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The Food Fantasia at le Meridian – Food Shoot

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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.

Smoked-Malai-Prawns

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.

Honey Sesame Pork Ribs

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.

Beetroot Gnocchi

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.

Apple-and-Cinnamon-Samosa1

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.

Crab Ravioli with Shellfish a la Nage

 

Rosemary Mango Mousse

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

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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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Some Flavourful Delights to Savour this Festive Season

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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.

 

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Words By: Mariam Thankam Mohan

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