The legacy of a Kashmiri apple

One beautiful sunday morning, Meera sits by the window of her cozy home in Grimsby, Canada, holding a warm cup of chai. The view outside took her back to her childhood in Kashmir, where her family had sprawling fruit farms. In her yard, apple and pear trees stood tall, their branches heavy with ripe fruit. It was a sight reminiscent of her youth, and it brought her immense joy to see the fruits of her labor flourish in this new world.

Her mind drifted back to those cherished moments with her mother in the Kashmiri orchards, learning the art of cooking and the magic of blending flavors. One dish held a special place in her heart— Salmon curry with Green Apple, a fusion of her Kashmiri heritage and her mother's innovative spirit.

With a smile, Meera recalled the process of creating this delectable dish. Fresh salmon steaks, marinated in a medley of Kashmiri spices, sizzled in the pan until they turned a perfect golden brown. The tangy curry, infused with Kashmiri red chilies, was a fragrant masterpiece. But adding green apples, reminiscent of her family's orchards, added a unique sweetness and a delightful crunch.

Life had brought Meera and her family far from their beloved Kashmir to the Americas, but they had carried their culinary heritage.

Meera decided to share her family's legacy through her home-based venture, "Vozul." It was more than just a business; it was a connection to her roots, a way to bring the flavors and memories of Kashmir to her new community.

Vozul quickly gained a following, and Meera's Salmon Curry with Green Apple became a sensation. People from all walks of life marveled at the blend of flavors that transported them to the lush orchards of Kashmir. Meera's venture was not just a culinary success; it was a bridge between cultures, a testament to the power of food to connect people and their stories.

Meera expanded her menu to include more Kashmiri delights, and Vozul became beloved in Grimsby, known for its warmth and authenticity. Meera found purpose and a renewed connection to her heritage through her venture.

Sitting by her window, sipping her chai, and watching the apples and pears sway in the breeze, Meera couldn't help but feel grateful for her journey. Her past had merged seamlessly with her present, and her future through Vozul looked brighter than ever. It was a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and the flavors that connected them all.

You are welcome to immerse yourself in the magic of Meera’s happy childhood with Vozul's Salmon Curry. Served with traditional Tahiri and homemade Walnut chutney.

Love speaks through Kashmiri Dum Aloo

Our protagonist, Meera, was a remarkable child known for her green eyes that sparkled with curiosity and a heart filled with an insatiable love for Dum Aloo. Her fondness for this delectable dish wasn't just about its taste; it was a deep-rooted connection to her matamaal (Nani’s house.)

Meera's grandmother, Arndhati, lovingly called Arni, was renowned far and wide for her unparalleled skills in the kitchen. She was not just a cook; she was an artist who painted flavors on the canvas of life. Her most treasured masterpiece, however, was the Dum Aloo. The secret behind her culinary prowess wasn't merely her expertise but her boundless patience and love that she infused into every dish she prepared.

Kashmiri Dum Aloo, a traditional dish, holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many. It's a slow-cooked marvel, combining potatoes, aromatic spices, and a rich yogurt-based gravy. The dish is then left to simmer gently in its own juices, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a symphony of taste. It's a labor of love that demands time, effort, and, above all, patience.

Arni’s Dum Aloo was unlike any other. She would begin her culinary journey by selecting the most tender potatoes from the local market. Each potato was treated with care and affection as she lovingly peeled them, preserving their shape. The next step was crucial – the potatoes were fried gently to golden perfection in pure mustard oil. This step infused a unique flavor and gave them a crispy texture that would later contrast beautifully with the creamy gravy.

While the potatoes cooled, Arni prepared her secret spice blend. She handpicked the spices, grinding them meticulously, ensuring each element contributed its distinct fragrance and taste. This blend, known only to her, was the heart and soul of her Dum Aloo.

The yogurt gravy, another masterpiece, was prepared with utmost precision. The yogurt was hung overnight to extract excess water, giving the dish a rich and creamy consistency. This yogurt, lovingly cultured at home, formed the basis of the gravy, which was thick, velvety, and had a slight tang that beautifully complemented the spices.

The most crucial step in making Dum Aloo was yet to come – the 'dum' process. Arni would assemble all the components in a heavy-bottomed pan, ensuring each potato was nestled comfortably in the luscious yogurt-based gravy. She tightly sealed the lid with dough, creating a cocoon of flavors. The pot was placed over a low flame, and Arni’s patience shone through as she tossed the Dum Aloo carefully while allowing it to simmer for hours. It was in this slow-cooking process that the magic happened. The flavors mingled, danced, and intertwined, producing a dish that was nothing short of divine.

As a child, Meera would watch her grandmother with fascination, absorbing the essence of her culinary artistry. Arni’s patience was contagious, and Meera learned the recipe and the importance of taking time to create something extraordinary.

Years passed, and Arni’s kitchen fell silent, but her legacy lived on through Meera. Meera's love for Kashmiri Dum Aloo had deepened over the years, and she had perfected the recipe under her grandmother's watchful gaze. She knew that her Dum Aloo was exceptional but also held a piece of her grandmother's soul.

One fateful day, Meera decided to share her Dum Aloo with the world. She founded "Vozul," a culinary venture dedicated to preserving her grandmother's legacy.

Vozul is a tribute to Arndhati’s patience and love that transcended generations.

Meera's Dum Aloo is a masterpiece in its own right, blending tradition and innovation. She sources the finest ingredients as her grandmother did and takes excellent care in every step. Today, it has become a most loved dish on Vozul’s menu.

You can immerse yourself in this heartfelt experience by ordering a portion of this savory greatness through our menu.

Meera's Kashmir: A Childhood of Love, Laughter, and Saffron Spice

A little girl named Meera lived in the heart of the picturesque city of Srinagar, nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Kashmir. With her ebony hair cascading like a waterfall down her back and sparkling eyes mirroring the pristine Dal Lake, Meera embodied the essence of Kashmiri beauty.

Meera's world was a quaint and cozy home where the aromatic whispers of spices and the warm embrace of saffron-laden teas danced through the air. She lived in this haven with her loving parents and adoring sister, Kiran. But Meera's world extended far beyond her immediate family; it encompassed the vibrant tapestry of her extended family, a web of aunts, uncles, cousins, and, of course, her beloved grandparents.

For Meera, food was not just sustenance; it was a symphony of flavors, a connection to her roots, and a bridge to her family's history. Each morning, the kitchen would awaken with the goodness of nature hitting the pan as her mother crafted delectable Kahwa Chai (Kashmiri Pink Savoury Tea spiced with Saffron and cinnamon and topped with slivered almonds) with crisp Bagel (Kashmiri bread) from the local baker and home-made whipped white butter Meera would watch, wide-eyed and eager, as her mother shared the secrets of the family's recipes, handed down through generations.

Her grandparents were the custodians of timeless tales. They regaled her with stories of a bygone era, where saffron was traded like gold, and the valley's orchards bore fruits as sweet as love. Meera cherished their stories, the way Dada's eyes would twinkle as he spoke of his youth spent in their family’s vast fruit, walnut, and saffron fields, and the way Dadi's hands would gently knead the dough while recounting the lore of the Chinars.

Meera's extended family gatherings were a riot of colors, laughter, and culinary delights. She confidently navigated through the bustling gatherings, her innocent laughter ringing like a melody. Amidst the spicy curries, Kashmiri Tehri, and fragrant home-cooked feasts, Meera discovered food's power to unite people, unite generations, and tell a story that transcended time.

In the little Kashmiri girl Meera, there is an unshakable cheerfulness, an infectious confidence, and an enduring love for the flavors that define her culture. With each meal she savors, each story she hears, and each embrace from her family, Meera learns that her roots are not just in the land of Srinagar; they are woven into the very fabric of her being, and she carries them with her, like saffron threads, wherever she goes.

Meera’s story as told by her daughter, Minna.

“With much love, affection, and wishes for your health and well-being, LOVE YOU MA”.

Little Meera with her sister.