Home Chefs Of Mumbai- Part 40- Smita Verma and Alpana Varma

Pandemic has opened many doors behind the closed doors. 

Social network helped every one to walk virtually in all directions, and so many different avenues have opened up. We have done virtual harvest tour and cook_along with Nancy Silverton sailing through 40 acres of Bledsoc farms watching pistachio harvest, (the tour organised by @foodbloggerai) We walked with @pikturenama and attended the Indonesian food carnival. We have travelled with @rushinamg and explored her stories on spice chronicles. We have visited ethnic kitchens with @historywali to far off rural areas and watched locals cook. We have received deeper knowledge on ingredients from Dr @Kurushdalal, heard food-stories from @thefinelychopped, and many more. The food knowledge during pandemic has been more than we can hold in one plate.

With restaurants receding into dark shadows, home chefs came to rescue, specially for those who had no help at home. The good thing is that the regional cuisines of India have come into focus. Our diet of Pizzas, Hamburgers, French Fries have got replaced with much healthier diet of home-cooked food, more nutritious and tastier. We have finally learnt to appreciate the food that we ate at grandma’s house during our trips in summer holidays. And Gosh! What a variety we have in our country! Same vegetables, same spices, but the cooking methods differ from city to city, region to region, creating plethora of food, tingling our taste buds, craving for more.

Thanks to home chefs, we now have variety of food in Mumbai from all over India, many of them specialising in their own family cuisine. Alpana Verma and Smita are friends who specialise in Bihari Cuisine

After a college reunion in 2016 , Smita and Alpana instantly struck upon the idea of bringing the richness of Bihari food to Mumbai. Both friends have long years of executive grade corporate exposure from HR to Banking and beyond . In 2017 they donned the mantle of 'Self Appointed Ambassadors of Bihar' and have not looked back.

 “By Eureka you mean self discovery. On that note Smita always knew she is a good cook . The pop up cafe initially was my idea and we served 5 course meals from our homes . What set us on this road was the confidence in our Ahuna Mutton Vegetable estews and Rohu Rassedar recipes . They are organic and Bihari in essence.” Says Alpana

Pop up cafes and online delivery have worked like a beauty for them. People from all over Mumbai & Thane have eaten their 50+ types of authentic Behari cuisine . 

“We thank them from the  heart. People from Peddar Road to Bandra, BKC to Thane , Mahim to Powai have eaten our food and every time it’s appreciated” says Smita

 Alpana and Smita specialise in Bihari cuisine and ‘Litti Chokha’ is their signature dish.

Art is another thing they are passionate about, specially Madhubani art from Bihar and now they offer free gifts on order above Rs1000 to all their clients, to make it as popular as Warli art. 

 “The breakfasts from our childhood were fit for kings and remain a cherished memory which we often recreate . We are doing the same for others now. Puri/parautha , Gobi bhujiya , bhuna kaleji, kheer, baingan ka saun maun is there on our menu.” Says Smita

They are happy to share the recipe of Pharul Masala

Pharui masala is a very common evening snack  in Bihar. Its also called Jhal Muri in some parts of Bihar bordering Bengal . It is very easy to make and tasty to eat.

Method

1. Take 2 cups of Pharuhi (also known as Murhi or Kurmure). 

2. Add one medium size finely chopped onions, 2-3 green chillies and half spoon Mirchi achar masala. 

3. Mix all the ingredients. 

4. Add 2tsp Mustard oil and 2-3 spoons of soaked Channa. 

5. Serve crunchy, crispy Pharuhi masala as evening snack

They can be reached on authenticcook.com or on Mytree.com, also on Zomato

Watsapp them at 75440 06053

Follow them at @tbis_thebiharistudio