Food. A predominant
subject in my life and my first post for my new blog.
Having only recently
moved to Paris, a more obvious first post would have been on exploring the gorgeous
city itself. However, for the brightly lit-up smile that good food (especially
well-made Indian food!) brings to my face and for how it has been a passionate,
recurring subject of discussion / fantasization between me and my husband even
during our move to and first weeks in Paris, it deserves to be first in place here.
Upon learning that my
husband got a job with the European Space Agency headquarters in Paris, my
first reaction was a loud scream, a jump in the air, wobbley, jiggly legs and a
squishy hug to him, so tight that he still remembers it fondly. However, a
second reaction later in the evening, was a more concerned one. “Will we have
good Indian food in Paris like in Berlin?” I just want my masala dosa and then
all will be well! “
Hubby was quick to do
some research and console me with the names of many Indian restaurants that he
found which served both North Indian and South Indian delicacies. Google street
view even showed a Sri-Lanka restaurant 20 metres away from our new home! Yay! I felt relieved to know that I will not be
Indian food deprived and decided to do the in-depth menu research myself on
another day.
Fast-forwarding to our
first day after arrival in Paris. The boxes were still unpacked and if you
wanted to rest, you had to push many things aside and make your temporary sleep
nest in the middle of the bags lying around. Although still unfamiliar with the
kitchen appliances and what-was-where, it was agreed that arrival in Paris has
to be celebrated with my favourite food ever, Chilli-Paneer.
A spicy Indo-Chinese fusion dish, chill-paneer makes my dreams come true! Coupled
with fried rice and after two hours of making the Indian cheese at home (paneer),
frying it in a spicy ginger-garlic-onion paste with chilli and soy sauces, the
dish did indeed make it feel like a grand “opening” in Paris for us. It also
suddenly made me feel like home, which is very important to me – feeling home! J
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| Chill Paneer. Image Credit - www.yourcookerybook.com |
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| Masala Dosa in Paris ! |
For my birthday on 7th
July, hubby invited me for French cuisine at a restaurant with a view of Notre
Dam – roasted duck with the famous ratatouille! However, for me the crème brulee
was the melt in your mouth food dream… with a slight teasing tang of lemon…. it
came with a sparkling candle ( so apt for a birthday girl!) and convinced me,
in that moment, that I am indeed in France, eating the right Crème Brulee !
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| Sparkling Creme Brulee with a delicate, teasing tang of lemon |
Here you also see a
picture of chicken tikka
masala that I experimented with at home. Spicy and creamy but what a meal! The next
picture shows you a “simple” Indian staple meal – Dal Tadka ( lentils in a spicy
sauce) with rice and mixed pickles (achar)– I made it one afternoon when I was missing home and taste of
India. In spite of the trouble with moving to Paris on short notice, we ensured
that we brought all the masalas that mommy brought for us from India when she
visited us this June in Berlin. Coriander, cardamom, mustard, bay leaves,
fenugreek – you name it and we have it in our little home in Paris. So much for
good food!
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| Chicken Tikka Masala - Home made ! |
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| Dal Tadka |
Well, those were some
highlights of my culinary journey so far in this city of love! I feel so
thankful to God for making food – it has and hopefully will always be a big
source of joy in my life. When I have found my set of favourite cafes / new
foods in Paris, I will be happy to share them with you. But for first, I had to
feel at home in the city and get cozy with my Indian yummies! I am on a good
track so far :)
