British have really confused everybody by calling every Indian dish ‘Curry’.
Curry is for adventure because every body has their own own style of cooking with their choice of spices, their selection of vegetables/meat. Its kind of stew, a medley of flavors, rich in taste.
Curry is for craving. When we are tired of simple meals of Dhal, Chawal, Khichdi, Poha and Bread and we really want to pamper ourself with some rich ingredients like Nuts and Cream, Herbs and Spices, those magical kind of calories does the trick.
Curry is for sharing with our loved one, because it cannot be cooked in small quantities (or rather it should not), it is fun to sit on a large dinning table or even squat on the floor in a circle, and dig out a spoonful for each from the pool.
Curry is for caring, it has feel-good factor, we all know that it is a big part of our diet, it makes us smarter, heathier, happier, sexier.
Prawn curry of Faiziya Soomar is too delicious to miss.
Faiziya Soomar (of Cutchi Memom Table fame) is the pioneer home-chef, first of the kind, when home delivery was not so common. She was born and raised in Bangalore and migrated to Mumbai after marriage. She has been cooking and baking passionately since the last 29 years. She is a very private person, and prefers to let her food do the talking.
And talking it does, to the food loving Mumbaikars, with its authentic taste and flavours, Meals and Mithais, Mutton Kababs and kheema Samosas, Shahi Tukda and Sheer Khorma.
She specialises in Cutchi Memom Food. Her ancestors were from Kutch, Bhuj, Gujarat. As a young girl, she watched her aunt take cooking and baking classes and secretly hoped to teach someday. Her mom is an excellent cook, and fiercely guards her recipes. She was inspired by her mom to cook and got confident in her cooking skills
“So somewhere in between, I started taking orders, on the insistence of neighbours and friends, and there has been no looking back.”
Her greatest memories are of childhood when she spent her weekends at her grandparent’s home, creating chaos with her other cousins. Meal times were always special. Since she was the oldest grandchild, she held a special place in her grandparents hearts,
“Every time my nani asked me what I want to have on Saturday, I would say "Chicken Biryani". I loved her Chicken Biryani and Mutton Khichda the most. It was delicious to say the least. Over the years I'd forgotten how much I loved these dishes, and it's always what my children and husband want to eat, that holds priority. One day, recently, my dad told me,"Faizi, every time Chicken Biryani is made at home, we miss you.” It brought tears to my eyes, as I had forgotten, what my preferences were!” she relates, feeling nostalgic
Mutton khichda is another delicacy, that was finger licking good in her Nanis house. Her Nani would serve it in huge bowls, topped with flavourful oil, removed from the korma, before the dals and wheat, were mixed into the gravy. Then load it with birista, and served with lime.
“It was the best khichda, I've ever eaten.” She continues.
In mumbai, she is a part of Baker’s Club, where she meets all other bakers once a month. They share their recipes and guide each other with tips and tricks and are always selflessly helping each other. This has changed her a lot and she has overcome her shyness
“Its only after I joined The Baker's Club Of India, that I came out of my shell, and interacted with a lot of talented people, which also boosted my confidence in myself.”
Faiziya is happy to share her recipe of Prawns Curry
1. Mix 3 large Tomatoes with 2 tbsp Garlic-Ginger paste, 2 tbsp coarsely ground Kashmiri Chilli Powder, 2 tbsp Coriander Powder,
2. Grind to a fine paste.
3. In a vessel, add a tbsp of oil.
4. Add 4-5 Curry Leaves and 1tbsp of Mustard Seeds, and let it splutter.
5. Add the ground masalas, (prepared in step 2).
6. Bhuno for at least half an hour, on slow flame.
7. Add 2 cups of thick coconut milk.
8. Add 3-4 pieces of kokum.
9. Let it boil.
10. Add prawns, cook for a minute.
11. Take off the flame.
12. Serve hot with steamed rice or Neer dosas.
Faiziya Soomar was awarded Home Chef and Baker's award 2020 for the contribution to India's Home chef & Baking Industry in the category of 5-8 years
You can call or message/watsapp her on 9820398922.
Alternatively you can also place an order on Instagram at TheCutchiMemomTable
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