Stories
400 Rupees a Kilo, Burns Your Mouth! This Red 'Thing' is Only Found on Mountain Slopes!
- •Known as 'Dolo Chili' or 'Dalle Khursani', this red chili is a popular item in Kalimpong's markets.
- •Among the world's hottest chilies, it's also widely known as 'Fireball Chili' locally.
- •High demand in cold mountain climates for adding a kick to rice dishes or hot momo soup.
- •Currently selling for about 400 rupees per kilogram in various Kalimpong markets.
- •Not just fresh chilies, but delicious pickles and pungent chutneys made from it are also popular.
Key Questions Answered
Dolo Chili, also known as Dalle Khursani or Fireball Chili, is a bright red, cherry-like mountain pepper listed among the world's hottest chilies. In the cold climate of Kalimpong, it is in high demand for adding an intense kick to rice dishes and hot momo soup, forming a unique part of the local Pahari food culture.
Dolo Chili is currently being sold in various markets across Kalimpong for about 400 rupees per kilogram. Despite this somewhat high price, sales have remained strong among both local residents and tourists visiting from the plains.
A homemade pickle can be made by mixing 250 grams of Dolo Chili with one cup of mustard oil, one teaspoon of panch phoron powder, two teaspoons of mustard powder, one teaspoon of turmeric, salt to taste, and three to four tablespoons of vinegar, followed by sun-drying the mixture.
