Ep 264: Rukmini Iyer

Harriet Kemsley shares her experiences from recent shows and promotes her upcoming tour titled "Everything Always Works Out For Me," highlighting the chaos she's faced. The hosts of the Off Menu Podcast interview chef Rook Minney, discussing her new vegan cookbook while playfully bantering about food tastes, snacking habits, and the evolution of children's eating. Amid conversations about snacks at nursery and the surprise sophistication of kids' palates, they also dive into the idea of enjoying olives and breadsticks as a family. The podcast blends humor and food insights as friends explore their culinary memories and preferences, showcasing the joy found in community and shared meals, even amidst the craziness of life.

Cooking at home can be enjoyable, especially when it involves simple dishes that require minimal effort, like the miso butter noodles. These one-pot or quick-cook recipes can make weeknight dinners less stressful and more delicious. They also help parents cater to picky eaters while keeping the preparation and cleanup easy. Engaging with food doesn't have to be complicated or dirty; using fewer pots and pans can be a hit, especially for those who dislike washing up. Integrating fun ideas, like marketing UV-exposed mushrooms for added vitamin D, highlights the creativity in cooking and food preparation. Ultimately, the goal is to create nourishing meals quickly, ensuring both taste and efficiency are prioritized in family dining experience, while also leaving room for fun conversations and shared moments in the kitchen. This makes meal times special, not just a routine task.

Exploring food and drinks can bring back nostalgic memories, like how sparkling water replaced wine for one person during a spa day. They reminisced about lockdown habits, such as enjoying San Pellegrino and making Aperol Spritz. Using leftover ingredients, like broccoli stems for pesto, showed a creative way to reduce waste. Conversations about what to eat and drink in different settings revealed personal preferences, like the dislike for poppadoms at Indian restaurants. Overall, food choices often intertwine with memories, preferences, and creative solutions in everyday life, making cooking and sharing meals a rewarding experience.

When it comes to enjoying food, the speaker clearly loves buttery bread over olive oil. They cherish the texture and depth of good bread, especially crusty ones like French baguettes, and fluffy buns. They also prefer vibrant, deep-fried foods, like pakoras and tempura prawns, appreciating the variety in crunches. Eating can be a messy affair, especially with crab, but the emphasis is on the enjoyment of flavors, textures, and the fun of indulging in good, hearty food. Sharing experiences with food, whether it’s the joy of tearing apart shellfish or the comfort of familiar dishes, brings happiness. The speaker’s passion for food reminds us that dining should be about pleasure and not just nutrition, taking us on a global culinary journey through delightful starters and savoring every bit of a meal, while being playful and creative in how we enjoy every bite.

Deep-frying at restaurants could be a fun, interactive experience, similar to a lazy Susan setup. Fried foods like onion rings and blooming onions are popular starters, although their quality varies by location. Dipping sauces can enhance the experience, but homemade chutneys are preferred over sweet chili dips. A dream main course for many includes salmon with hollandaise sauce, reminiscent of the first time enjoying it. The nostalgia of flavors enhances meals, though hollandaise can become overwhelming with excess consumption. To recreate those delicious moments, a proper method for hollandaise involves egg yolks, vinegar, and butter. This rich sauce is a culinary delight but should be savored in moderation for the best experience.

Food and memories are tightly intertwined, as discussed in a lighthearted conversation about experiences with dishes like salmon and tripe. The talk mixes nostalgia with humor, exploring the desire to relive first-time experiences with food while also joking about the possibility of erasing bad memories. People share personal likes and dislikes, and the dialogue highlights different culinary adventures—from double carbs to experimenting with kale. It's clear that taste preferences change over time, sometimes influenced by trends or childhood experiences. Culinary exploration often leads to fond memories, whether it’s a comforting dish made after a long day or a playful discussion about unique recipes. Through humor and storytelling, they reveal how food not only nourishes but also connects us to our past, showcasing how laughter can emerge from a shared love for trying new things, even if they come with the risk of disappointment.

Cooking is a blend of creativity and practicality, whether it's preparing a classic dish like dauphinoise potatoes or adjusting recipes based on personal taste. The emotional connections we form around food can lead to memorable experiences, just like sharing meals with friends or entertaining famous actors. Additionally, navigating the comment sections online can be overwhelming yet showcases diverse opinions on food. While criticism often overshadows praise, it reflects our complex interactions with food culture. Storytelling through food styling and preparation enhances our appreciation for culinary art, leading us to cherish those moments, flavors, and gatherings. Sharing a drink of red wine and sparkling water in a beautiful setting evokes joy and allows for reflections on experiences, making food an integral part of our lives.

The conversation playfully explores the idea of reimagining classic films and characters, like turning serious movies into comedies featuring babies, such as 'Grand Budapest Hotel' with baby actors. It humorously considers how absurdity could change famous stories, like Voldemort as a baby, or adding humor to intense tales. They share personal food experiences, discussing favorite combinations like Haribo and poor-quality wine while reminiscing about funny situations like being trapped on a train with Tangfastics. Their discussion shifts to the ideal dessert, crafting a dream chocolate mousse and cake layered dessert combined with raspberry and passion fruit flavors, showcasing their love for inventive and delicious culinary creations. Ultimately, they create a whimsical culinary fantasy filled with layers of flavors, showcasing their imagination and joy of food.

Creating a memorable dish like Cake Moose sparked a playful and creative conversation about food. The group shares ideas about their favorite dishes, challenges, and the joy of cooking. By imagining the experience of eating together and creating unique recipes, they foster a sense of camaraderie and fun in cooking. They discuss a variety of menu items including deep-fried platters, tofu dishes, and beverages, showcasing their love for food and creativity. They also humorously touch on the theme of protecting their recipes from being copied, even joking about a baby lawyer and a baby judge to add laughter to their foodie banter. This light-hearted atmosphere highlights not only the passion for unique food but also the friendship and stories that come together in the kitchen. It's a reminder of how food can bring people together and inspire creativity.