In conversation with a super fast gal who can cook delicious meals in minutes, a fearless driver on the busy streets of Bangalore, and above all her thirst for always learning new recipes and replicating them in her lovely kitchen. My dear sister-in-law (Bhabhi), Sushma Kothari. Sushma has introduced me to so many different South Indian dishes and has left me wanting to eat more whenever she cooks. Sushma shares her cooking techniques, how she plans her meals for the kids, favorite spots in Bangalore and her secret hot sauces. Check out her Kathi Rolls recipe that is a perfect party snack and simply delicious.
Tell us about your love for cooking?
Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bringing everyone together. No matter what culture or background you belong, people like to eat together. Families that eat together, stays together. I am a home makers and believe in giving the best to my husband and children. For me cooking good meals is an extension of my love.
Cooking healthy food has always been a priority. I grew up admiring my father’s love for cooking, my mothers everyday day wholesome food was so nutritional. My hometown Kumbakonam known as the temple town located in South India introduced me to variety of chuntney and buttermilk. I learnt that every towns food depends on the climate and the easy availability of locally grown vegetables or ingredients. I love the small places in kumbakonam where they serve meals on banana leaves. Even the simplest food is a gift.
Tell us about the South Indian cooking style?
Basic ingredients in every South Indian dish is accompanied with seasoning. When dishes are fully prepared there is a seasoning of oil, asafoetida, mustard seeds, curry leaves, dry red chili and lentils. This technique is very common in South Indian meals.
How do you plan your meals?
I believe in cooking fast. As a mother of two young kids I cannot spend all my time in the kitchen. I plan my meals a day in advance and spend like an hour to cook everyday. I cook very fast, serve hot meals and get my kids set for the day.
What do your kids like to snack on after school?
Most of the time i give them milk and fruits. I also try and give some kind of a healthy starter or chaat. Kids are always hungry after school and they want something tasty. I give them sprouts, daal, and chaat. They are healthy and filling.
Who is your inspiration in life?
My father is a master cook. I grew up seeing him cook for many family occasions. He would manage the events beautifully with adding his magic ingredients for the food to taste delicious. I am inspired by my father in law who has helped me understand small details about family and and maintaining good relationships. All my friends who belong to different communities.
You take yoga classes regularly. What do you like about your practice?
I have been practicing yoga for 8 months now and feel rejuvenated after every session . Our yoga teacher Preeti Ma’am is very motivational and inspiring. She teaches regularly at Cubbon Park. Preeti Ma’am discusses about eating healthy, raw foods, eating more salads, drinking green juices and eating less cooked food. The most important things she says is love yourself, do your pranayam and change your whole inner belief. Our teacher is amazing and I feel blessed to have her as my guru.
What is your favorite cuisine?
I am a foodie and love all different cuisines. If I had to choose then here are my favorites – Indian Chinese, Thai, Lebanese and Vietnamese.
What are your recommendations for tourist spots in Bangalore?
Bangalore is one of the most beautiful cosmopolitan city in South of India. Its famous for its satisfying dosa’s and idli’s (popular South Indian meals). People here love eating at MTR, Shivanna, Chikkanna, CTR and Vidhyarthi Bhavan.
Cubon park for kids
Vidhana Soudha
Lavelle Road for high end shopping and restaurants
Commercial street for local shopping and street food
Khao Gali Gulkand ice cream
Best grocery stores in Bangalore?
More Sahakarnagar
Nature Basket
Good food
Namadhari
What is your secret HOT sauce?
Green sauce: Grind 1 cup cilantro, 1/2 cup cucumber peels, 1 cup mint leaves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 5-6 green chilies and salt to taste.
Red Sauce: 2-3 tomatoes, 3-4 green chilies, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon oil and salt to taste. In a pan add oil to fry the green chilies, fry for 1 minute and remove it from the pan. Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and fry for 4-5 minutes. let the tomatoes and chilies cool down. Grind tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and salt together.
Top five favorite restaurants in Bangalore?