A “pilgrimage” is what Jeff Bezos called Vikas Khan’s carefully prepared desi-fusion meal for him and partner Lauren Sanchez when the duo found themselves at the culinary genius’s Michelin-starred bungalow restaurant.
Over the years, the bungalow has hosted many famous names. Shah Rukh Khan in the past and Sarah Jessica Parker in recent times are among them. Back to the food, when an Amazon executive describes a dish as indescribable, you can’t help but want a peak at the mouth-watering menu. So here we have it for you – main dishes included Bengali Tandoori Kasundi with Avocado, Bihar Sattu Hori, Udipi Menaska Pineapple, Gujarati Tindora Salty, Nagaland Black Rice Pudding, Indore Style Dahi Kebab, Jewish Indian Chicken chitranis and achaars in the Sindhi style of Aloo; dessert was some amazing Gulab Jamun ice cream with millet chocolate cake. Ahmadabadi Saunf was last on the list.
While we can’t promise you recipes that will help you discover the fusion genius that so much of the menu boasts, there are a few items that you may well be able to achieve in your own kitchen. So here they are, complete with quick and easy recipes.
Bihari sattu roti
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour – 2 cups, water – 1/2 cup; For Sattu Stuffing – Sattu Flour – 2 cups, Chopped Onion – 1, Garlic Cloves – 6, Chopped Green Chilli – 1, Chopped Ginger – 1 Inch, Black Seed and Carrom Seeds – 1/2 tsp each, Mango Pickle Masala – 2 st. mustard oil – 1.5 tbsp., salt to taste, juice of 1 tbsp. lemon; ghee for frying
method: Make the dough as you would and prepare the filling on the side. Follow the patli method to fill the dough balls before rolling them out and cooking them in ghee.
(recipe from My Spice Trunk)
Dahi Kebab Indore
Ingredients: Cottage cheese – 1/2 cup, cottage cheese – 1.25 cups, fried onions – 1/2 cup, crushed cashew nuts – 3 tbsp, finely chopped coriander – 2 tbsp, breadcrumbs – 5 tbsp. , garam masala and chili powder – 1 tsp each, chopped green chili pepper – 2 tsp, crushed sugar, salt to taste, breadcrumbs for rolling, oil for frying
method: Just mix all the ingredients and divide the sticky mixture into balls. Roll them in breadcrumbs and deep fry. Serve immediately with green chutney.
(recipe by Tarla Dalal)
Black rice pudding (believed to be from Manipur)
Ingredients: Black glutinous rice – 3/4 cup, water – 1 cup, milk – 2.5 cups, sugar – 1/2 cup
method: Wash the rice and soak it for 4-6 hours or overnight. Cook the rice in a pressure cooker with water and milk for 3 to 5 whistles. Allow the pressure to dissipate naturally and then transfer to the pan. Add the sugar and about 1/2 cup more milk. Let this simmer for 5 minutes before removing from the heat. Serve either chilled or at room temperature.
(recipe from My Cooking Journey)
Those three together sound like a cute fast food on their own. So, ready to start cooking?
