one's fingers, dipping it in a liquid and swallowing without chewing. In addition, it is often served with Chutney.

Nutrition

Millet is an alkaline food.