Foods of the Western Ghats

This April, residents of Chennai will get a style of the Western Ghats earlier than they make their technique to the hills for the summer season. Chef Rakesh Raghunathan, in affiliation with The Kodai Chronicle Trust and Wild Garden Cafe, Amethyst, will current Kurinji: Foods of the Western Ghats, an unique and delectable two-week meals competition, held at Wild Garden Cafe, Amethyst from fifth to nineteenth April 2024. This particular meals competition is the first time mountain meals, particularly meals and produce of the Western Ghats, shall be showcased on this method.

The Nilgiris and Palani Hills are mountain ranges positioned in the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, identified for his or her wealthy biodiversity and distinctive wildlife. The produce from this area consists of fruits like oranges, bananas, plums, avocados and tree tomatoes; greens like carrots, cauliflowers and beetroots; tea; espresso; and spices like cardamom and pepper.

Communities in the Western Ghats area have a various weight-reduction plan that features these fruits, greens and spices, in addition to grains like millets and bamboo rice. Promoting the produce from this area is essential to protect cultural traditions, help native economies and promote sustainable agriculture. By doing so, we are able to additionally assist elevate the voices and data of indigenous communities and rejoice their culinary heritage.

Rakesh Raghunathan is a well known Indian chef, meals historian and TV host. He is understood for his experience in conventional South Indian delicacies and for selling the significance of preserving and celebrating indigenous meals. Chef Raghunathan is keen about showcasing the wealthy culinary heritage of India and educating individuals on the range and flavours of regional Indian delicacies. With this competition, he hopes to shine a highlight on the marginalised communities of the area and revive their distinctive cuisines and traditions.

DISHES THAT WILL BE FEATURED AT THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE:

Cauliflower Soup with Local Pavazham Beans—a mix of roasted cauliflower infused with fragrant spices and complemented with native beans; Tamarillo/Kodai Thakkali Soup—a hearty tomato broth; Potato Cheddar Soup—a creamy indulgence that includes the comforting flavours of potatoes and cheddar cheese; Nilgiris Mutton Soup—mutton broth infused with hints of coriander, mint and fragrant spices, capturing the essence of the Nilgiris area; and Chicken Dumplings in Fresh Turmeric Soup—hen mince dumplings cooked in a recent, spiced turmeric broth.

Kodai Buddha Bowl—a vibrant and nourishing bowl that includes recent produce from the hills like avocados, cherry tomatoes, child carrots, roasted beetroot and millets, topped with a tangy plum-based French dressing; and Roast Chicken Herb Salad—diced hen and greens in a recent herb dressing.

Smoked Hill Garlic and Cardamom-Scented Sweet Potato Roundel—candy potato roundels infused with the aroma of smoked hill garlic and cardamom; Avocado and Corn Fritters—served with a refreshing avocado, coriander and lime sauce alongside a tangy tomato chutney; Kodai Lake Milagai Bajji 2.0—a recent twist on a standard favorite, that includes peppers full of spiced potatoes and cheese, served with a flavourful chutney; Herb-Fried Chicken—hen coated with herbs and crispy panko crumbs, fried to perfection; and Mutton Momo—served with a standard momo chutney and a cashew cream harissa sauce, paying homage to the Tibetan affect in Kodaikanal.

Stuffed Mushroom Casserole—mountain-grown mushrooms tossed in a spice combine and baked with cheese; Potato and Peas Gratin—sliced potatoes and candy peas enveloped in a creamy sauce and baked with a cheese topping; and Herbed Chicken, Broccoli and Bamboo Rice Bake—mountain-grown bamboo rice sauteed and baked with herbed hen, broccoli and a cheese topping.

Pazhani Prasadam Deconstructed—our tackle the sacred Thenum Thinai Maavum and the revered Palani Panchamirtham, that includes honey and foxtail millet flour; Kodai Banana Churros and Salted Caramel; Nilgiris Trifle Pudding—layers of indulgence that includes a pineapple crumple, creamy jackfruit ice cream and various fruits in a spiced sugar syrup; and Masala Chai Tres Leches.