How to Cook Naga Black Rice Cakes?
Nagaland is a northeastern state in India that boasts a rich cultural heritage and unique cuisine. The state is primarily inhabited by various tribal communities, and each tribe has its own distinct language, resulting in more than 20 different dialects spoken in the region. Let’s delve deeper into the culture and cuisine of Nagaland.
Exploring Naga Cuisine
The cuisine of Nagaland is a reflection of its culture and traditions. The state is known for its love for meats and fish, which are often smoked, dried, or fermented. Naga food tends to be on the spicier side, and the Naga chilies are very famous, with various varieties grown in the region.
Aside from the chilies, the Naga tomatoes, also known as Tree tomatoes, caught my eye. These tomatoes grow on trees that can reach a height of 18 to 25 feet and are a traditional food item of the Naga people. The fruit is either found singly on the tree or in clusters of 3-12, and its color varies from red to orange or yellow to purple.
A Delicious Naga Dessert: Nap Naang
One of the famous desserts of Nagaland is Nap Naang, a black rice pudding made with sticky black rice. Though similar black rice pudding is made in Thailand as well, the Naga version is unique due to its use of black rice cooked entirely in milk. The result is a mildly sweet pudding with a natural nutty flavor due to the black rice.
To make Nap Naang, you will need the following ingredients:
- ¾ cup of black sticky rice
- 1 cup of water
- 2 ½ cups of milk (2% milk used in this recipe)
- ½ cup of sugar
Here’s how you can make Nap Naang:
- Wash the rice and soak it for 4-6 hours or overnight in water.
- In the pressure cooker, add the drained rice with 1 cup of water and 2 cups of milk. Cook until the cooker lets out 4-5 whistles (about 15-20 minutes), then let the pressure release.
- Transfer the rice to a pan and add the sugar. Let it come to a boil and then simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the remaining ½ cup of milk and mix. Simmer until it reaches the required consistency and then let the pudding cool.
- Serve the black rice pudding cold or at room temperature.
Unique Culture of Nagaland
Nagaland is known for its vibrant culture, which is evident in its festivals and traditions. The state is home to various tribes, including Ao, Angami, Chakhesang, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, and Zeliang. Each tribe has its own set of customs, traditions, and beliefs, making Nagaland a melting pot of cultures.
One of the most famous festivals celebrated in Nagaland is Hornbill Festival, which takes place in December. This festival is a celebration of the state’s indigenous culture and features traditional dance performances, indigenous games, and various cultural shows.
Language also plays a vital role in Nagaland’s unique culture. The traditional languages of the state do not have their own script, and it was the Christian missionaries who introduced the Roman script for these languages.
Conclusion
Nagaland is a unique state in India that boasts a vibrant culture and cuisine. The state’s traditional languages do not have their own script, and the cuisine is a reflection of the state’s love for meat and fish, with Naga chilies and Naga tomatoes being the standout ingredients. Naga cuisines are a hidden gem in the culinary world, with its unique flavors and ingredients that are sure to excite any food lover. From the fiery Naga chilies to the nutty black rice pudding, Naga cuisine is a feast for the senses. So, if you’re looking to explore new cuisines, be sure to give this Naga cuisine a try.
