In the nostalgic nooks of Kashmir’s culinary heritage lies a treasure of sweetness awaiting its sweet return to sweeten the taste buds of a new era. Basrakh, the exquisite confectionery made from flour and ghee, once held a sacred place in every celebration across the valley – from joyous weddings to blissful childbirths and heartfelt betrothals. Yet, the sands of time have left Basrakh obscured and absent from today’s bustling markets.
Once a favourite delicacy of kids is even now hardly seen in weddings – Basrakh now stands as a lost treasure of the past. For loyal Basrakh enthusiasts, catching a glimpse of this sweet treat prompts them to line up outside bakeries, waiting for that nostalgic taste that once seemed like a dream come true. The yearning for Basrakh’s sweet comeback is evident, as it not only promises to rekindle traditions but also breathe life into the fading art of traditional baking, inspiring young bakers across Kashmir to explore their culinary heritage once more.
The changing tides of technology and cultural shifts in Kashmir have indeed altered taste preferences, causing the loss of traditional Basrakh from the sweets category. The Basrakh lovers yearn for the revival of this sought after delicacy, hoping to preserve the essence of their culinary legacy for future generations.
“ Basrakh can rarely be seen during any occasions. Though in the past few years we have made an effort to revive this sweet delight, however we do not get the orders on a regular basis,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, who owns a baker shop in the city centre.
How to prepare Basrakh:
Crafting Basrakh is an art that demands patience and skill. Mixing wheat flour with thick sugar paste, shaping it into a hollow composition, and frying it in ghee to solidify, are the steps that make this sweet confectionery irresistible. The addition of dry fruits enhances its taste, adding a delightful crunch to the indulgence.
In bygone days, Basrakh would come alive in two variations—one polished with ghee and the other without. Patience was once a virtue in making this sweet, but as time passed, the process became more manageable for bakers.
The ingredients used in making Basrakh were sourced from the villages of Kashmir, where ghee, a significant ingredient, was abundant.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, an elderly woman said, Basrakh was an indispensable delight, with marriages and engagements incomplete without its presence.
“The tradition dictated sending Basrakh, along with a few other sweets, as a gesture of goodwill to newly formed relationships.” she said.
Adding , “In today’s fast-paced world, the allure of extravagance has eclipsed the revival of traditional treasures. Modern society competes in grandeur rather than cherishing and preserving its rich cultural heritage”.
Amidst the wistful longing and the changing times, the spirit of Basrakh remains resilient, waiting for the day when its revival will reunite the generations, connect the past with the present, and let the flavors of nostalgia spread on the taste buds once again.
