Meera Sodha, an award-winning chef and food writer, joins for a delightful discussion. She shares insights into her latest cookbook, 'Dinner', and the joys of cooking that connect families. The chat dives into quirky culinary tales, like the joys of eating Pani Puri and memorable travels in search of the best fish curry. Expect laughter as they blend stories of childhood desserts and whimsical anecdotes about snakes and squirrels while celebrating the flavors of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines.
Meera Sodha's journey of rediscovering her passion for cooking during tough times illustrates the profound emotional connections food can create.
The humorous debate about culinary preferences highlights how personal experiences and opinions shape our enjoyment of food and dining with others.
Meera's cultural reflections on Sri Lankan cuisine reveal the deep relationship between memorable meals and the rich experiences that accompany them.
Deep dives
Introduction of Mira Soda and Cookbooks
Mira Soda, a renowned chef, is celebrated for her exquisite cookbooks, particularly 'East,' which features vegetarian recipes that are both easy to prepare and delicious. The hosts express their admiration for her work, with one of them highlighting how the cookbook has been highly recommended among their peers. Mira's latest book, 'Dinner,' promises to bring similar joy to readers, focusing on simple yet satisfying meals. She describes the inspiration behind this new cookbook, explaining it emerged during a challenging period in her life, allowing her to rediscover her passion for cooking.
The Secret Ingredient Debate
A light-hearted discussion ensues regarding the secret ingredient of soda bread, which Mirra speculates could be lazy, and the hosts engage in a playful debate about its acceptability. The nature of the secret ingredient throws an element of excitement into the conversation, as it could lead to Mira's early dismissal from the dream restaurant. They explore the humorous idea of food choices reflecting personal opinions and past experiences, demonstrating how food discussions often lead to unexpected banter. The prospect of rejecting a guest based on their choice of bread sets a comedic tone for the episode as they navigate culinary preferences.
Mira's Personal Journey with Cooking
Mira shares her personal journey of falling out of love with cooking during a challenging time, emphasizing how meals prepared for her family helped rekindle her passion. A significant turning point was when her husband expressed a desire for her to cook for him, which prompted her to whip up a comforting Malaysian dal curry. This act of cooking reignited her love for food, pushing her to create a notebook of cherished recipes that eventually turned into her new cookbook. The heartfelt and relatable narrative reflects how cooking can be a source of joy and connection, especially during difficult situations.
The Joy of Sri Lankan Cuisine
Mira describes the cultural richness of Sri Lankan cuisine, particularly highlighting the experience of enjoying a traditional curry and rice meal in a serene tea plantation setting. She recalls a memorable New Year's Day in 2016, where she and her husband experienced their honeymoon amidst the beauty of nature while enjoying a generous spread of flavorsome curries. The vivid description of their encounter with a giant snake during a walk adds an adventurous twist to the story, demonstrating how vibrant experiences and food contribute to memorable moments. Sharing the meal cooked by local chefs, filled with fresh produce and traditional ingredients, conveys the deep connection between culinary delights and cultural experiences.
Favorite Dishes and Dining Experiences
Throughout the podcast, the hosts engage in playful dialogue about their favorite dishes, including panipuri and naan, leading to fun anecdotes about shared dining experiences. Mira's love for simple, aromatic dishes—such as sliced tomatoes with crunchy toppings—highlights the importance of comfort food in creating satisfying meals. The concept of food sharing and the joy derived from communal dining resonates throughout their discussions, as they reflect on how meals are better when enjoyed together. Ed and James each share their enthusiasm for intriguing food combinations, demonstrating that culinary pleasure can be found in both the high-end dining experience and comfort food.
Superb chef, food writer and author (including one of Off Menu’s favourite cookbooks, ‘East’) Meera Sodha joins us for a Dream Restaurant booking this week. If anyone says ‘ship’ they have to put 50p in the Naan Jar.
Meera Sodha’s new cookbook ‘Dinner’ is out now, published by Penguin. Buy it here.
