Marchu
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A deep-fried wheat bread of Kinnaur and the upper Himachal valleys, made at festivals and offered to the village deity.
Region: Kinnaur and upper Shimla, Himachal PradeshOccasion: Festivals, fairs and religious offeringsTime: 45 minServes: 4Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups wheat flour
- 1 tbsp oil for the dough
- ½ tsp salt
- Water as needed
- Oil for deep-frying
Method
- Knead the flour, salt and oil with water into a firm, smooth dough. Rest it for 20 minutes.
- Divide into balls and roll each into a round about the size of a small plate.
- Heat oil in a deep pan.
- Fry each round, pressing it gently so it puffs, until golden and crisp at the edges.
- Drain and serve with tea, honey or vegetables, or stack them as an offering.
History
Marchu is a festival bread of Kinnaur, where fried breads are part of community and temple rituals.
Significance
Stacks of marchu are offered to the devta at fairs and shared with relatives, and they keep well for a few days in the cold.