Modi showcases India's culinary heritage at lavish BRICS Summit dinner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a gala dinner for BRICS Summit leaders and delegates at the Bharat Mandapam in central Delhi, serving an elaborate menu of Indian regional delicacies that ranged from Gujarati steamed rolls to Himalayan morel mushrooms and slow-cooked rice pudding topped with gold leaf.

The dinner was held on Saturday at the state-of-the-art complex, which had been specially decorated for the occasion. India is hosting the BRICS Summit at the sprawling venue in central Delhi on September 12-13.

Leaders and delegates at the gathering

The first day of the summit saw the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and several other heads of state, among other top dignitaries.

Starters featuring gram-flour rolls and mushroom kebabs

The menu for the VVIP guests opened with 'khandvi mille' and 'khumb galouti' as starters, according to people familiar with the matter.

'Khandvi mille' is a feuille steamed gram-flour roll, tempered with mustard, coconut and curry leaves. It is served with kesar mango, micro-greens and yoghurt dressing.

'Khumb galouti' is tender pan-grilled mushroom kebabs with mint pearls, served on a bed of sheermal bread.

Main course with cottage cheese, morel mushrooms and South Indian vegetables

The main course offered 'paneer lababdar', soft cottage cheese cubes simmered in a rich gravy of shallots and tomato.

'Gucchi marmik' featured Himalayan morel mushrooms and tender asparagus, gently simmered with saffron, raisins, and mamra almonds.

'Carrot-bean poriyal' was a blend of carrots and green beans toasted in aromatic South Indian spices in hand-pressed virgin coconut oil and finished with freshly grated coconut.

Lentil broth, millet rice and accompaniments

Other items that were offered include 'thakkali belle saaru', a light lentil broth of toor dal enriched with fresh tomatoes and curry leaves.

'Millet pulao' was fragrant basmati rice and pearl millets cooked with spices and seasonal aromatics.

'Beetroot raita', chilled yoghurt with beetroot and fresh herbs, and assorted Indian breads were also served.

Desserts with fruit cream, jalebi and mulberry pudding

For the desserts, 'Old Delhi fruit cream with jalebi', seasonal fruits and lightly whipped cream paired with a crispy sweet fritter, was on offer.

'Shahtoot phirni', slow-cooked pudding of milk and rice, topped with sweet mulberries and gold leaf, wrapped up the menu for the VVIP guests, according to people familiar with the matter.

Cultural performance during dinner

The gala dinner was served to the accompaniment of a performance by an ensemble of over 100 artistes drawn largely from India, as well as other member countries of BRICS.

Source: The Hindu