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Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar talks to FWD Life about serving it up

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FWD Life Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar talks to FWD Life about serving it up (2)

There is a food revolution on TV these days and Ranveer wants to go beyond

Words by: Maria John   Photographs from: Shan SH

From having cooked for the Prime Minister to Bollywood celebs, Ranveer Brar is a total rock star in the Indian culinary world. He is unapologetic, uncompromising and totally on top of his game. As a little boy he helped the local gurdwara in Lucknow with the weekly communal meal and years later burst out as a celebrity chef. He believes he is still the little boy on that trail. It was a bit intimidating to meet Ranveer, with many awards and accolades from around the world under his chef hat. But I should have known; food always wins in the end.

On juggling

I am pretty much in shock. How many interviews start with that statement? There is so much going on with this chef, starting from a web series, launch of his book Come Into My Kitchen, hosting shows, launch of premium patisserie English Vinglish and TAG Gourmart Kitchen, a vegetarian fine dining restaurant in Mumbai; all in just last year. Ranveer Brar breaks into a grin. He is a busy man with a packed schedule; one who has to wait till July to think of taking a break. But it is evident that he enjoys it, the passion for food dominating our conversation. There is a food revolution on TV these days and Ranveer wants to go beyond. “I also want to do stuff that is more web oriented. I want to do a lot of content for myself and express freely through cooking.” This social media savvy chef also loves collaborations that add contrasting flavors to his journey. “I find it exciting to find that synergy between the core values of a non food brand and food. I try to find those common points and see where it all meets. The output is the stimulation of the senses and the input is both vision and expression.” This multi-tasker shows no signs of stopping and you get a hint of that from his statement “I call Mumbai home and I am there 35 days in a year.”

On cooking

FWD Life Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar talks to FWD Life about serving it up (1)

So what is going to be his dish for Kerala? On his travels with the Mercedes Luxe Drive, Ranveer does new dishes for each location. “It’s my chance to cook, experiment, sync, and that’s essentially the point.” Does it become boring for a chef when s/he has to cook the same thing twice? Chef Brar can always replicate a dish, but always focuses on making it better each time. A big fan of Heston Blumenthal, Ranveer is no stranger to experiments. Case in point – the dish he is cooking at the moment -Thai style Karimeen Pollichathu. You wouldn’t expect anything less from the owner of English Vinglish that dishes out Amrakhand Cheesecake and Kalakand Cookies. “I believe that kitchen lessons are life lessons. What you learn in the kitchen is what you keep. I tell my chefs, if you are successful in the kitchen you are successful in life.” The dessert of the day is a Chocolate Risotto with Mango Yogurt.

On Kerala

If I, a true blue Mallu foodie, was against Chef Brar in a Kerala Cuisine quiz, guess who would have won? This Lucknow Kebab man gushes about the beef chilly fry cooked on a wood stove, climbing a toddy palm to tap some, and even knows what paani and pidi is! I wouldn’t want to lose so easily, so I show off my knowledge about bird’s eye chillies and bitter gourd. Ranveer Brar is immediately alert and the interview shifts the other way around. He is curious and wants to know about ingredients and how we cook at home. On being asked if he would do a series on Kerala, “I would want to showcase the whole multicultural confluence of the state. Syrian Christians of Kottayam, the Namboodiri Brahmins down south, Mappila food, spice plantations and the pepper trail.” He wants to explore some toddy shops later that day and head to Nettoor were “typical Mallu guys in mundu float around drinking toddy.”

On travel

Ranveer on the Road was his Twitter series about his tour of Australia. He agrees that there is no better way to learn that travel.” It is very enriching.” So what would a chef pack in his kit, as he wanders the land for inspiration. “I make my own tea anywhere I go.” He shows me the sachets of Sri Lankan green tea packed carefully in his bag. And here I was wondering how chefs made it past airport security with possibly many knives in the bag. When he is at home, Ranveer Brar gives up his kitchen to his maid, who cooks him comfort food. But when he is on the road, he lets it take him wherever it goes. He wants to do it all – explore, inspire, excite. He tells me that he will definitely be back and we look forward to let more flavours do the talking.

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Coffee Pairing: Foods That Complement Your Morning Brew

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International Coffee Day is a celebration for coffee lovers around the world, offering the perfect opportunity to elevate your morning coffee experience by pairing it with the right foods. While we often focus on how we brew our coffee, the right food pairing can make a world of difference, enhancing the flavors and aromas of your favorite cup of joe. Let’s dive into some delightful coffee and food pairings that will make your mornings even more enjoyable.

1. Espresso & Dark Chocolate

If you’re an espresso enthusiast, pairing this bold and concentrated coffee with dark chocolate is a match made in heaven. The richness of the chocolate complements the intensity of the espresso, balancing its bitterness while enhancing its deep, earthy notes. Try a square of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa to elevate your espresso experience.

2. Latte & Croissants

For a softer and creamier start to the day, a latte paired with a buttery croissant is a classic combination. The mild and frothy nature of the latte contrasts beautifully with the flaky, buttery layers of the croissant, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

3. Cappuccino & Almond Biscotti

Cappuccino, with its frothy milk and rich espresso base, pairs wonderfully with almond biscotti. The biscotti’s crunchy texture and subtle sweetness complement the coffee’s bold flavor, making this an ideal choice for those who enjoy dipping their snacks into their coffee.

4. Cold Brew & Avocado Toast

For a modern and trendy breakfast, cold brew coffee pairs exceptionally well with avocado toast. The smooth, refreshing flavor of cold brew contrasts with the creamy, savory taste of avocado spread on toasted sourdough, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

5. Americano & Blueberry Muffins

The subtle and smooth profile of an Americano pairs perfectly with a fruity blueberry muffin. The sweetness and slight tartness of the blueberries bring out the brighter, fruity notes in the coffee, while the muffin’s soft texture complements the light body of the Americano.

6. Mocha & Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, pairing a mocha with a cinnamon roll will satisfy your sweet tooth. The chocolatey, rich flavor of the mocha mirrors the sweetness of the cinnamon roll’s glaze, while the spiced notes from the cinnamon add a layer of complexity to the pairing.

7. Flat White & Banana Bread

Flat whites are known for their smooth, velvety texture and strong espresso flavor, making them an excellent match for the moist, dense goodness of banana bread. The banana bread’s natural sweetness and subtle flavors work well to soften the intensity of the coffee, creating a balanced taste.

8. Turkish Coffee & Baklava

For a cultural twist, pair the bold, unfiltered flavors of Turkish coffee with the sweetness of baklava. The rich, syrupy layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and honey provide the perfect complement to the strong, concentrated coffee, creating a sensory experience that is both rich and satisfying.

9. Iced Coffee & Fresh Fruit Salad

On warmer days, an iced coffee goes well with a fresh fruit salad. The chilled, refreshing nature of iced coffee enhances the natural sweetness and juiciness of fruits like melons, berries, and citrus, making it a light and healthy pairing for a quick breakfast.

10. Macchiato & Cheese Danish

For those who enjoy a macchiato, the addition of a cheese Danish offers a creamy and slightly tangy balance to the intense espresso shot topped with just a bit of milk foam. The Danish’s soft, cheesy filling contrasts well with the strong coffee, making each bite more indulgent.

The beauty of coffee lies in its versatility, and with the right pairing, you can transform your morning coffee into a more elevated culinary experience. Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, there’s a perfect food match for every type of coffee. So, on this International Coffee Day, take a moment to experiment with different pairings and discover new flavors that enhance the joy of your morning brew.

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Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet

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Crab has all the attraction of seafood without the fishy flavor that some people want to avoid. It is delightfully salty with a delicate mineral sweetness. Crabs were reportedly among the foods that coastal societies eaten a hundred years ago. On the menus of the greatest restaurants today, it stands out as the highlight dish. Crab is famous for its distinctive, exquisite flavor as well as for the health benefits it provides.

Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are abundant in crabs. The Food Experts advise two servings of fish and seafood every week, which is not difficult. 

 Good Protein Source

Crab is a low-fat, nutritious protein source that boosts metabolism and gives you energy. In reality, crab has less saturated fat and about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats. 

Strengthens Heart Health

Consuming a lot of crab meat can actually benefit your cardiovascular system. The Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein found in crab are all beneficial sources of lowering cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol lowers your chances of heart attacks and strokes. 

Increases Brain Activity

Crabs are healthy for you since they are a high source of selenium, vitamin B2, copper, and other vital vitamins and minerals. Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients support healthy brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia. They aid in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and other elements that may have an impact on the growth and health of the brain. 

Strengthens bones

You may already be aware of the significance of calcium for bone health. However, did you realize that phosphorus plays an equal role? Due to its high phosphorus content, crab flesh can aid in the development of strong, healthy teeth and bones. 

Contains selenium

Compared to other meats, crab offers a substantially higher supply of selenium. As an antioxidant, this necessary mineral not only assists in preventing cell damage from free radicals but also strengthens your immune system. Selenium aids in the regulation of your metabolism and is essential for healthy thyroid function. 

An aphrodisiac

The aphrodisiac property of crab meat promotes libido and sexual energy. They have high quantities of zinc and substances that increase estrogen and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual desire.

Makes the blood flow faster

Copper is yet another significant mineral present in crab meat. One significant advantage of copper is that it facilitates the body’s absorption of iron, which enhances the creation of red blood cells. After injuries and illnesses, proper circulation aids in the healing process. 

Consuming excessive amounts of crab can have certain unfavorable impacts, just like with most other foods. If you eat too much of some of the nutrients in crab, such copper and zinc, you could get sick. Crab, however, is a fairly nutritious item to eat in moderation unless you have a seafood allergy, and adverse effects are uncommon. Before consuming any seafood, always make sure you don’t have any allergies.

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The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden

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A Kochi-based malayali is creating a sensation by preparing Kerala Cuisine in the foreign swedish kitchen. Devi Nair, who has been settled in Sweden with her husband for almost 10 years, wanted her daughter to experience the delicacies of the Malyaali culture along with her International palette. The sense of homesickness and nostalgia has a part to play in this venture as well. In recent years, as the pandemic hit she chose to share her cooking extravaganzas on Instagram which led her to become more known to the public. Her recipes featured celebratory treats like the Bengali confection Rosbora, local parotta, and non-vegetarian Kerala foods that are popular on social media because they’re simple to make yet delicious to eat and look at. Devi whips up a storm of authentic Kerala delicacies during Malayali festivals. Tender, plump unniyappam, spongy kozhukkatta, rice dumplings, Vishu ada, and Vishu katta are just a few of the items on her Vishu menu this year. She prepared undaputtu with spicy prawn filling, kilikkoodu with meat and egg white, and ammini kozhukatta, a spicy rice dumpling, for Eid. It is also heard that she is planning to launch her own bakery in Sweden as well. 

Words By : Goutham Satheesh

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