Chamba Chukh

Chamba Chukh is a recipe prepared from locally grown Chillies in the Chamba Valley of the Northern Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. The recipe is a generations old traditional preparation made from Sun-dried Red Chillies and Fresh Green Chillies. With distinct citrus extract sourced from a local fruit, the Chamba Chukh preparation is a cooked Chilli sauce and paste. Made by women in their kitchens in different parts of the Chamba District, this preparation is a local specialty. Highly regarded in the local and adjoining areas, Chukh is gradually making its way into the broader market.

The recipe uses local chillies from the Chamba region, locally grown citrus fruit and spices. Chukh is used as a condiment to go with snacks and for use in cooking. It is used as a pickle and as a food additive.

The Government of Himachal Pradesh; the State in India where Chamba is located in the middle Himalayas, has designated officers helping the women in the village communities to standardise production and help them produce this distinctive and unique chilli sauce as per approved recipes. Some of the prominent brands of Chamba Chukh now available include: Himachilli Chukh, Sago, Vales among some other brands.

Chamba, Himachilli Chukh Preparation

Several distinctive flavours such as Ginger, Garlic, Green, Red etc. are popular among most brands, though some of the brands have also recently started to produce their own specific variants and formulations such as Honey flavoured Chukh, Dry Fruit Chukh etc.

Among a vast array of Indian spices, recipes and cuisines, Chamba Chukh is another unique and traditional preparation representative of the diversity of Indian foods.