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Jhilinga is a traditional Nepalese food specially popular during festivals. Jhilinga is super crunchy, and is favored by people of all age groups. It is closely associated with people of different ethnicity like the
Jhilinga is a traditional Nepalese food specially popular during festivals. Jhilinga is super crunchy, and is favored by people of all age groups. It is closely associated with people of different ethnicity like the Newars
Newar (; , endonym: Newa; , Pracalit script: ), or Nepami, are primarily inhabitants in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal and its surrounding areas, and the creators of its historic heritage and civilisation. Page 15. Newars are a distinct linguisti ...
, Gurung
Gurung (exonym; ) or Tamu (endonym; Gurung language, Gurung: ) are a Tibetan people, Tibetan ethnic group living in the hills and mountains of Gandaki Province of Nepal. Gurungs speak Tamu kyi which is a Sino-Tibetan language derived from the ...
s, Magars
The Magars, also spelled Mangar and Mongar, are the largest ethnic group native to Nepal and Northeast India, representing 6.9% of Nepal's total population according to the 2021 Nepal census. They are one of the main Gurkha tribes.
The first ...
, Brahmin
Brahmin (; ) is a ''Varna (Hinduism), varna'' (theoretical social classes) within Hindu society. The other three varnas are the ''Kshatriya'' (rulers and warriors), ''Vaishya'' (traders, merchants, and farmers), and ''Shudra'' (labourers). Th ...
s. Popularity of Jhilinga still largely exists in villages and towns of Nepal. The process of making Jhilinga is really simple requiring minimal ingredients. However, a good set of skilled hands is required to craft the pieces into proper circles.
The history of Jhilinga is disputed. The dish is characterized by its frugality, reflecting agricultural hardship during ancient times. So it certainly was invented a long probably in villages across Nepal. Jhilinga is consumed largely during festivals, weddings and a variety of ceremonies. It is also associated with rituals and therefor has a significant cultural significance. From ancient times to even today, Jhilinga is used as Shagun (present) i.e. an offering taken with you when you visit guests or relatives.
Preparation methods
Ingredients
* Rice flour * Water * Food color of your choiceMethod
Boil water in a deep casserole. Slowly add rice flour and food color into the boiling water while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. This process is similar to makingdhindo
Dhindo ( ) is a meal prepared in Nepal. It is prepared by gradually adding flour to boiling water while stirring. It is a staple meal in various parts of Nepal, especially in the mountainous regions of Nepal and the Sikkim and Darjeeling region ...
albeit without the ghee
Ghee is a type of clarified butter, originating from South Asia. It is commonly used for cooking, as a Traditional medicine of India, traditional medicine, and for Hinduism, Hindu religious rituals.
Description
Ghee is typically prepared by ...
. The mixture should have a good balance and consistency of flour and water. Once the mixture is properly cooked, process through noodle machine so thin and round strips of the mixture is produced. While the strips are coming out, hold the plate in such a way that the strips make concentric circles outwards. This requires skill and practice. Let the wet Jhilinga dray out in the sun. When dried, Jhilinga should be stored in dry airy place until ready to be fried.
Jhilinga can be deep fried to consume. Mustard oil or vegetable oil or a mix of oil and clarified butter (ghee) can be used to fry it.
See also
*Murukku
Muṟukku () is a savoury, crunchy snack originating from the Indian subcontinent. In India, murukku is especially common in the states of Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. It is called ''murku ...
References
Nepalese cuisine {{Nepal-cuisine-stub