Singori: The Sweet Cone of Kumaon That Melts in Your Mouth

If you are looking for a unique and delicious sweet dish from the Himalayan region of India. You should definitely try Singori, the pride of Kumaon. Singori is a cone-shaped sweet that is made of khoya (thickened milk) and wrapped in a maalu leaf (a type of wild leaf that grows in the hills). It has a soft and creamy texture that melts in your mouth and a distinct flavour and aroma that comes from the leaf. Singori is usually eaten as a dessert or a snack and is also offered as a prasad (sacred offering) during festivals and ceremonies.

History and Origin of Singori

Singori is believed to have originated in Almora, a small town in Kumaon. Which is famous for its rich culture and cuisine. According to some historians, Singori was first created by the local women who used to make khoya at home by boiling milk for hours. They would then add sugar and cardamom to the khoya. And wrap it in maalu leaves they collected from the forests. The leaves would not only keep the khoya fresh but also impart a unique flavour and fragrance to it. The women would then shape the khoya into cones and serve it to their families and guests.

Singori soon became a popular delicacy in Kumaon and was also sold in the markets and streets. It was mainly enjoyed during the winter months when the khoya would stay warm inside the leaf. Singori was also considered auspicious and was offered to the gods and goddesses during festivals like Diwali, Holi, Shivratri, and Nanda Devi Raj Jat. It is also given as a gift to relatives and friends on special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.

How to Prepare Singori

The preparation of Singori is very simple but requires some skill and patience. The main ingredients are khoya, sugar, cardamom, and maalu leaves. Khoya is made by boiling milk until it reduces to a thick consistency. Sugar is added to the khoya along with cardamom powder for sweetness and flavour. The khoya is then cooked for some more time until it becomes smooth and pliable.

The maalu leaves are washed and dried and then folded into cones. A small ball of khoya is stuffed into each cone, and then sealed with a toothpick or a string. The cones are then steamed for about 10 minutes, or until the khoya sets inside the leaf. The Singoris are then ready to be served hot or cold.

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Where to Find Singori

Singori is widely available in Kumaon, especially in Almora, where it is considered a speciality. You can find sweet shops in the markets and streets of Almora. Where you can buy fresh and hot Singoris for a nominal price. You can also find Singori shops in other towns of Kumaon, such as Nainital, Ranikhet, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, etc.

If you are not in Kumaon, you can still enjoy singori by ordering it online from some websites that deliver authentic Kumaoni products across India. You can also try making singori at home by following some recipes that are available on the internet. However, you may have to substitute the maalu leaves with some other leaves like turmeric or banana leaves if you cannot find them.

Why Singori is Special for Kumaonis

Singori is not just a sweet dish for Kumaonis, but also a symbol of their culture and identity. It represents the simplicity, creativity, and warmth of the Kumaoni people, who have preserved their traditions and values despite the challenges of modernity. It also reflects the harmony between nature and humans, as it uses natural ingredients that are locally available and eco-friendly.

Singori is also a source of nostalgia and pride for Kumaonis who live away from their homeland. They cherish the memories of eating Singori with their families and friends during festivals and celebrations. They also share Singori with their non-Kumaoni friends and colleagues to introduce them to their culture and cuisine.

It is truly a unique and delicious sweet dish that you should not miss if you visit Kumaon or if you love exploring new flavours. It will surely melt your heart along with your mouth!