As part of an ongoing series, we bring you another excerpt from Mumbai-based chef Zubin D'Souza's Khana Sutra: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook.
Part I: Passionate Nibbles
Part II: Love Bites
Presented here is an excerpt and recipe from Chapter 10: Sensual Endings.
Beriyon ka thal (Strawberry and honey dessert)
Although present-day India boasts a large annual turnover of the strawberry crop, significant large exports to several parts of the globe and some of the largest strawberry farms in Asia, the fruit itself is a rather recent entry onto the local horticultural and culinary scene. The British were the first to plant these crops in the country and ever since then, it has become a major cash crop for several farmers.
Although the fruit was not grown in the country, its significance was known from the Middle-Ages, when riders and traders were sent to the furthest outreaches of the realm to procure these exotic fruit for the sovereigns.
This is a simple yet eye-appealing dessert.
Ingredients: Method: Wash the strawberries and gently pat them dry with a paper kitchen towel. Excerpted from Khana Sutra: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook (Rs 250) by Zubin D'Souza, with the permission of publishers Jaico Publishing House. Click here to buy Khana Sutra from rediff Books!
Fresh, ripe strawberries: 300 g
Lemons: 2 nos
Honey: 30 ml
Black peppercorns: A pinch
