Masala magic

I have been in this profession for the past 20 years. I have had no formal training,and I hold no diplomas,but I know how to cook a good meal.

Since when have you been in this profession?
I have been in this profession for the past 20 years. I have had no formal training,and I hold no diplomas,but I know how to cook a good meal.

What is the ingredient,other than salt,that makes a recipe?
There are certain herbs and masalas that I use while making food,but they are a secret.

What are the three preparations that you think are the perfect combination of taste and health?
The three preperations are ice-sheekh kebab,mughlai senior citizen,and Avadhi biryani. What is so special about the first two dishes is the fact that they are steamed,not fried,and they come with hardly any spices,so they can be eaten by anybody,young or old.

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What is the one ingredient that you absolutely can’t do without?
I feel that Indian food is impossible to cook with adding garam masala. Apart from that,salt,of course,is an essential ingredient,whether in the kitchen of a dhabba or a five-star restaurant.

Are Puneites open to trying out new things?
Yes,I feel Puneites are adventerous with their palate and are always ready to try new dishes,and also appreciate ingenuity.

Ice-Sheekh kebab (serves 2)

Ingredients

200 grams chicken

250 grams ice

50 grams cheese

50 grams cashew nut paste

2 eggs

Preperation

Mince the chicken well,then add the cheese as flakes,cashew nut paste and salt to taste. Then add to it flakes of ice and shape into a that of a sheekh kebab. Dip in the egg-white of 2 eggs before steaming it slightly,so that it cooks but the ice inside remains unmelted. Serve.

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