Taste Drive

I8217;M fed up. I8217;m constantly told that I can8217;t be a 8220;true8221; food lover and a 8220;true8221; health buff at the same ...

I8217;M fed up. I8217;m constantly told that I can8217;t be a 8220;true8221; food lover and a 8220;true8221; health buff at the same time. How can I possibly enjoy the tango of tastes and textures on my palate and simultaneously ensure that these are full of energy and nutrition? That8217;s just impossible, they say.

All I can say is it is more than possible. I8217;ve discovered this after writing eight food books and countless columns over 20 years. I8217;m not the stereotypical, food-obsessive gourmet. In fact, I steer clear of the mindless self-indulgence and overeating I8217;m supposed to be doing all the time. How many wine critics you know are alcoholics? If you truly love food, there is plenty to be said for the fine art of tasting, discerning and enjoying.

Augmenting my view is Michel Nischan, author of Taste Pure and Simple, whose pioneering cuisine had been making waves in New York8217;s Heartbeat restaurant. 8216;8216;It8217;s all about good food, good flavours and the best of eating and the best of health,8217;8217; says the tall, 40-something Nischan.

Chef Nischan has been experimenting and working with different ingredients, turning to the arsenal of sauces in Asian cuisines, experimenting with veggies to be made into rich satisfying sauces.

I catch up with him and get him to ferret out some of his secrets. Here8217;s what he revealed:

Low temperature sauteacute; is recommended. 8220;Traditional methods ask us to heat a pan until smoking hot, then add oil, and then the item we8217;re cooking. While this will certainly brown the item, it scorches the oil and creates free radicals which are hazardous to our health,8217;8217; he says.

In fact, research has proven that once a cooking oil has been heated beyond its flash point, free radicals are created. 8220;Try heating a non-stick pan over a medium flame until hot enough to sear,8221; he suggests. 8220;You are not only eliminating the creation of free radicals but using and consuming less oil.8221;

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What about frying? 8216;8216;Fry with the right oil,8217;8217; advises Nischan, 8220;and change it each time you use it. Make sure you never re-use frying oil.8221;

Of course, it goes without saying that sauteacute;ing, steaming, stewing and roasting are preferable methods of cooking. Also, do not grossly overcook or undercook food, underlines Nischan.

I also got some very unusual recipes from him: such as a pea and pear soup and pomegranate and date chutney.

Any takers for these? Will be happy to e-mail them to you. May our tribe increase!

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You Ask, They Answer

SKIN SNAFUS
8226; Mohini wants to know whether the laser technology used for removal of scars, tattoo marks etc. is safe, or does it have side-effects?
Laser resurfacing for Asian skin has the risk of development of hyperpigmentation darkening, especially for those who are wheatish in colour or have darker skin. Laser resurfacing may not always completely clear out deeper acne scars since there is only a certain depth upto which resurfacing is beneficial and safe. It is better to consult a dermatologist before deciding to go ahead with the procedure.

Dr Malvika Kohli,
Dermatologist and consultant, Jaslok Hospitali

FEELING NUMB
8226; Shakeel suffers from numbness in his fingers and both hands, and this is increasing by the day. Is there any cure?
Numbness is a sensory symptom which can emanate from various causes. If the patient is middle-aged or elderly, then cervical spondylosis is the cause. One needs to get X-rays and orthopaedic and physiotherapy therapy. In diabetics, it could be because of peripheral neuritis which needs a different approach to treatment. In alcoholics and nicotine users, the addiction needs to be tackled.

Dr Hemant Thacker,
Consulting physician and cardiologist at Jaslok, Breach Candy and Bhatia hospitals