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As someone from the Nepali hills, my knowledge of ‘sattu’ was once limited to its use during the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. On this day, we were served dry sattu with ‘sarbat’. Our sattu was made from barley and sometimes mixed with jaggery, while the sarbat was a refreshing drink made from lemon and sugar. Offering sattu and sarbat to others on Akshaya Tritiya is believed to please Lord Vishnu. But today I want to discuss a different kind of sattu—one made from black chickpeas (chana) and its accompanying sarbat.

First, let’s clarify the difference between sattu and besan. Not all chickpea flour is sattu. Essentially, sattu refers to any grain or legume that has been roasted and ground into a fine powder. For example, when black chickpeas are ground without roasting, the result is besan. However, once roasted and powdered, it becomes sattu. Sattu can also be made from roasted and powdered maize, barley (jau), or a mix of these grains.

According to food writer-researcher turned anthropologist, Shirin Mehrotra, from India, traditionally making chana sattu involves soaking black chickpeas in water, drying them under the sun, and then roasting them using a technique called ‘bhoojna.’ In this method, a cast-iron wok filled with sand is placed on a wood-fired stove. The sand ensures even heat distribution and removes all moisture from the chickpeas while preserving their nutrients. The roasted chickpeas are then milled along with their husks, resulting in a product with an earthy taste and aroma that lasts longer.

Sattu has been a staple food for farmers and the working class in the Madhesh region of Nepal and the bordering Indian states of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. This is likely due to its affordability and high nutritional value. Packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber, sattu is a powerhouse of nutrition, providing the energy needed for a full day’s work. This is why it has earned the status of a superfood.

Consuming sattu on an empty stomach in the morning can do wonders for the body. It aids in proper digestive tract function, with the salt, iron, and fiber content reducing stomach issues and improving bowel movements. According to studies, dietary fiber intake can increase stool frequency and improve bowel movements in people with constipation.

Sattu is also a detoxifying agent, helping to eliminate toxins from the body and intestines. It energizes the body and offers protection from various health disorders. Additionally, sattu helps keep the body cool and hydrated throughout the day, making it an excellent summer drink.

For individuals with diabetes, sattu is an ideal food due to its low glycemic index. Diets with a high glycemic index can lead to higher blood glucose and insulin levels, glucose intolerance, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In contrast, low glycemic index foods like sattu have protective effects on the body.

Rich in fiber, sattu is also beneficial for those suffering from high cholesterol. It helps regulate blood pressure and, when consumed on an empty stomach, can aid in weight loss by reducing bloating, enhancing metabolism, and burning calories effectively. The potassium and magnesium in sattu help improve appetite, while its iron content stimulates the production of red blood cells, ensuring adequate oxygen supply and energy throughout the day.

Despite its numerous benefits, the popularity of sattu sarbat is waning. In the past, this refreshing drink was common, especially in hot and humid regions. But a conversation with a friend from Janakpur revealed a concerning trend. He mentioned that while a 50 ml cup of milk tea costs Rs 20 and is favored by the youth, a 300 ml glass of sattu sarbat costs only Rs 30 but is mainly consumed by middle-aged and older individuals. The lack of young customers is forcing sattu sarbat vendors to close their stalls and shift to other occupations.

In an era dominated by marketing and advertising from multinational companies, traditional drinks like sattu sarbat are being overshadowed and forgotten. To preserve this nutritious tradition, positive discrimination from the government and a concerted push from the people are needed. Are we ready to give sattu sarbat the market it deserves?

Promoting sattu sarbat can start with small steps. Educational campaigns highlighting its health benefits could raise awareness among younger generations. Local governments could support vendors through subsidies or promotional events. Schools and colleges might introduce sattu sarbat in their canteens, encouraging students to try this traditional drink.

Moreover, integrating sattu in modern recipes and cuisines could attract a broader audience. For instance, sattu smoothies or energy bars could appeal to health-conscious consumers. Social media influencers and food bloggers can play a pivotal role in reviving interest in sattu sarbat by sharing innovative recipes and personal testimonials.

By promoting and preserving sattu sarbat, we not only honor our traditions but also provide a nutritious, affordable option that benefits everyone’s health. Let’s take action today to save sattu sarbat and ensure it remains a cherished part of our dietary landscape.

Baral is a UK based R&D chef

Police have detained Kailash Sirohiya, chairperson of Kantipur Media Group (KMG) in connection to an alleged fake citizenship case filed against him in Dhanusha district.

A team led by SSP Sanuram Bhattarai of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Division took Sirohiya under custody from the Kantipur headquarters in Thapathali, Kathmandu, on Tuesday.

Sirohiya’s arrest follows a series of news stories about Home Minister  Rabi Lamichhane’s alleged involvement in misappropriating cooperative funds. Lamichhane has repeatedly discredited the media for publishing news critical of him

Prior to his arrest, Sirohiya issued a statement on Kantipur TV, saying that the arrest warrant against him was issued with the  aim of blackmailing Kantipur daily and its other sister news outlets into stopping the coverage of cooperative frauds. 

“The media must demand justice and a fair investigation into the embezzlement of the hard-earned savings of over 7.1m depositors in various cooperatives,” he said. “There’s no doubt that the complaint and arrest warrant against me intend to silence Kantipur and divert attention.”

Sirohiya vowed that Kantipur would not relent in exposing societal wrongdoings, including the cooperatives scam. “Those who misuse their authority to retaliate against a media house for its reporting must answer for their actions,” he said, referring to Home Minister Lamichhane.

Journalists have decried Sirohiya’s arrest from his office as an attack on the press. 

President of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Bipul Pokharel, senior journalist Yuvraj Ghimire, FNJ Vice-president Ramesh Bista, and Nepal Press Union President Shiva Lamsal condemned the police action, calling it a mockery of democracy.

Several Nepali Congress MPs, including Ramhari Khatiwada and former Foreign Minister NP Saud, visited the Kantipur headquarters to show support. They denounced the arrest warrant as an assault on press freedom and democracy.

In a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Deputy General Secretary of Nepali Congress Badri Pandey accused Home Minister Lamichhane of issuing the warrant for personal reasons.

Freedom Forum, a media rights advocacy group, expressed concern over the incident. 

“The arrest warrant against media entrepreneur Sirohiya appears to be influenced by the home minister. Regardless of the citizenship investigation, the media’s right to report freely and expose irregularities should not face harassment,” said Taranath Dahal, executive chief of the forum.

It’s fantastic to have you all here—because we have so much to celebrate together. In December we marked the centenary of the UK-Nepal Treaty of Friendship signed in the Singha Durbar in 1923 pledging that our two nations will forever maintain peace, friendship and mutual respect. It helped establish Nepal’s sovereignty. 

The Treaty confirmed the UK’s proud status as Nepal’s oldest friend. There have been many events to mark the centenary over recent months. That’s a lot of daal bhaat, a lot of chiya, and maybe a bit of Raksi too! I’m delighted that we are hosting the culmination of these celebrations here this evening.

There is so much that brings us together. From His Majesty King Charles trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas as a young Prince, to our academic alliances, to the huge contribution that the Nepali diaspora makes here in the UK, even getting to the finals of Masterchef!

We’re partners in fighting climate change, in supporting Nepal’s development, with the £400m of support which helps Nepal capitalize on its strengths, including its people and its potential for clean energy and to overcome challenges posed by disasters, and through our growing business links as well.

At the Nepal Investment Summit last month, I was proud that the UK played a leading role in creating a more conductive enabling environment for foreign investment into Nepal which extended the bridge we are building between Nepal and global capital markets. 

And of course, I want to pay tribute to surely the greatest symbol of our friendship, proof that this bond is truly unique and that is the Gurkhas. I had the pleasure of addressing a Gurkha passing out parade at Catterick in my constituency, back in 2021, paying tribute to their courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. Their service is a reminder of the deep ties between our two nations and a promise that those ties will continue to endure.

We have come a long way together since 1923. So, let’s keep building all aspects of this remarkable friendship. And here’s to another one hundred years!

Speech delivered by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a reception hosted at Number 10 Downing Street on 20 May to celebrate 100 years of the UK-Nepal Treaty of Friendship

Chairman of Kantipur Media Group Kailash Sirohiya on Tuesday said Kantipur Media Group will never compromise on its editorial independence and responsibilities.

On Tuesday, Dhanusha District Court issued an arrest warrant against Sirohiya over a ‘citizenship-related issue’.

In a statement, Sirohiya said the arrest warrant was issued with the intent of blackmailing Kantipur into not publishing more reports on the issue of cooperative frauds.

“It is the media’s responsibility to raise voice and demand justice and fair investigation into all those involved in the embezzlement of the hard-earned savings of more than 7.1 million depositors in various cooperatives,” said Sirohiya. “There is no doubt that the filing of the complaint and the issuance of the arrest warrant against me without any interrogation has been done to blackmail Kantipur into not publishing more reports on the issue and to divert attention.”

Sirohiya asserted that Kantipur will not back down even an inch from raising its voice against the wrongdoings in the society, including on the cooperatives scam.

“The office bearers who abuse their authority and misuse police administration to exact vengeance against the chairman of a media house based on the news they publish should also answer when there will be an investigation into the individual who came to power through political bargaining that entailed getting the Attorney General to certify that he would not be prosecuted for holding dual passports,” he said.

Sirohiya said he is ready to cooperate in every investigation conducted as per the law.