Lounge Loves: ‘Madhobilota', an Italian spice mix and more
I had been a fan of MasterChef Australia until George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan stepped down as judges in 2019. I resumed watching the reality cooking show only recently. The series is currently in its 17th season, with a theme that sees contestants from the previous seasons fighting for the coveted title. What I am enjoying the most is the spotlight on native Australian ingredients, and food traditions, and the recurring homage to the land. I recently came to know about Anzac biscuits, which were given to Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers during World War I as part of their rations; it seems the ingredients did not spoil easily and had a long shelf life. I am all up for biscuits that come with a dash of history.
During a recent trip, I noticed three women rummaging through aisles at Milan airport's duty-free shop. 'It's not here,' shouted one across the room. Another shouted back, 'I found it!' Intrigued, I asked what they were searching for. An Italian spice that will 'change your life', one smiled, showing her haul of 15 tin boxes. It was a mix of garlic, parsley and hot pepper spice mix. I thought she was exaggerating. Still, I still bought three. Two months in, I add that spice to everything, from eggs to raita. Its subtle chilli-ness with a sharp garlic taste hasn't changed my life but has certainly added a different kind of spice to it. —Pooja Singh
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