A DATE WITH DELICACIES ON EASTER

From lamb pie to deviled eggs, here are some traditional recipes with a modern twist

Easter calls for a hearty, mood-lifting meal that can be washed down with wine. A traditional Easter spread features dishes such as scrumptious lamb pie, classic deviled eggs, creamy au gratin potatoes, Easter breakfast casserole, roasted lamb and hot cross buns, that are believed to strengthen friendships. In India, an Easter menu would often feature popular regional dishes along with traditional European treats. “Different regions have their own traditional food,” says chef Prem K Pogakula of The Imperial. “If you are hosting a lunch on Easter, my personal favourites for menu are roasted beer chicken, fennel and orange braised pork belly and stuffed chicken roulade,” he adds. Chef Bakshish Dean, a Punjabi-christian, loves making desi food at home on Easter. “Being a Punjabi Christian, our traditional cuisine is very desi. Meat aloo curry, mutton pulao and halwa are an integral part of the meal,” says the chef. Chef Boby Jacob of The Lalit says that no Easter meal is complete without a glass of spiced homemade wine. “My Easter spread at home also includes hot cross bun, coconut milk, roasted lamb and turkey,” he adds.

medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute. Stir in milk. Cook until mixture has thickened. Stir in cheese all at once, and continue stirring until melted, about a minutes. Pour cheese over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminium foil. Bake 70 to 90 minutes in the preheated oven. By chef Bobby C Jacob, The Lalit