Summertime in Manipur: What to Eat on Your Vacation

1. Eromba: A Spicy Melange of Flavors

Imagine a dish where mashed vegetables, fiery chili peppers, and fish come together in a symphony of spicy and tangy flavors. That’s Eromba for you. This traditional Manipuri dish is a celebration of local ingredients and bold tastes. Here’s what makes it special:

• Ingredients:

• • Boiled Vegetables: Eromba features a medley of seasonal vegetables, including yam, pumpkin, and colocasia (taro).
  • Fiery Chili Peppers: Manipuris love their spice! The dish gets its heat from green or red chili peppers.
  • Fermented Fish (Ngari): Ngari adds depth and umami to the dish.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like maroi (a type of wild mint) enhance the flavor.

• Preparation:

1. 1. Boil the vegetables until tender.
   2. Mash them together with chili peppers and fermented fish.
   3. The result is a textured, flavorful paste.

• Serving:

• • Eromba is typically served with steamed rice or as a side dish alongside fish curry.

2. Sana Thongba: The Creamy Comfort Food

Sana Thongba is a delightful Manipuri curry that combines the richness of dairy with the earthiness of potatoes. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Ingredients:

• • Paneer (Sana): Cubes of fresh paneer are the star of this dish.
  • Potatoes: Sliced potatoes add heartiness.
  • Milk and Cream: The creamy base gives Sana Thongba its comforting texture.
  • Spices: Turmeric, ginger, and green chilies provide flavor.

• Preparation:

• • Sauté paneer and potatoes in ghee.
  • Add milk, cream, and spices.
  • Simmer until the flavors meld.

• Serving:

• • Enjoy Sana Thongba with steamed rice or flatbreads.

3. Manipuri Thali: A Feast for the Senses

When in Manipur, don’t miss the chance to indulge in a traditional Manipuri Thali. It’s a complete meal that showcases the region’s diverse flavors:

• Components:

• • Rice: The staple base.
  • Fish Curry: Spicy and tangy, often featuring Ngari.
  • Leafy Greens: Fresh greens like spinach or mustard leaves.
  • Mashed: Morok Metpa (green chili chutney) and other varieties.
  • Dal: Lentil curry.
  • Pickles: Tangy and fiery.
  • Sweets: End your meal with a touch of sweetness.

4. Chak-hao Kheer: A Dessert with a Dark Twist

Chak-hao Kheer is a unique black rice pudding that tantalizes both the taste buds and the eyes. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Ingredients:

• • Black Rice (Chak-hao): The dark, aromatic rice gives the kheer its striking color.
  • Milk: Creamy and rich.
  • Jaggery: For sweetness.
  • Cardamom: Fragrant spice.

• Preparation:

1. 1. Cook black rice in milk until soft.
   2. Add jaggery and cardamom.
   3. Simmer until thickened.

• Serving:

• • Garnish with nuts and serve warm or chilled.

5. Paknam: Crunchy Bites of Delight

Paknam is a delightful snack that combines crunch, spice, and satisfaction. Here’s why it’s perfect for summer:

• Ingredients:

• • Turmeric Leaves: For the flavour and smell.
  • Gram Floor: The main ingredient
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs like maroi (a type of wild mint) enhance the flavor.
  • Spices: Red chili powder, salt, and a hint of tanginess.

• Preparation:

1. 1. Chop, mix and smash.
   2. Steam with the turmeric leaves as envelope
   3. Flat press

• Serving:

• • Enjoy Paknam as a snack or appetizer.

6. Kangsoi: A Hearty Vegetable Stew

Kangsoi is a nourishing and wholesome vegetable stew that warms both the heart and the soul. Here’s why it’s perfect for summer:

• Ingredients:

• • Leafy Greens: Kangsoi features an assortment of fresh leafy greens such as spinach, mustard leaves, and fenugreek leaves.
  • Herbs and Spices: Flavors are enhanced with ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
  • Fermented Fish (Ngari): Ngari adds depth and umami to the stew.

• Preparation:

• • Boil the leafy greens until tender.
  • Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
  • Add the boiled greens and fermented fish.
  • Simmer until the flavors meld.

• Serving:

• • Enjoy Kangsoi with steamed rice or as a standalone soup.

7. Chamfut: A Simple and Nourishing Boil

Champhut (cham-simple, phut-boil) is a vegetarian simple dish with no spices and strong flavour. 

• Ingredients:

• • Water: The base for Chamfut.
  • Sugar: For a touch of sweetness (optional).

• Common Vegetables:

• • Cucumber: Adds freshness.
  • Carrot: Provides color and crunch.
  • Cabbage: Adds texture.
  • Peas: Sweet and vibrant.
  • Pennywort (Centella asiatica): Known for its health benefits.

• Preparation:

• • Boil Water: Start by boiling water in a pot.
  • Add Vegetables: Toss in the sliced cucumber, carrot, cabbage, peas, and pennywort.
  • Simmer: Let the vegetables simmer gently until they are tender but still retain their vibrant colors.
  • Optional Sweetness: If desired, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

• Serving:

• • Serve Chamfut warm or chilled as a light and hydrating dish.

Remember, sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most satisfaction. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of Chamfut during the sunny days of summer! 🍲

8. Singju: A Vibrant Manipuri Salad

Singju is not your ordinary salad—it’s a burst of colors, textures, and flavors. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Ingredients:

• • Cabbage: Thinly sliced for crunch.
  • Coriander Leaves: Fresh and fragrant.
  • Onions: Adds a mild bite.
  • Ginger: Grated for warmth.
  • Lotus Stems: Crisp and refreshing.
  • Green Chilies: For heat.
  • Roasted Gram Flour (Ngari Atoiba Thongba): A unique touch.
  • Lemon Juice: Zesty and tangy.

• Preparation:

1. 1. Mix all the ingredients together.
   2. Toss with roasted gram flour and lemon juice.
   3. The result is a vibrant, wholesome salad.

• Serving:

• • Enjoy Singju as a light meal or side dish during hot summer days.

Remember, Singju embodies Manipur’s love for fresh produce and bold flavors. It’s a celebration of simplicity and health! 🌿🥗

Manipur’s cuisine is a reflection of its vibrant culture and natural bounty. So, embark on a culinary adventure and savor these delightful dishes during your summer vacation in this jewel of the Northeast! 🌶🍚🌿