Mumbai Food: Savour flavours from Madhya Pradesh at this BKC pop-up

Khasta Kachori Chaat

Sure, Madhya Pradesh might be in our neighbourhood, but rarely do we get to savour the fare the state is known for. This weekend, head to a pop-up hosted by home cook Sangeeta Rai, who hopes to take guests on a trip through the region with her vegetarian eats.

"I wanted to ensure that the food of different regions within MP is highlighted," says the BKC resident. The meal, presented by Authenticook, is divided into five courses, the most interesting section being the appetisers. "This course has street fare from Indore, like the Bhutte Ka Kees, made with grated corn cooked in milk and spices, and Khasta Kachori Chaat, where flaky kachoris are filled with an urad dal mixture and deep fried, topped with curd and chutneys," she says.

Bhutte Ka Kees

Rai hails from Nashik, but has spent a lot of time at her grandmother's home in a village in MP. "I learned some recipes from my mother-in-law, and several from my grandmother. One of the dishes I will be presenting, Bharwa Aloo Pyaaz Baigan, has been passed on for generations in my family." It features shallots, baby potatoes and baby brinjal, all fried and stuffed with a secret spice blend.

There will also be other traditional dishes such as Punchmail Dal (a five-lentil dal simmered in a clay pot), Gakkad Baati (unleavened bread cooked in a tandoor), and Indori Pulao.

Sangeeta Rai

For dessert, the home cook will serve Newe Ki Kheer, yet another treasure from her grandmother's village, which is made using pumpkin pulp, rice, nuts and saffron.