Latest news with #Mediterranean
Mint
an hour ago
- Business
- Mint
This new Ahmedabad restaurant puts a fresh spin on clean eating
Ahmedabad's F&B scene is flourishing, and is driven by a young, affluent population, a growing appetite for new culinary experiences, and the presence of varied restaurants, cafes, and pop-up experiences. In the midst of this bustling setup stands Union, a contemporary vegetarian restaurant that aims to shake things up by spotlighting clean eating. Founded by Harshvardhan Sheth and Ishit Patel, the kitchen is helmed by the renowned chef-restaurateur couple Viraf Patel and Prakriti Lama Patel. 'The dining scene in Ahmedabad is evolving rapidly. The amount of exposure and travelling means people are not stuck to traditional cuisine," Prakriti says. 'Our market research revealed a massive shift; people here are now much more open to new tastes and varied flavours." Ahmedabad is still finding its footing in the realm of clean and conscious eating, but there's a growing curiosity for food that is lighter, more ingredient-driven, and transparent in its sourcing. The two founders chose to partner with Viraf and Prakriti on account of past experiences and 'memorable meals at restaurants like Olive, Smoke House Deli and The Salt House". Born and raised in Kolkata, Sheth has an MBA in finance and is working towards completing his chartered accountancy course. Patel, who has studied engineering and worked in advertising, has always felt most at home in a kitchen. 'The demand for pure vegetarian cuisine remains consistently high in the city, supported by a strong local customer base and a growing number of tourists," Sheth says. The menu draws inspiration from European classics with hints of simple Mediterranean and Asian flavours — all reimagined through a local lens. 'I trained and apprenticed in Switzerland, and my cuisine is steeped in traditional European-style techniques. So the dishes differ from traditional Indian offerings, which are typically more focused on the process that creates the sauce (dal or gravy)," says Viraf. In European cooking, the protein is always the star and is complemented by the starch and the veggies, he informs. Prakriti adds they decided to use the European concept and focus on the vegetables as the star. 'We use various processes and textures to let them shine. For example, in the carrots with tamarind yogurt, oven-roasting brings out the sweetness of the carrots, the charring adds another taste profile, and the sour yogurt balances the sweetness," says Viraf. The idea was to allow people to taste the vegetables in a different manner, as they are meant to be, 'not masked in spices and curry". Viraf and Prakriti have worked across India and internationally. They opened Across, a Mumbai restaurant that focuses on the flavours of the Himalayas last year, and Oito, which celebrates the harvest of the sea and the land, in Goa recently. 'We've been consciously incorporating seasonal produce, everything from vibrant heirloom tomatoes and peak-season pumpkin to fresh, local fruits. We are now working with local sitara chillies to make a Middle Eastern-style chilli paste with oil and garlic that we will use on our chilli cheese toast," he says. The menu is also designed considering how people eat today, a preference for smaller plates that allows for variety and sharing: truffle and mushroom arancini, spice-dusted corn ribs, jalapeno, cheddar and lemongrass cutlets, crispy spring rolls, and water chestnut wontons are a few. There's a lot to choose from. A corn and kaffir lime soup that blends classic French techniques with bold Asian flavours, a roasted beetroot carpaccio featuring a creamy goat milk feta alongside vibrant orange segments, sweet potato noodle salad, and jalapeño cheddar and lemongrass cutlets with Thai spices. A congee risotto marries the traditional risotto and comforting congee, infused with spicy, crunchy, and fresh elements. For dessert, a crispy stroopwafel comes with a custard cream base, and is topped with seasonal fruit, which is currently mango. Special attention is also given to heirloom rice varieties of the region, reinforcing their philosophy of celebrating local bounty. The chef offers his take on what would be the ideal meal at Union — 'I'd start with the chickpea hummus served with our stone-baked homemade pita —simple, fresh, and full of flavour. I'd move on to the crispy stroopwafel paired with arugula and smoked scamorza. For mains, the Union Lasagne with lentil bolognese is a hearty, comforting choice. And to finish, an indulgent chocolate and tofu mousse." The restaurant is currently working on collaborations with local artists and designers to celebrate the ethos of the space. They will also host chef's tables bringing in guest chefs. Prakriti says Ahmedabad's vegetarian culture offered an opportunity to reimagine what vegetarian dining could be — bold, creative, and inspiring.'Our aim was to create food that feels both comforting and surprising — familiar ingredients presented in unexpected ways." Teja Lele writes on travel and lifestyle.
Kyodo News
3 hours ago
- Health
- Kyodo News
Japanese diet may help in fight against depression, study shows
KYODO NEWS - 4 hours ago - 09:55 | All, Japan The rate of depressive symptoms was lower among working-age people who consume a Japanese-style diet including rice, miso soup and fish, the first study of its kind recently showed. The Japan Institute for Health Security assessed the benefits of a traditional "Japanese-style diet" comprising of soy products, cooked vegetables, mushrooms, fish, seaweed, and green tea, along with a modified version that added fruit, fresh vegetables and dairy products. While there are few studies on the Japanese diet's impact on mental health, such assessments of the Mediterranean diet -- which consists of vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and fish -- and depression have previously been conducted, the institute said. "Further research is required, but we hope the evidence shown among Japanese people can be used for public health measures in workplaces and areas concerning the prevention of depression," it said in a press release. The self-reported study was conducted among 12,499 employees from five companies, of whom 88 percent were male with an average age of 42.5 years. A total of 30.9 percent of the cohort exhibited depressive symptoms, but those who followed a typical Japanese diet were found to be less likely to do so. The researchers made efforts to isolate other potential factors that could influence the results. The institute said certain foods in the diet could be linked to improved well-being. Seaweed, soy products and the folic acid in vegetables assist in releasing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, while oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids has anti-inflammatory effects. Related coverage: FEATURE: Cactus tempura? Japanese tuck into prickly pear superfood International culinary experts discover the flavors of Kagawa Japanese restaurants, food companies switching to noodles from rice
Times
3 hours ago
- Times
What to plant for summer scent
As I walk around my garden (and any I'm visiting) I will naturally open up my nostrils to 'full intake' setting. The best gardens are immersive, tickling all the senses, and scent can mark each season almost as clearly as sight. In autumn there's an earthiness, in spring a freshness and winter brings many scented plants into flower to cut through the crisp air. Summer has a different identity in the fragrance department: headier, richer and more lingering perhaps, with some perfumes taking us back to childhood or transporting us around the world. Jasmine does it all for me. When I smell the common jasmine I am taken back to a holiday in Tunisia (how exotic in the 1970s!) where one balmy evening all the children were adorned with a jasmine garland. The fragrance and evening will stay with me for ever. It was a different jasmine — Jasminum sambac, commonly called Arabian jasmine and the national flower of Tunisia — but the scent is close enough. • The 9 best plants for a Mediterranean garden look this summer Summer scent is often enjoyed in the evenings, as many plants pump out their offerings after dusk to attract the moths that pollinate them. There are hundreds of wonderfully fragrant roses (including my rambler 'Paul's Himalayan musk', which is wafting its unmissable scent in every direction), but I'm sticking to others for this piece as there are many to fill your nostrils, and in a small garden just one or two should do the job nicely. There are a few, some hardier than others. The hardiest is the common jasmine (Jasminum officinale), which is fast-growing, a little unruly perhaps, but great for growing over a pergola or shed. J officinale 'Devon cream' is smaller (3m in height and spread), but the creamy white flowers are a bit larger and highly scented too. Trachelospermum jasminoides (commonly called star jasmine) is not a jasmine at all but still a great evergreen climber with a similar fragrance. Again, a huge range (make sure you buy ones with scent as they don't all have it), but you can't beat Lilium regale, which grows to 1.5m and carries huge trumpet-shaped, fully perfumed flowers that alone will fill a small space. Plant bulbs from early autumn to mid spring. Be mindful it is toxic to cats. • The best plants for full-sun in hot weather A lovely evergreen, silver-leafed shrub reaching 4m in height and spread. In summer it delivers clusters of yellow flowers that smell distinctly of pineapple. Grows best against the warmth and protection of a south-facing wall. I've inherited a few and wow, their scent is fabulous. Vase-shaped shrubs. Philadelphus 'Virginal' is the most statuesque form (height 3m x spread 2.5m) with double white flowers; P 'Belle étoile' is more compact (height 1.2m x spread up to 2m) — ideal for the smaller garden with an arching wide habit and masses of simple, open white flowers with an orange tinge and a wonderful scent. • The garden designer's favourite roses for summer scent Perennials with a sweet to spicy scent. There are plenty of varieties to go for, including paniculata 'eventide' with mauve blooms that stand out in the evening light and 'Franz Schubert' with soft pink flowers. There are annual phlox varieties too with good scent. Loose climbers, essential in a cottage garden. There are many to choose from; one of my favourites is Lonicera periclymenum 'Serotina' for its creamy white flowers with a dark purple streak giving a two-tone look overall. It has a classic honeysuckle scent and flowers longer and later than others, sometimes from July through to October. If it gets out of hand and turns into a bird's nest, cut it back quite hard in spring to rejuvenate it. You may miss out on its flowers for a year, but it'll be back. A star plant for evening scent, this tall, statuesque biennial has sprays of elegant, white, drooping trumpet-shaped flowers that deliver a sweet jasmine aroma. Sow seed in spring for flowers the following year or buy in pots — it's not too late to plant out now. Height 1.5m x spread 60cm. • The best fast-growing climbing plants and garden structures A biennial with large, lemon-scented yellow flowers on tall, purple-tinged stems that open at dusk to fill the evening garden with fragrance. Sow two every year to ensure self-seeding and reliable flowering every summer. Grow in plenty of sun on free-draining, even poor soil. The showy evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa) has pink or white flowers. Ah, the scent of summer. Sweet and airy fragrance and ideal for cut flowers to bring into the house. Climbing annual plants reach about 2m in height. Sow seed October to February or buy in pots ready to go in spring. Lathyrus odoratus 'Cupani' (two-tone with maroon upper petals and violet wings), the original, was introduced in 1699 and has a fabulous scent. Huge range of colours available.
Irish Times
4 hours ago
- General
- Irish Times
Greek-style halloumi skewers
Serves : 4 Course : Dinner Cooking Time : 5 mins Prep Time : 5 mins Ingredients 450g halloumi 1 jar or pack of marinated Mediterranean vegetables (aubergine, peppers, artichoke, courgette) 3tbs olive oil Handful fresh flat parsley, chopped Sea salt and black pepper 200g Greek yoghurt 4 flatbreads Preheat a barbecue to a high heat. Cut the halloumi cheese into large, even cube shapes and add to a large mixing bowl. Cut the marinated vegetables into bite-size pieces, roughly the same size as the halloumi, and add to the bowl along with some olive oil, black pepper and chopped parsley and mix to evenly combine. Place the halloumi and veg on to metal skewers, alternating between halloumi pieces and vegetables. Place the skewers on to a barbecue on a high heat and cook for one to two minutes before rotating the skewers 90 degrees and cooking for another one to two minutes. Continue until the four sides of the halloumi blocks are nicely charred and soft, then remove from the barbecue and place on a serving platter. The flatbreads can be warmed briefly on the barbecue. Garnish the skewers with some more chopped parsley and serve with some seasoned Greek yoghurt and the warmed flatbreads.
Roya News
5 hours ago
- Climate
- Roya News
Hot weather grips Jordan ahead of expected cooling early July
The latest weather maps from ArabiaWeather indicate that the Jordan will remain under the influence of a hotter-than-usual air mass over the next two days, due to the extension of a high-pressure system centered over northern Saudi Arabia. Forecasts suggest that temperatures on Saturday and Sunday will remain 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages, bringing relatively hot to hot conditions during the daytime across most regions, while nights are expected to remain mild. Cooler Start to July According to updated weather models, a notable drop in temperatures is expected on Tuesday, the first day of July. This change is attributed to the incursion of an upper-level trough over the region, driven by a deepening low-pressure system over the Black Sea and Turkey. The result will be a flow of cooler air into the eastern Mediterranean basin, including Jordan. Consequently, temperatures are expected to return to their seasonal norms by midweek, ushering in more moderate summer conditions across the Kingdom with no heatwaves in sight.
