Food
The Food Fantasia at le Meridian – Food Shoot
Executive chef JP Singh shows us what’s cooking at Latest Recipe, Le Meridien Kochi.
Walking into the Latest Recipe restaurant, you will be beckoned by a towering shelf, lined with exotic spices preserved in bell jars. Under the play of light, the jars transiently come to life with its chameleon like spectrum. The restaurant is flanked by French windows that paint a picturesque view of the sea, and plush fauna. And as sit to dine, the empty plates in front of you become a bespoke canvas.
A Tasteful Rhapsody
Chef JP Singh loves it when food rhapsodises the art of cooking… with its blend of flavours and its modernistic presentation. He gets thrilled when he hears someone say, “Hmm, I never thought I would enjoy it that way.” Just like a magician has umpteen tricks to captivate his audience, chef JP never ceases to experiment.
The air was filled with anticipation as he walked in with a cloche that seemed to hide something enveloped in smoke. When it was lifted, there billowed the scented apple-wood smoke that imparted a diabolical richness to the grilled malai prawns. Like opposites attract, sweet and spice were a tasteful match. Accompanying this was the gnocchi, Italian soft dough dumplings. It came with a blackcurrant- coloured coat. The knife slid through the pillow-like gnocchis that were perfectly coupled with goat cheese and pumpkin purée.
Chef JP explained the trick to make good gnocchi. “Although there are only a few ingredients, what’s important is to know the proper ratio between egg and flour. The secret behind making them so soft is to dry it well after it has been boiled so that the starch is strained out.”
That was the first act, the smoky illusions, and the chameleon cameo. Tables turned when the crab ravioli and shellfish a’la nage were served. Like most shellfish that’s grilled, braised, fried or roasted, chef JP decided to take the shellfish out for a swim. That may seem odd, but in the world of cookery, a la nage means ‘in the swim’. It’s a technique that involves cooking fish in a light broth of vegetables, herbs and aromatic ingredients. Ravioli is not commonly doused with sauces, so it tasted different when served in a very rich court-bouillon of crab claws and mussels. It was a refreshing taste of the sea.
Though the main course was a simple subtle sauté, chef JP surprised us with the flavour bomb – the honey sesame pork ribs. With a jarring honey glaze and speckle of toasted sesame seeds, there was an explosion of flavours from the punch of oyster and soy sauce. “When it comes to making pork ribs, it is difficult to make it succulent. Sesame seeds must be added carefully, as it can rule or ruin a dish – if done well it elevates the dish, and if excess it spoils the whole thing.”
Le Fin
For the finale, it was a mix and match of the odds. “The greatest thing in the kitchen at Latest Recipe is to experiment and more importantly, we like to compete with each other to get the best recipes.” Thus, when the spoon scooped through the mango mousse, the crunchy layer did not come as a surprise, but a hint of rosemary herbs did. While samosas are a preferred accompaniment with tea, chef JP’s play with the plate replaced the regular aloo stuffing with pears and cinnamon.
If you ask us what is the latest at Latest Recipe, we cannot really tell, as the best is yet to come – constantly.
Words and Styling by Atheena Wilson
Photographs by Sreejith
Location Courtesy: Latest Recipe, Le Meridien
Food
Coffee Pairing: Foods That Complement Your Morning Brew
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.
Food
Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet
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.
Food
The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden
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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