CHEF’S CORNER

Hotel Taj Blue Diamond

Since how long have you been in this profession and what inspired you to take this up?
Have been in this industry since last 15 years,it’s the passion towards cooking which has pulled me in this profession. I wanted to be in teaching profession but during my college days I discovered my liking for cooking food.

Tell us three ingredients that make any preparation tasty?
In Asian cooking it’s the spices / fat and seasoning. Apart from that,I think the three T’s that is — Time,Temperature and Taste – are the deciding factor. Without these non of the dish will be perfect to serve.

The three preparations that,according to you,would be the perfect combination of taste and health?
1) Any Raw Salad along with dressing
2) Pan seared meat with seasoning
3) Char grilled meat and vegetable

What is that one ingredient you cannot do without?
I think salt is the basic ingredient,it enhances the taste bud and obviously it cannot be done without be it household or five-star kitchen.

Are Puneites open to trying out new things?
Yes,but at the same time they want to maintain the authenticity of the dish.

Lal Mirch Ke Tandoori Aloo

Ingredients

Baby potato (marinated and cooked) 500 gms

Crushed red chillies 50 gms

Chopped ginger 10 gms

Chopped garlic 10gms

Chopped tomatoes 150 gms

Corriander leaves ½ bunch

Cumin 5 gms

Salt 5 gms

Oil 20 ml

Method

Take oil in a pan. Temper it with cumin,garlic,ginger and crushed red chillies. Add in tomatoes. Let it cook. Add baby potatoes to it. Garnish it with chopped coriander and crushed red chilli.

Servings: 4 Portions

Preparation time: ½ Hour

Cooking time: 5 Minutes.