Dal Bhat Power – 24 Hour

I just returned from Nepal. A fascinating trip to the Annapurna Sanctuary, on an all-women’s trek using all-women porters, goddess bless their young, strong souls and backs.

We stayed at a few of the many tea houses that dot this majestic landscape. Views were a little hard to come by unfortunately -too much surrounding haze and pollution, (this is supposed to be clear air time of year), but we got a few peeks at awesome. Food was cheap and unexpectedly good.

We ate a lot of Dal Bhat along the way, a traditional meal of beans (dal) and rice (bhat) also found in India and Bangladesh.

Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour.
Up and down the mountains,
outside toilet, no shower.
Weeks later still smell like a flower.

Nepalese Saying

I caught myself chanting this popular rhyme about the dish, traveling up and down the steep inclines of the Himalayas. Locals say it gives you energy for 24 hours – good enough to sustain steep hiking at high altitudes. These folks got plenty of strength I’ll tell you – something’s working.

Dal Bhat is traditionally served with a curried seasonal vegetable, sauteed greens, sometimes spicy pickle, curd / yoghurt, and a delicious gravy. Said in another way, it’s a grain, vegetable and protein seasoned and presented in interesting ways with crunch and the magic of strong condiments/sauces. Hindus and Buddhists like vegetarian, but sometimes curried meat is available, usually chicken or buffalo. At higher elevations stick with vegetarian. $3 – $5 dollars. Mix everything together with rice and your right hand. All you can eat is the tradition, and please – right hand only.

Amazing to watch porters carry ingredients to higher elevations. Porter is the preferred descriptor, updating Sherpa which is actually an ethnic group of folks who live in the high mountains.

There’s so much variation in the recipes. I enjoyed the local creativity in presentation and flavor.

I’ve always thought poor people got something on the rich people because the poor people know how to cook beans and rice. Rice and beans are part of the three most important food groups (whole grains, fruits and veggies, and protein) we must learn to cook easily, season well and eat for the rest of our lives. The Nepalese are onto something.

There’s much more interesting food news to share from the trip, and we hope to continue the story before or maybe even after the holidays.

Until then, here’s a nice shot of Mt Everest to fill you up.

Namaste.

• photos by LSIC

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