Dishoom - "From Bombay with Love"
Rating: 10/10
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One Sentence Wrap-Up
The first cookbook from the much loved Indian restaurant Dishoom, taking you on an exquisite food tour across Southern Bombay, supplemented with anecdotes and local recipes to bring the experience alive in the comfort of your home.
Summary Notes
After visiting my client's home, in which we were treated to delicious Indian food, I developed an urge to recreate some of the dishes for my family and friends. I bough the book the next day, waiting impatiently for its arrival.
This is somewhat out of character for me as I do not tend to buy cookbooks. However, we are talking about Dishoom here...! I visited the restaurant in 2015, and it had instantly made an impression on me. Heavily inspired by traditional Irani cafes, the Bombay comfort food reminded me of my childhood, spending time with my friends at their homes and getting treated to a variety of Indian delights.
The book arrived two weeks ago, gloriously bulky and filled with wonders. I was expecting to get a lot of recipes, as well as high level background of the restaurant, but that is not the case. It is structured based on a day-tour of Bombay (i.e. Mumbai). It includes a map; cultural and historical references to key spots of interest; anecdotes from the Dishoom's owners, and most importantly, recipes for every meal of the day (and more!).
Surprisingly, I discovered a new way to travel virtually via this book. I would read about the spots of interest and Google Map / Youtube them, which would make the spots come alive. I would then busy myself with grocery shopping and cooking to recreate the dishes from the book. I am not a regular cook, but boy do I love trying out new food! There is a sense of adventure that comes with cooking food that you have never tasted before. I made mistakes along the way, and spent way too long cooking that I might have starved my guests a little...! Thankfully the dishes came out great! All credits to the wonderful recipes from Dishoom!
My journey to Bombay was flavourful and exquisite. I look forward to visiting the city in person one day once the pandemic over is over! I have cooked a total of six dishes from the book so far. Sharing my thoughts and the online recipes such that you could sample the Dishoom joy as well.
Recipes Trialed and Tested #1 - Chicken Ruby
My favourite so far. Tomato-based chicken curry with complex spices, which add depth to the dish. Slightly spicy with flavours that are border-lined addictive.
A version of the recipe is available here. The recipe advises marinating the chicken for 6 - 12 hours before they go into the grill. In addition, the sauce takes ~1.5 hours and involves a lot of stirring, but all in all it is worth the effort. I recommend preparing two batches of the sauce such that you could stick one in the freezer for another dinner a week or so later. In addition, I would suggest cutting some of the butter or cream. I tried a version with milk and yoghurt substituting the fats and it still came out awesome. The taste is the same, just not as creamy and photogenic.
Recipes Trialed and Tested #2 - Keema Pau
Spiced lamb mince and peas with a dash of onion and lime juice, paired with fluffy buttered rolls. I would consider this as the drier cousin of the traditional Indian curry and perhaps India's take on hamburger!?
A version of the recipe is available here. The dish is quick and easy to make. It took me around 1 hour in total. It was similar to making a stir-fry with Indian spices thrown on top. Bear in mind that your kitchen would smell of lamb for at least 48 hours after cooking.
Recipes Trialed and Tested #3 - House Black Daal
Smooth and creamy daal to even out the strong flavours from the other meat dishes.
A version of the recipe is available here. Delicious but takes an awfully long time to cook. It took me nearly half a day to get this ready, requiring my constant attention in stirring and watching the fire. Unless there is a vegetarian you are cooking for or you have ample amount of time, I would suggest skipping this one.
Recipes Trialed and Tested #4 - Raita
Mint and cucumber mixed in yoghurt. Perfect to mellow out the curry!
A version of the recipe is available here. No cooking is required - chop, mix, refrigerate and serve cold. Would definitely recommend this If you like some refreshing, slightly sour yoghurt to balance out the strong flavours of the curry.
Recipes Trialed and Tested #5 - Pineapple and Black Pepper Crumble
Traditional English apple crumble with a pineapple and vanilla twist!
A version of the recipe is available here. This is easy to make and perfect with ice-cream.
Recipes Trialed and Tested #6 - Masala Chai
Perfect for the cold winter nights. I love cinnamon and spices so this is right up my alley.
A version of the recipe is available here.
