Aam ke naam!
RONAK Y MASTAKAR speaks to Chef Narayan Salunke who has curated special Mango dishes with delicious spins
Summer is on us, and the sun god is blazing down on its full glory. Sipping on all things cold, and gorging on icecream is fast becoming a common sight (along with shopping for summer clothes, of course). But it’s not just the heat that the season brings with it; what it also brings is king of fruits, the mighty Mango – the fruit that is a favourite not just with kids, but with the elderly as well.
All is forgotten when one is savouring those delicious, succulent mangoes especially in the comfort of one’s home. And you probably don’t even think about the outside heat, or ignore your siblings who are probably sitting next to you eyeing those mangoes. Beyond the sweet, luscious taste of mangoes, they also have the ability of making the grown-ups into a kids again.
Standing proud, as ‘The King of Fruits – Mango’ a timeless favourite of Indians, never fails to please one’s palate. Chef Narayan Salunke, Sr Executive Sous Chef – Radisson Blu Resort, Alibaug has given a twist to the fruit and curated delicious mango recipes to indulge the taste buds. From spicy chutney to tangy pickles to sweet jams, these recipes are sure to satisfy your every mango craving season.
“Mangoes are a refreshing and delicious treat, whether they are on their own or fused into recipes. Being a seasonal fruit, they can be used in various food preparations – coolers, salads, curries and desserts in different cuisines. Originating from the Konkan belt and having traveled across the region, I grew up learning the traditional ways and techniques of Mango preparations. I try to get inspiration from what I learnt as a child and incorporate them in innovative ways in the recipes I dish up at Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug,” Chef Salunke says.
Being a native of the Konkan region, Chef Salunke says his family has always experimented with mangoes in traditional recipes. “The local culture and traditions witnessed by me since childhood inspires me to bring out the culinary art with seasonal fruit of our region. Variations of the fruit have also instigated me to create different recipes,” he adds.
Apart from mango, Chef Salunke finds fruits like kokum, strawberry, kiwi, tamarind, jackfruit, banana, chikoo and apple to be good ingredients in dishing up some unique dishes.