Kitchen Secrets

What are the three preparations that you think are the perfect combination of taste and health?
I feel the typical Indian thali is the most tasty and healthy diet. Rice provides which carbohydrates and starch,the dal gives one proteins and vegetables provide the body with vitamins and minerals.

What is the one ingredient that you absolutely cannot do without?
I feel salt is the most important item. Salt will determine how well the recipe has succeeded. Most importantly,it is salt that will either build or destroy a dish.

Are Puneites open to trying out new things?
Definitely. In fact,the cafe itself is a good example. The food items in all our branches are centralised,and except for a few minor changes,are common to each and every outlet across the globe. However,it is only in Pune,among the Indian branches,where all the items are tried with equal gusto. I mean,people out here have a tendency to try out new stuff.

Caribbean pepper pot (serves 5-6)
Ingredients
yam
yuka (tapioca)
sweet potato
potato
carrots
fresh thyme (ajwain ki patti)
chicken (with bone)
flour dumplings
coconut milk
cilantro
okra (bhindi)
salt,pepper and red pepper to taste

Method
Cut one kg of chicken into small pieces scald in three litres of hot water. Then let it sim for a while. After the chicken has started to cook,mix and add about one kilo of all the vegetables. When the vegetables are soft,add the dumplings. Then add coconut milk,cilantro and chopped okra. Add salt,crushed red pepper and pepper to taste.