Gourmet Inspiration from Bengal

Bengalis are unapologetic epicures, and their passion for food is, time and again, reflected in their culinary creations. Bengali cuisine, as we know it today, is a product of the unique vegetables grown locally, of the freshwater fishes found in the River Ganges flowing by the city. But inspiration has also come from the Mughals and the British who once ruled over the region. Desserts from Bengal are sublime. The sinful morsels are sweet bursts of heaven and create havoc with the taste-buds in the most delightful way possible. One of my favourite from the exquisite range of Bengali cuisine is Chingri Malai Curry paired with piping hot steamed rice. This prawn (Chingri) curry is cooked in onion and coconut milk gravy, and is flavoured with green cardamom powder.

Our friends at Taj Bengal, Kolkata have shared the quintessential seafood recipe for our readers to try at home and taste the earthy flavours of beautiful Bengal!

Sonargaon Chingri Malai Curry

Ingredients:

Prawns (medium-sized without shell): 400 Gms | Prawn stock: 100 Gms | Ginger garlic paste: 10 Gms | Refined oil: 40 Gms | Green cardamom (whole): 4-5 nos | Green cardamom powder: 2 Gms | Fresh Coconut milk: 150 Gms | Boiled onion paste: 60 Gms | Cashew nut paste: 25 Gms | Red chilli powder: 5 Gms | Turmeric powder: 3Gms | Salt to taste

(1 gm = 0.035 oz)

Preparation:

Shell the prawns keeping the tail intact. De-vein and wash. Heat oil, add the whole green cardamom, when crackles add ginger garlic paste, add red chilli powder and turmeric powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the onion and cashew nut paste and cook till the pastes and the spices leave the side of the pan.  Add prawn stock and cook. Add prawns and simmer till prawns are cooked. Finish with coconut milk and green cardamom powder. Adjust the seasonings. Serve hot garnish with coconut milk.

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Kerala’s Unique Martial Art

Kalaripayattu originated way back in 3^rd century BCE in the southern state of Kerala. This martial art form is said to have been created by Parashuram, the sixth avatar of the Hindu God - Lord Vishnu; He, then, passed on the knowledge to 21 of his followers who furthered the tradition across God’s Own Country. It draws heavily from the ancient arts and concepts of Ayurveda and Yoga. Unarmed, hand-to-hand combats, fight techniques using sword, staff, shield, dagger, axe, spear etc. were once diligently mastered by the warriors of the past; these days, the art form is practised in Kerala as well as in other South Indian states as a means to fitness as well as self-defence.

Kalaripayattu is a domain of self-discipline and its primary aim is said to be “the ultimate coordination between mind and body”. Many believe that it has influenced martial art practices like Kung-Fu, Karate etc. when a Buddhist Monk from India, Bodhidharma, went to China in the 5^th-century and taught monks there, this art form. Since then, the 16^th-century warrior-heroine Unniyarcha, the more contemporary practitioner and teacher, Meenakshi Amma, the first Indian with a PhD in Kalaripayattu, Gangadharan, have underlined, repeatedly, Kalaripayattu’s relevance and importance in the local culture.

Today, it is slowly but surely gaining popularity not only in the rest of India but internationally as well! 

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The Magnificent Mansions of Chettinad

One of Southern India’s many wonders is the cultural gifts bestowed upon the country by the Chettiars, a merchant community, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Their trade-zones were mainly in South and Southeast Asia, styles of which have greatly influenced their mansions. Built around the period between mid-18^th century and early-19^th century, these mansions are a testament to the immense prosperity of the merchant clan and their successful business endeavours. No cost was spared in making these architectural masterpieces. Italian marbles, Burmese teakwood, Spanish tiles – all found an apt pride of place in the mansions. The interiors were just as ostentatious yet tastefully done and were decked in stunning chandeliers, French clocks, Belgian mirrors, and plenty of local essences. The woodwork ceilings and filigreed doorways and frames still fill visitors and onlookers with awe. Local elements like statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, artful depictions of the lives of the locals on the wall, overall blueprint of the structures add to the overall grandeur of the buildings’ design.

Though some of them are in a state of decay, many have been converted to hotels after being carefully restored to their original glory.

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A&K Favourite Travel Moments

A&K Favourite Travel Moments is a new series of favourite travel moments from A&K India staff sharing their own unique experiences and insights from their past travels, whether from the places they call home, the places they are looking forward to returning to or memorable FAM trips, along with expert travel tips. One day, we will travel together again and experience the unique rewards of exploring in person, side by side. Until then, keep an eye on this space for an inspiring view of our beautiful India at this unforgettable moment in time, as only A&K's team can reveal it to you.

In this edition, we quizzed Dakshesh Sharma, Tour Consultant, on his Favourite Travel Moments.

Favourite destination and why -  

Riding a motorcycle is my passion which has taken me to roads worth exploring. One of my favourite among them is an unforgettable journey to Bhutan where I rode to Haa valley. It has stunning outdoors making it bikers’ delight. The lush green surroundings and unique brand of architecture are absolutely breathtaking! I lived in a homestay, prayed at the local monastery, gorged on the most delectable local cuisines, like Ema datshi with Bhutanese red rice.

Favourite restaurants in your favourite city –  

Aloo puri (a dish of potato in a spicy curry and deep-fried bread) at any local restaurant in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh.

Best wildlife experience so far –

My most memorable wildlife experience is also my fist wildlife experience, in Ranthambore. I was backpacking and reached Ranthambore by train. The itinerary outlined three safaris, but even after three safaris, I didn’t have any luck seeing tigers - but I was adamant! So, after talking to a local naturalist, I went and got another pass and booked a private car for one last safari. After three hours exploring the National Park, we stopped for lunch when, all of sudden, it started raining. We lost all our hope to see tigers but were still content with the other animals we saw, like the peacock in all its tail-displayed glory. By that time, the rain had stopped, and we were still ambling around when, to our utter surprise, we came upon a fully grown male Royal Bengal Tiger. He had come down the sand road and gave a full view of his mighty build; it was breathtaking! While following the tiger for a bit, I managed to click some nice shots while he was marking his territory. That’s a day I will never, ever forget!    

An activity/experience guests cannot leave India without doing/experiencing

1. North India – Taj Mahal for sure, along with Qutab Minar and the Ganges at Varanasi
2. South India – It has to be cruising in the backwaters of Kerala and seeing the wondrous temples of the region.

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