Bhubaneswar, Jan 15: "It was a delicious affair to showcase the culture and tradition of Odisha at Delhi on the occasion of Makar Sankranti as the top 25 contestants of Masterchef India season 7", said Biswajit Moharathi who had showcased his impeccable culinary skills in front of the people by preparing Makar Chaula and Hengu Khichdi with Nadia Pachedi.
Today a self-taught food stylist and techie by profession is popularly known as the Co-founder of Breathe by Biswajit, a unique cloud kitchen in Bhubaneswar.
How has the Masterchef title changed your life?
Masterchef has changed my life in many ways. Earlier I was trying to promote lost Odia cuisines through my pops-ups and culinary competitions. Being into the top 25 contestant, my voice has become bigger and stronger with people following me. This also helps in spreading word for the regional cuisines.
What is your idea of innovation when it comes to food?
I always prefer to present Odia food in a modernised way.
What are your favorite ingredients to cook with?
It’s the spices especially Cinnamon and different varieties of rice. Sometimes its seafood too.
What has been your idea of comfort food? What’s your fondest food memory?
I associate comfort food with nostalgia and memories, so, my kind of comfort food is always the dishes that we have been eating in our homes while growing up like Khechudi, Bhata khira alubhaja.
Please share the recipe of Makar Chaula
1 cup soaked Govinda Bhog rice
1 ½ cup Milk
¾ cup Coconut shredded
3 Banana ripe 3 no
¼ cup Apple cut into small chunks
Jaggery
1 cup Chhena
2 tbsp Pomegranate seed
1 tsp Cardamom powder
1 tsp Black pepper powder
Grated Ginger
Instruction:
Wash the rice properly and then soak for minimum 3-4 hours or overnight.
Then drain completely and put in a grinder jar.
Add in shredded coconut and milk. Coarsely grind and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Then add chopped apple, jaggery, pomegranate seed, chhena, cardamom powder, black-pepper powder and grated ginger. Mix everything well.
Just before serving, peel and crush the banana. Add into the mixture.
Again mix and the result will be a semi liquid.
Serve and enjoy the Odisha special makara chaula!
