I went around the supermarket with a serious mission. This was Italian countryside. I was as far away from an Indian spice shop as an Eskimo in the Sahara desert.
Before I left I stuffed the desert island essentials of chilli powder, turmeric powder and asafoetida into my suitcase, mentally reminding myself never to make fun of travelling aunties again.
Four days I baked by the pool. Contemplating my big Tuscan curry effort, while our friends took it in turns to cook meals.
Soon it was mine. I found fennel seeds, cumin seeds, garlic and a pack plastered with the word “organic lentils” on it. So far so good. But no ginger.
This was a serious blow. But I ploughed ahead anyway. Hubby was tasked with chopping, washing and creating innovative implements to grind spices. Friends were banished from the kitchen unless collecting wine. I focused on making Moong dal-esque dal, Aubergine Raita and Pepper Chicken Curry.
In the stress of it all, I forgot rice. Sure enough, there was a large jar supplied in the villa. Of the well known Risotto family. Did I mention I was in Italy?
The meal was a success, despite the missing ginger and soggy rice. Which goes to show that if you care enough, you can always have a curry.
11 Comments
Well done Mallika! That could be a fab TV show… How to cook Indian food in Italy!
yah! You made it..good going! Desi khana in Tuscany…kya baat hai!
inndia shinig in tuscany , ha ha ha
nice menu,..i am sure mus hve tasted great,,:-)
What is the first dish, the white one?
I sympathize! I had the same trouble when I went to Italy this summer too. Spices were the biggest problem. I’m really impressed
Indian food in tuscany… great job Mallika
Mental note to myself… always carry masala!
Heck, I made curry pasta, so what’s wrong with curry risotto? Sounds perfect to me! Hope you are having a great time! Sounds glorious!
the part ‘mentally reminding myself never to make fun of travelling aunties again’ made me smile.
@sra the white dish is probably dahi-..uh something. I can’t figure out what those things topped with the dahi are.
Hi Sra - that’s the aubergine raita. It was the biggest hit of the evening!
You are such a trooper!And you’ve done fabulously given you were in unfamiliar settings.