Srinagar, May 14: Indian cricketer Suresh Raina recently revealed that he tried making famous Kashmiri cuisines ‘Gushtaba’, ‘Kofta’ and ‘Tabak Maaz’ in the lockdown.
Raina also remarked that while he has visited various places of Europe, there is something different in Kashmir, which is unmatchable.
“I think I have been through a lot of Europe places and mountains but when I used to go Kashmir and there Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Gulmarg: the vibrant feel there, I have never seen that in Europe.” Raina, who has captained India, told Jatin Sapru, a TV presenter and commentator, in his show ‘ASAP with JSAP‘.
Raina, whose roots are in Kashmir, also revealed that his first bat was made of Kashmir willow.
“In my earlier days, Papa went to Meerut and brought a bat for me, which was Kashmir willow not English willow since English willow was quite expensive at that time.” Raina unveiled.
“I still have that bat with me and have memories attached to it as it was my first bat.” He said.
The 33-year-old also said that he tried to make a few Kashmiri cuisines for his family during the lockdown.
“I tried to make ‘Tabakh maaz’ but failed. Then Priyanka (Raina’s wife) wanted to eat ‘Yellow Paneer’ (Cheese) and I made it. I tried ‘Kofta’ as well, since wife is vegetarian and I eat non-veg at times, I had to make ‘Yellow Paneer’ again, which was good in the second attempt.” Raina said.
“Later, I thought let’s prepare the meat for ‘Goshtaaba’ but I failed, since due to lockdown couldn’t arrange the ingredients.” He added.