Food

Seafood Delights at Xandari Pearl

On the sunny side up of Marari, we talk to Chef Aravindan Mahalingam, the Corporate Chef of RAXA Collective at Marari Pearl.

Published

9 years ago

May 29, 2015

FWDmedia

Photos: Suneesh Suresh

Gingerbread houses were always a place I wanted to eat, mainly because it could be munched away. It was a long time ago, of course; now it’s a utopia. Until a few days ago, things took a turn when we drove to Xandari Pearl. At first I assumed, seafood will be the highlight of the menu, but the catch of the day was not the main catch of this story.

Peking Duck rolls

Amie Inman, the design director of RAXA Collective, gave us a tour. She mentioned that the aim was to create an ‘edible landscape’. (The gingerbread house just crumbled) The farm to table concept was a breath of fresh air. She visualized in a few years; visitors could have a basket and pick their organic produce fresh from the garden. Passing through the herb and vegetable gardens, rice paddy field and a vast land of banana and other fruit trees, I realized the magic of seeing ingredients growing, before it s plated.

crunchy calamari and sweet potato crisps

Chef Aravindan Mahalingam said, “Planting to the menu is the concept. Going for a healthy option, fused with international flavors.” At Xandari Pearl, unlike roses being the centerpiece of the table, fresh herbs are. There your garnish is at the center of your attention, not just an afterthought! Turning away from tables, we decided to experiment with forms and structure of the resort’s architecture, ambiance and food. The chef sliced the sweet potatoes meticulously, on which the crunchy coiled calamari was placed.

steamed Sea Food on a Bamboo Bridge with Shrimp Broth

They looked like the intricately woven thatched roofs of the resort. The fresh lime pastel green walls in the restaurant complemented the tone of the food. While shooting the soy glazed shrimps, the hand carved oars added to its color. The details of wild jackfruit on the beef tenderloin looked simple, but I saw the raw jungle jackfruit. It was so prickly, something one would dread to slice! On our hunt for locations, we stumbled upon a verandah that was filled with sea shells, coincidentally the crockery was perfectly shell shaped too. As the sun slowly settled, the shadow cast its reflection on the pool. Crossing lines with the lamb’s racks, the shadows brought a Bresson moment to the photograph.

While planning the menu, Chef Aravindan Mahaligam mentioned,“The idea is to use the ingredient you have.” From his experience in Dubai to Ooty, he loved the challenge of incorporating ndigenous ingredients. Fresh from the garden, he poached the cashew fruits that brightened the taste of the sweet potato dessert. By the poolside were the burst of tangerinechicken skewers, he infused it with a date emulsion. Being used to umpteen types of puttu, it was my first yellow one, that too a saffron one in a bamboo casing. As the day wrapped up, it was clear that the pleasure of the food wasn’t just in taste, but in the melange of moods and colors. Elements blended, an edible landscape was defined.

Shiitake Mushroom, Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Garlic Mousseline and Palm Sugar Glazed Raw Jackfruit

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Food

Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet

Published

4 weeks ago

March 23, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

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

Published

2 years ago

May 23, 2022

Contributor

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

Food

Some Flavourful Delights to Savour this Festive Season

Published

2 years ago

April 16, 2022

Contributor

Vishu and Easter festivities are around the corner. Along with dressing up and gathering around for some fun family time, you would definitely want to indulge in these simple but festive special treats.

Lilly’s Pattisserie

What if we told you could have Payasam cakes? Yes. You heard that right. The Lilly’s Patisserie, Thrissur is offering Payasam cakes on it its Vishu Special menu as a distinct highlight. Try out their Palada and Pazham Pradhaman cakes which are available in two sizes.They have also got you covered for Easter with a range of Hot Cross Buns from traditional to chocolate and candy berry flavours. You can also spice up your Easter treats with their artisanally crafted Easter Eggs.

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Pandhal Cake Shop

The Pandhal Cake Shop, Kochi is shelling out some amazing Easter Egg Surprises this Holy Season. Their marzipan-based eggs come in varied sizes and colours vibrant enough to cheer the grimmest of the lot. Also, check out their Easter Egg Baskets that are sure to surprise you!

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Lebanese Grill

No Easter is complete without some spicy meat-based main course to savour. This Kottayam-based Arabian restaurant is all about gifting your loved ones with some flavourful rice for the festive season. This Easter they are introducing the Mutton Cask Biriyani. The cask comes along with pappad, pickle and raita. These are only available on a pre-order basis. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and order now.