Indian chef Vikas Khanna to cook Himalayan cuisine for Barack Obama
After entertaining audiences as the host on the second season of MasterChef India, Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna will soon be cooking for a very special gathering. The US-based restaurateur will prepare dinner at a Barack Obama fundraiser, reports Serena Menon.
After entertaining audiences as the host on the second season of MasterChef India, Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna will soon be cooking for a very special gathering.
The US-based restaurateur will prepare dinner at a Barack Obama fundraiser on May 14. The American president and other dignitaries, who will attend the private event that will be held at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York, will be served Himalayan cuisine.
“I’ve carefully researched and selected each dish to ensure that it is a tribute to the beauty, culture, arts and people of the Himalayas,” says Khanna, who has written a series of books on Indian food and serves fusion cuisine at his New York restaurant, Junoon.
“During my travels to the mountains, I discovered varied spectacular cuisines ranging from Kashmiri to Nepalese and Bhutanese to Tibetan,” says the Indian-born chef.
When asked what dishes he is planning to make for the occasion, where getting a chair reportedly costs Rs 18.2 lakh ($35,800), the chef only revealed one aspect.
“I am looking forward to serve Ema Dashi the most, which is a national delicacy in Bhutan. But I’m going to be preparing it in my signature style. The rest of the menu is going to remain a surprise,” says Khanna, who will represent India at the fundraiser later this month.
Ema Dashi Ingredients:
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 medium red onion, diced
sliced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 lb. hot green chilly
1 tomatoes, diced
1/2 pound Feta cheese or processed cheese
Directions:
* Heat oil in a saucepan on medium heat. Add onions, garlic.
* Cook them for about two minutes, until they are soft.
* Add chilies and tomatoes and continue to cook for two minutes.
* Add the cheese. Heat until the mixture is well cooked (3 minutes)
* Serve the dish hot with fresh bread or rice.