I would love for the world to embrace curry leaves more often- Masterchef Ajay Chopra
Mumbai: The East India Company was formed to trade in spices with the East and specifically India. The fascination for India's diverse palette of spices and clever usage of them in food has only enhanced the taste of every recipe. Now, a unique campaign More Than Food by EU has married the agricultural produce of EU to the unique tastes of Indian platter. MasterChef Ajay Chopra has been instrumental in promoting Indian Cuisine has collaborated with Guntas Sethi in crafting this unique campaign. We spoke to Ajay Chopra on his views about the campaign, Indian flavors, European produce, and much more!
Please share more about the More Than Food campaign by the EU Union—your experience, how did they approach you?
The More Than Food campaign by the EU Union was a wonderful chance to see how European ingredients can uplift Indian cuisine. They reached out to me to highlight their premium products like cheeses, olive oils, and meats. It’s been a thrilling challenge to mix these ingredients into our traditional Indian recipes, creating flavors that are both familiar and refreshing, celebrating the best of both culinary worlds.
Where do you see any confluence between EU cuisine and the Indian palate?
There’s a lovely connection between EU cuisine and the Indian palate, especially in our love for quality ingredients. European cheeses like feta and Gouda can add great flavor to Indian dishes. Olive oil fits well in curries and salads, while wines pair nicely with rich Indian regional dishes. Berries add freshness, and cured meats can enhance fusion recipes beautifully.
What are your discoveries about EU cuisine during this campaign that you didn’t know earlier?
One of my exciting discoveries was how well European cheeses can be used in Indian recipes. For instance, adding feta to stuffed parathas or blue cheese to spiced paneer brings a lovely balance of flavors and textures. I also learned that European olive oils can be infused with Indian spices like cumin for a unique twist. Pairing these oils and wines with our curries has been a fun experiment, leading to some delicious results!
Is there any ingredient that we use in our daily cooking in Indian households that you wish the whole world did too?
You know, I would love for the world to embrace curry leaves more often! In Indian households, especially in South India, curry leaves are a must-have for tempering dishes. They bring such a unique aroma and flavor to our dals, vegetables, and even chutneys. Their subtle, citrusy taste can really elevate simple meals to something extraordinary. I believe they’re so versatile that they could easily find a place in kitchens worldwide, adding a burst of freshness and depth to all kinds of dishes. So, why not give them a try in your cooking?
What’s new and upcoming for you?
Right now, I’m deeply focused on developing Indian recipes that blend EU ingredients, aiming to create new but recognizable tastes. This fusion allows me to maintain the authenticity of Indian flavors while introducing the richness and finesse of European products. It’s a fascinating culinary journey, and I’m excited to share these recipes through my social media channels—especially on my YouTube channel, Instagram, and more. I’m regularly posting new content that highlights these fusion experiments, showing how traditional Indian dishes can take on a modern twist with European influences. Stay connected for updates and inspiration!
