Chef and author Chetna Makan has released a new collection of Indian recipes, specifically crafted to be straightforward and accessible for the average home cook. The selection includes dishes such as flavourful chicken tikka bites, a rich crab curry, and a unique podi cauliflower rice, promising an authentic taste without the need for an overwhelming array of spices.
Makan, known for her approachable style, emphasises that these recipes are designed to fit into busy lifestyles. The chicken tikka, for instance, is presented as versatile bites perfect for snacking or accompanying other meals, requiring only a modest preparation time of 10 minutes and 25 minutes to cook. It features common ingredients such as gram flour, Greek yoghurt, and cheddar cheese, alongside a homemade chaat masala that can be prepared in advance.
The crab curry offers a more indulgent option, described by Makan as a personal favourite. Despite its depth of flavour, the recipe is streamlined, using key spices like sabji masala and garam masala, which can also be made ahead. This focus on manageable spice blends aims to reduce the perceived complexity often associated with Indian cooking, encouraging more Britons to explore these dishes at home.
Completing the trio is the podi cauliflower rice, presented as an innovative way to utilise leftover rice while incorporating the distinct flavours of podi masala and peanuts. This highlights a practical aspect of the collection, offering creative solutions for everyday cooking and reducing food waste, a growing concern for many UK households.
The initiative by Makan aligns with a broader trend in the UK food scene, where chefs are increasingly focusing on making diverse international cuisines more approachable for home cooks. This not only broadens culinary horizons but also supports the local economy by encouraging the purchase of fresh ingredients from local markets and supermarkets across the UK.