Kangana Ranaut on chaat from Lucknow, coffee in Florence and on turning vegan: The FOODie Interview

Everyone is trying to lose weight. We have heard you have been trying to gain a few kilos.
I am naturally slim, actually thin. So, for years I have been trying to get some curves. I tried eating food that would increase my weight, but I only ended up putting fat around my stomach. So, now I have made peace with my body. I exercise regularly and I eat a balanced diet, without any junk food. I eat good carbs, and some fat and protein, which I get from lentils and tofu. I don’t eat junk food and when I really want to indulge myself, I order a pizza, or some organic cupcakes from Vanilla Pod.

Also read: Shah Rukh Khan’s favourite food, and more such foodie nuggets: The FOODie Interview

Ranaut’s go-to snack between meals is a protein shake. (Express archive photo)

What is your breakfast like?
I start my day with porridge, cereals, some fruits and a strong cup of coffee. But if you really want to ensure your breakfast keeps you full for a long time, try muesli with nuts, bananas or other fruits, coconut milk, yogurt and blackcurrant. Or, you can drink a smoothie made from banana and coconut milk, and sprinkled with cinnamon.

What about the rest of your meals?
If I get hungry in between meals, I eat fruits, or drink a protein shake. For lunch, it is usually some lentils, vegetables, chapatis or rice. I prefer brown bread, though. Dinner is light — a soup, or grilled vegetables, or a salad.

What’s your favourite food?
Dal, rice, and any one vegetable. I used to binge on Hyderabadi biryani, but now I love putting together a nice vegetable sandwich.

Do you cook?
Yes, very often. Before I turned vegetarian, I used to often cook seafood, or my favourite breakfast of eggs and bacon. Now, I love making pulao or rice with lots of spices and vegetables.

Also read: Katrina Kaif’s healthy macrobiotic diet plan, and her love of kheer and paya: The FOODie interview

Ranaut loved Japanese and Italian. (Express photo by Prakash Yeram)

What’s your favourite beverage?
Coffee! I can drink it any time. And, red wine. Over the years, I have bought a whole load of fine red wines from Paris.

And your favourite cuisine?
It used to be Japanese, until I gave up eating meat and seafood. I like Italian food, too.

Which are the food experiences you remember from you many travels?
When we were shooting for Tanu Weds Manu, in Lucknow, I ate out often at Shukla Chaat House. They serve the best aloo tikkis I have ever eaten, and a very interesting Pani ke Patashe, which is essentially gol gappas or paani puri. Florence is among my favourite cities for its heritage, art and its beautiful cafes. I love sitting in one of the cafes there, and having a croissant with some great coffee. I carry my diary along and spend the evening writing and reading.3

Also read: Priyanka Chopra on parathas and white butter, Bourbon biscuits and her wonder diet: The Foodie Interview

Which are your favourite restaurants?
I don’t have just one. I like discovering new restaurants, and I like apps that help me discover different restaurants in the cities I travel to. In Mumbai, I often ate out at this Kashmiri restaurant called Kong Poush, because I loved the flavours of Kashmiri food.

Ranaut claims she’s a great cook. (Express archive photo)

What is your earliest food memory?
I am from a family of Rajputs and we are confirmed non-vegetarians. I learnt cooking from my mom, and she makes a very good mutton curry.

What is that one thing you cook well?
I used to cook a beautiful roast chicken with aubergine, tomato and parmesan. Now, I make very good pasta with my vinegars and sauces.

Also read: Kareena Kapoor Khan on desi ghee, being a vegetarian and kachoris: The FOODie Interview

What will we always find in your fridge?
Vinegars, pastas, cheeses and herbs, many of which I pick up when I travel abroad.

For news updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ & Instagram