Thakali Set: A Rich Tradition of Balance and Flavor

Introduction

The Thakali Set is one of the most beloved meals in Nepal, originating from the Thak Khola region in the Mustang district of Nepal. Known for its balanced combination of flavors, nutrients, and textures, the Thakali Set offers a complete dining experience with rice (bhat), lentils (dal), a variety of curries (tarkari), pickles (achar), meat or vegetables, and ghee. It reflects the traditional Thakali way of eating, blending the flavors of Nepalese spices with simple, wholesome ingredients.

In this article, we will explore the components of the Thakali Set, its cultural significance, and the process of preparing this flavorful meal.

Cultural Significance

The Thakali people, originally from the mountainous regions near the Tibetan border, are known for their hospitality and culinary skills. Their food reflects the simplicity of mountain life but is rich in flavor. The Thakali Set is traditionally served in metal plates (bhato) and bowls (katori) and is designed to provide a balance of nutrition, making it both delicious and healthy.

The meal is considered a symbol of Nepali hospitality and is served in many restaurants across Nepal. Thakali cuisine has grown in popularity due to its focus on locally sourced ingredients and a variety of spices that create a harmony of flavors. In the Thakali tradition, food is not just sustenance but a form of social interaction and celebration.

Components of a Traditional Thakali Set

A typical Thakali Set consists of several essential elements, which together form a complete and balanced meal:

1. Rice (Bhat): The base of the meal, usually steamed white rice or sometimes buckwheat or millet in more traditional or regional variations.
2. Lentils (Dal): A bowl of soupy lentils cooked with turmeric, cumin, garlic, and sometimes fenugreek. Dal is an essential part of the set and provides protein.
3. Vegetable Curry (Tarkari): A lightly spiced vegetable curry, made from seasonal produce such as potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, or green beans. It adds a fresh and vibrant taste to the meal.
4. Meat Curry: Chicken, mutton, or pork curry is often included in a Thakali Set, adding richness and depth to the meal. The meat is marinated with Nepali spices and slow-cooked until tender.
5. Gundruk or Spinach (Saag): Gundruk (fermented leafy greens) or freshly sautéed spinach offers a slightly sour, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the other dishes.
6. Pickles (Achar): Thakali Set is incomplete without the sharp and tangy achar. There are many varieties of achar, but tomato, radish, and timur (Sichuan pepper) pickles are commonly served. They add heat and zest to the meal.
7. Papad (Papadum): A crispy, fried or roasted lentil wafer, often served as a side item to add texture to the meal.
8. Ghee: A dollop of clarified butter (ghee) is often poured over the rice or lentils, enhancing the flavor and providing healthy fats.
9. Soup (Jhol or Choyla): A thin, soupy broth that is often prepared with spices and sometimes meat, providing a warm and hearty addition to the meal.
10. Buttermilk (Mohi): Buttermilk or yogurt is served to cleanse the palate and aid in digestion. It’s particularly refreshing when paired with the spicy and rich elements of the meal.

Preparation of a Thakali Set

Though the meal might seem elaborate, it’s the result of careful and methodical preparation. Each component is cooked separately, allowing the flavors to be balanced while complementing each other.

1. Cooking the Rice (Bhat)

• Start by rinsing the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
• Cook the rice in a rice cooker or on a stovetop with a pinch of salt. Once cooked, fluff the rice and keep it warm.

2. Preparing the Lentils (Dal)

• Wash the lentils (yellow, green, or black lentils can be used).
• In a pot, heat some oil and fry cumin seeds, garlic, and turmeric until fragrant.
• Add the lentils and water, then let them simmer until soft and slightly soupy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Making the Vegetable Curry (Tarkari)

• Chop vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, and beans.
• In a pan, heat oil and sauté garlic, cumin seeds, and onions until golden.
• Add the chopped vegetables, turmeric, salt, and water, and cook until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
• Garnish with fresh coriander.

4. Cooking the Meat Curry

• Marinate the meat (chicken, mutton, or pork) with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garlic.
• Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add the marinated meat.
• Let the meat cook slowly with tomatoes and water until it becomes tender and flavorful.

5. Sautéing Spinach or Gundruk (Saag)

• For fresh spinach, wash and blanch the leaves, then sauté with garlic and cumin.
• If using gundruk, soak it in water to soften, then sauté with onions, garlic, and chilies for a tangy flavor.

6. Making the Pickle (Achar)

• Roast tomatoes, garlic, and chilies. Blend them together with salt, timur (Sichuan pepper), and lemon juice for a tangy, spicy pickle.
• You can also make radish pickle by slicing radishes thinly and marinating them in mustard oil, turmeric, and salt.

7. Papadum and Ghee

• Fry or roast the papadum until crispy.
• Warm the ghee, and drizzle it over the rice or dal just before serving.

8. Buttermilk (Mohi)

• To make buttermilk, whisk yogurt with water until it’s smooth and slightly frothy. Add a pinch of salt for taste.

Serving and Enjoying the Thakali Set

The Thakali Set is served with great care, typically in a large metal plate with small bowls for each component. You begin by mixing the rice with the dal and ghee, accompanied by a bite of vegetable or meat curry. The achar adds a spicy kick, while the gundruk or spinach provides a fresh, earthy contrast.

It’s a meal designed to be enjoyed slowly, with each bite offering a new combination of flavors and textures. The final sip of buttermilk leaves your palate refreshed and ready to savor the whole experience again.

Notes for Perfecting a Thakali Set

1. Balance of Flavors: The essence of a Thakali Set is balance. The rice and lentils provide a neutral base, while the curries, gundruk, and achar offer layers of flavors. Adjust the spices to suit your taste, but aim to create harmony between the dishes.
2. Using Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of vegetables, herbs, and spices is key to capturing the authentic taste of a Thakali meal.
3. Making a Large Batch: Thakali Set is often prepared for a gathering, making it perfect for family meals or special occasions. You can prepare larger batches of curries and pickles in advance, which will allow you to serve the meal quickly when the time comes.
4. Accommodating Dietary Preferences: You can easily adapt a Thakali Set for vegetarians by omitting the meat curry and including more vegetable dishes like pumpkin or mushrooms. Similarly, you can make the set gluten-free by avoiding the papadum or using a gluten-free version.

Health Benefits

The Thakali Set is not only delicious but also nutritious. It provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome meal. Lentils are rich in fiber and protein, while gundruk offers probiotics, aiding in digestion. The combination of vegetables, rice, and spices contributes to a meal that’s not just filling but nourishing.

Conclusion

The Thakali Set is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Nepal’s rich culinary heritage. Rooted in the traditions of the Thakali community, this dish brings together a variety of flavors, textures, and nutrients, making it a delightful and satisfying dining experience. Whether enjoyed at home or in a restaurant, the Thakali Set is a testament to the balance and diversity of Nepali cuisine.