Indian Feast
Some dinners start with a plan. This one started with a conversation.
During our last gathering at Patsy’s place, Antoine casually mentioned that Indian food sits firmly in his top three favourite cuisines. Patsy and I looked at each other and the idea was instantly planted. So when his birthday came around, the menu was settled even before the invitations were sent. Indian it was.
Patsy took charge of a few classics. She made pani puri, those delicate little crisp shells that burst with flavour once filled. Watching everyone carefully crack the top, spoon in the filling and pop the whole thing into the mouth in one go was half the fun of the evening. She also cooked a comforting pot of dal that quietly anchored the table with its warm, earthy flavours.
My side of the kitchen was a little more ambitious. I prepared dum biryani, the rice fragrant with spices and layered with tender meat, slow cooked so every grain carried the aroma of masala. Alongside it were tandoori lamb chops, deeply marinated and roasted until smoky and slightly charred at the edges.
Of course we had another birthday to celebrate. June could not be left out. Her favourites made their way onto the table as well. I started with a bright yellowtail summer crudo, dressed with mango and orange, light and refreshing before the heavier dishes arrived. Her beloved pomelo salad followed, with slices of crunchy water apple and topped with Japanese silver fish, bringing a gentle savoury note to the sweet citrus.
Then came the 48-hour dry aged duck. The breast was first seared skin side down slowly until the fat rendered and left behind a thin, crispy layer of golden skin, while the inside stayed beautifully pink. After slicing, the duck was placed over a bed of rosemary which I lightly torched to release the smoke and perfume the meat. A simple touch, but one that filled the table with a lovely aroma. And since it would not feel like one of our gatherings without it, I also prepared my signature char siew, glossy, caramelised and slightly smoky.
The table slowly filled with bowls, plates and laughter. Indian spices, citrusy salads, roasted meats and crispy snacks all sitting side by side. It may not have been a traditional Indian feast, but it was exactly the kind of meal we enjoy the most.
