The Oberoi Group conducted Rivaayat - the
Indian culinary conclave (Revival), which saw experts from across the industry
come together for an interactive training session held at The Oberoi, Gurgaon.
Eminent food celebrities such as Mr.Vir
Sanghvi, Ms.Marryam Reshii and Dr.Pushpesh
Pant were guest speakers at the event. The culinary experts shared rare recipes
and ancient cooking techniques from their respective cuisine specialities.
This season, The Oberoi, took this unique
culinary initiative forward, with Rivaayat- e- Rampur. To unveil the lost
cuisine of Rampur in rare recipes such as the Aloo gosht, Saag kofta , Taar
Qorma and Hari Mirch ka Keema created by renowned culinary experts Osama Jalali
and his mother Nazish Jalali Ji urf Ammi Jaan.
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| Nazish Jee and Osama Jalali (Bottom) With Avininder Singh, Chef Ravitej Nath and Me (Top) |
Rampur can be best explained with taste. Even
though the city is forgotten in this fast world, but the recipes stand alive
with their unique characteristics of aromas and taste. The distinct taste is
brought in by the use of special herbs and spices in the exact proportions and
cooking the dishes on low fire in special traditional utensils, as told to us
by Nazish ji. She has always been a part of this rich culture and cuisine, as
she belongs to Rampur. She has experienced many lavish meals being cooked in
front of her eyes and even with her own hands.
Rampuri
cuisine is essentially a “courtly cuisine” which evolved with its rulers and
their tastes. It is influenced by
Afghans, Rajputs, Awadhs and Mughals.
We were privileged to have been invited to “The
Oberoi, Gurgaon” by Mr. Osama Jalali himself, who is a well known journalist
and also a food enthusiast. He has reviewed more than 2000 restaurants. His
mother Nazish Jalali jee explained why it was such a tough thing for her to
share her recipes with other people. It was Osama Bhai who convinced her by
saying “ilm baantne se badhta hai” which means “knowledge and talent increases
on sharing” now through this initiative, the Rampuri
cuisine will reach all over India…..
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| The Oberoi, Gurgaon |
It was a lovely setting at the “Threesixtyone”,
The Oberoi, Gurgaon….. We sat in their Al fresco waterside deck. It felt as
if we are on the path of Nirvana, the
beautiful blue waters and the refreshing greens on one of the walls. Beauty at
its best…….
We started our meal with the Dahi Phulki, which is a kind of Bhalla
or we can say Dahi Vada which was good start then came the Seekh Kebab, Kachche keeme ki Tikiya and Kathal ki Shaami. …A wonderfully refreshing drink was
served with it, Mufarrah which transalates into soothing, refreshing which it
was…….
All the appetisers were different and subtly
flavoured with full flavour of meat when compared to typical north Indian
preparations which are spicier and hot (chilly). The Kathal (jackfruit) ki
Shaami was awesome and had the texture of a mutton/chicken which is really
surprising. The kachche keeme ki tikiya was beautifully prepared with lovely
flavour of meat and no other overpowering flavours at all.
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| Kebabs - Kathal ki Shaami, Paneer, Kachche Keeme ki Tikiya |
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| Mutton and Chicken Seekh Kebab |
The main course consisted of Aloo Gosht ,
Khichda , Murg Korma, Urad Daal ( safed), Karele ki Chidiya , Laute Palaute . I
was so mesmerized by the taste of murg korma and khichda and Aloo Gosht that I
felt as if I am in heaven. Eating somewhat similar food since childhood, still
never tasted such recipes which are so similar to those yet so different and
unique. The chicken korma had such
lovely and different flavours that I can always substitute it for any lamb
dish, whereas I am a big fan of mutton.
Khichda , as they call it in Rampur , is kind of Haleem but is more flavourful and texturous.
It has about 7 kinds of grains cooked separately and then mixed with lamb meat
and processed. Aloo gosht is a regular dish which is made most of the times and
is so delicious, can be had any day and every day. Not a big fan of vegetarian
fare , I still tried the Karele ki Chidiya, karelas stuffed with tangy mix of
many things like fenugreek seeds, fennel etc. The laute palaute (cooked,
wrapped and cooked again) is a besan pancake (gram flour) cut into lasagne type
pasta and cooked in spicy gravy full of herbs and spices.
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| Taar Korma (Bottom) Khichda, Hari Mirch Keema and Aloo Gosht (Top) |
But wait, one of highlights of the meal was
still to be unveiled. The Taar Korma, which is a Wedding reception (Walima)
dish. Taar (layer of oil) floating atop this mutton dish is full of flavours
and is even drunk in small bowls and also used for dipping hot breads.We were lucky to be served the Taar Korma, by our very own, Bhai Osama Jalali with his own hands, Loved it thoroughly.......
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| Osama Bhai serving Taar Korma |
True to
expectations, we did not have any room left for dessert, but when Gulathi, Aloo ka
Zarda and Shahi Zarda were brought to the table. We could not resist at all.
This was the best dessert, I have had till date, yes the Gulathi, it is a
Phirni texture dish with pure ghee, kaju paste, mawa, rice and other nuts, truly
royale in every sense.
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| Aloo Zarda (Bottom) Shahi Zarda and Gulathi (Top) |
Only a few things and moments in life can only
be felt and experienced. It is really tough to put them down in words. I have
tried my best to do so but still my regard for Osama Bhai and Ammi Jaan (
Nazish Jalali Jee) is falling short of superlatives………
 |
| Team TWCI with Team Oberoi's and Jalali's |
When: Now until March 5th, 2015
Where: Threesixtyone at The Oberoi,
Gurgaon, Udyog Vihar, Off NH8, Gurgaon
To book or for more
information: Call +91-124-245 1234
Prices: Lunch buffet at INR 2595 + taxes per
head. Dinner selection from a la carte menu at approximately INR 5500 + taxes
for a meal for two .....
Written
By: Vickrham Vicky
Pics
By: Vickrham Vicky