lahotas

Lahotas is a traditional dish described in the culinary folklore of the fictional coastal region of Lahora in the archipelago of Talara. In the lore, lahotas are dumplings made from a dough of spiced chickpea flour or millet, filled with a mixture of mashed vegetables such as potatoes, peas, and onions, sometimes minced meat or mushrooms, and then sealed and shaped into small parcels.

The dough is rolled thin, the filling is placed in the center, and the edges are pinched to create a pleated seam. The parcels are steamed or shallow-fried, then finished with a light glaze of oil and toasted sesame. They are commonly served with a yogurt-based sauce, garlic chutney, and a squeeze of lemon.

In the folklore, lahotas are associated with the harvest festival of Surya Kaal and are said to symbolize unity, as each dumpling is formed by hand in a communal kitchen. Variations include vegetarian versions with potato and pea; meat fillings may use lamb or chicken; some recipes incorporate curry leaves or coconut and vary in spice level.

The name is said to derive from lahot, meaning “to wrap” in the Lahori language.