Dishing out magic

Vikas Khanna’s interest in cooking blossomed in his grandmother’s kitchen. At a young age, he started experimenting and creating dishes — a journey that led him to become one of the most influential chefs in the world.

His latest accomplishment is the recent trailer launch of his debut documentary ‘Buried Seeds’ at Cannes. In a chat with Surupasree Sarmmah, the chef gets candid about his tryst with food and cinema.

Thoughts about Cannes 2017...
This is my third year at Cannes and it’s always good to meet people who have contributed immensely to the international film domain. It is  anhonour to represent my country and it’s unique heritage at such a great platform. 

Tell us about your film...
My film, ‘Buried Seeds’ is a timeless story that talks about how an Indian family sacrifices everything for a child’s dream. A film by Andrei Severny, this is a tribute to all parents that highlights the challenges and sacrifices in life as well as the transformation of a dream. 

Coming to food, a quick  recipe that you can share...
Take half-cup of rice, one-third sugarcane juice and cook them together. Garnish it with roasted nuts. It’s
instant, healthy and is actually a popular traditional dish.

Must-have cutlery in your kitchen...
Knives. Though we have many other kitchen appliances today, a knife will always be at the heart of cooking.

Three flavours you can’t live without...
I love anything that is bitter. Sour for me is also very important as it helps to balance the taste and the umami flavour of good quality mushroom is something I always look for.

Your all-time favourite dish...
For me, it’s not so much about the dish but the person who makes it. However, a plate of traditional, classic homemade ‘khichdi’ is always comforting. 

Three ingredients that you use most often...
Fennel, salt and jaggery.

An experiment that went horribly wrong...
I remember this one time when I marinated the chicken in ‘chyawanprash’, thinking that the various spices and herbs in it will make the chicken taste good. Oh! I don’t want to remember that taste again in my life. Anyhow, I had to eat it.