Warming up at the Helmand

Traffic. Snow. Traffic. Gray. Slush, Repeat.

If you live in the Boston area, that pretty much sums up your life lately. Our regular 30 minute commute has turned into two hours. It’s nearly impossible to walk down a street, to park anywhere, even to see out our first floor windows after all of this snow.

I work in East Cambridge, and for almost two years, I have been wanting to eat at The Helmand.  I heard so many great things, and yet we just never made a point to get there. That is, until last week on one of the days Boston was in total gridlock.

It took my husband almost two hours from Harvard Square to East Cambridge, around four miles. It was cold and slippery, and warm, spiced Afghani food sounded perfect. It was.

The Helmand is bright, beautiful, and cozy. Everyone who works there is welcoming, kind, and knowledgeable.

The blue and yellow plates brought a little sunshine to our evening.

We had a really hard time deciding on what to order, so we decided on a few appetizers. Always a pumpkin lover, I had to have the Kaddo.

Sweet baby pumpkin topped with a rich and tangy garlic yogurt was heaven. I feel like this dish is pretty healthy and full of vitamins too, so it wasn’t too much of a splurge, not like the boxes of Cheez-its I have been downing during blizzards, anyway.

Warm, pillowy bread with a variety of sauces, gave us something to use as a scoop for our yummy pumpkin.

Aushak, Afghan ravioli filled with leeks and scallions, served on yogurt-mint topped with ground beef sauce, was a hearty plate full of flavor and warmth. I loved that the food at the Helmand was spiced in a way that was warm but not burning off your tongue.

For my entree I went with Bowlani, brick oven baked twin pastry shells, one filled with leeks and scallions the other filled with spiced potatoes. garnished with yogurt and mint. Again, these were full of warmth and spices, comforting, filling, and just delicious.

The Helmand was an utter delight and a much-needed bright spot in a series of dreary days. We’re trying our best to eat healthy and exercise, but this winter has made that a challenge. I am definitely feeling seasonal blues, and going out a couple of times a week seems to help.

I recommend a visit to the Helmand if you want a taste from afar without getting on a delayed flight. In the meantime, please send us warm weather.