Kitchen soul

What are the three preparations that you think are the perfect combination of taste and health?
Firstly soups,especially broths like vegetable broth,because it is light and soothing,like when one is ill. For example for ailments like the common cold.Then Sautéed Spinach and Corn,because it too is very light. Apart from being mesmerising on the taste buds,it is also very healthy. Finally,for the after-course,a fruit trifle with mango,which is,among desserts,the perfect combination of taste and health.

What is the one ingredient that you absolutely cannot do without?
It depends on what I am preparing. If it’s a main course dish,then salt. If it’s dessert,then sugar.

Are Puneites open to trying out new things?
Yes,Puneites eagerly try out new dishes. They love to experiment with food,want to try out new flavours all the time,and have no qualms in trying out fusion food.

Cumin Scented Raw Banana Croquettes (serves 4)
Ingredients

3 medium boiled raw bananas,grated

½ tea spoon Roasted Cumin, crushed

50 gms cheese, Grated

50 gms onions, finely chopped

1 tea spoon fresh coriander, chopped

1 small green chilli

200 gms bread crumbs

Maida (to dust)

90 ml Milk

salt & pepper to taste

oil for frying

Method
Mix boiled raw banana,cumin,cheese,onions,green chili,coriander,salt and pepper. Divide mixture in to small balls & shape them in to small cylinder shape croquettes. Roll in to maida,then milk & then in the bread crumbs. Deep fry in hot oil till golden brown . Serve hot with mint chutney & tomato sauce.