TASTES LIKE HOME
“Growing up in Delhi, I was surrounded by street food. The smells and rich colours pervade the memories of my childhood, but the flavours that enticed me more than any were those of my mother’s cooking, which was a labour of love. It was from her that I learned so much. We would cook together two or three times a week, always using fresh, quality ingredients from the local market. As well as traditional stews and curries, my mother would re-create street food snacks at home and, in particular, her khasta kachoris were a thing of beauty. Now I’m in London I make them to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which is on November 7 this year. Khasta kachori can be filled with all kinds of ingredients, from lentils, onions and other veg to chicken or lamb, but for my mum the main ingredient in any dish was love – something I believe you can always taste.”