The Monsoon brings along a great relief from the scorching summer and along with it comes the season of Corn. Madhya Pradesh is well known for its quantum & quality agricultural produces like Wheat, Soybean and other oil seeds. At the same time Corn is available in abundance during the Rainy season which instigates our love for it, whether we are children or grown up individuals. 🌧☔️🌽
Last weekend I was invited along with my fellow members of Indore Bloggers Association to attend the “Corn Food Festival” organised by Papaya Tree Hotel at Rau Bypass, Indore, M.P., India.
This festival is going on from 10th through 26th August with a lavish spread of more than 50 creatively designed Corn Delicacies from Starters, Soups, Main-course & Desserts at just Rs. 333. At the very outset we were warmly welcomed at their newly launched “Effe Cafe” by the Organisers with refreshing Watermelon juice followed by the food trail, starters to begin with…
Baby Corn Satay: Satay is one of my personal favourite especially if it is made of Chicken. Never thought Baby Corn Satay could be so delicious until I had it. Perfectly marinated in the sauces, this Satay was grilled to perfection for that crispy feel outside yet soft & juicy inside.
Corn Sheekh Kabab: A delicious vegetarian Sheekh made out of desiccated Corn, Potato, Indian Herbs & Spices and baked in Tandoor. The smoky flavour indeed goes along with so well, a must try for all foodies & Corn lovers 👍🏻
Bhutte Ke Pakode: When Baby Corn is coated with gram flour batter and deep fried, the outcome is just mesmerising called as Bhutte Ke Pakode, a perfect snack to compliment a cuppa tea during the Monsoon.
Bhutte Ka Kees: If you are in Madhya Pradesh and not had this dish, probably you have missed one of the most popular dishes apart from Poha-Jalebi. Grated corn cooked in milk, topped with desiccated coconut & lime juice is indeed a comfort food that is so soul satisfying.
Mexican Corn Salad: Corn kernels tossed with Bell Peppers (Red/ Yellow/ Green), Black Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, Jalapeños, Cilantro & seasonings yields a nice crunchy spicy Mexican Salad to enjoy just like that or as an accompaniment with a meal.
Chicken Corn Black Bean Salad: Shredded Chicken seasoned with Black Bean Sauce and corn is indeed a sumptuous salad that is not only a healthy deal but also peps up your meal. A must have for all health conscious & gym goers. 💪
There was a surprise element for us as we were led outside the Cafe to their Roadside Stall with arrangements for the passers by to just pop up for the Desi Bhutta & Tandoori Chai under the colourful umbrellas. ☂️
Corn on the Cob (Sike Hue Bhutte) is an age old Desi way of having corn roasted on open charcoal flame. Finished with a rub of lime juice & salt, this basic way of eating corn is a delight to every Indian since childhood I guess. Cheese Sauce, Peri Peri, Barbecue Sauce, Cajun Spice, Lemon Butter, Lemon Garlic Rub, Chilli Garlic etc. are a few variants available to surprise your taste buds for sure. 🌽
Steamed Corn with Cheese Sauce is one of the most delicious ways of having corn with a Mexican flavour I found. The various other flavours mentioned above are also offered here with the Steamed Corn version.
Pop Corns, the all time favourite comes with the flavours like Caramel, Peri Peri, Lemon Garlic, Bhel, Toffee Sauce, Magic Masala etc.
Sipping a cuppa tea during this season after a variety of Corn preparations is a bliss. Tandoori Chai is an interesting concept that is catching up like a wild fire today. In this theatrical presentation, the earthenware glasses (kulhad) are baked in a Tandoor and the tea prepared is poured in to them so as to infuse the mud flavour for the mesmerising effect ☕️
Back in the Cafe, Potato & Corn Soup was nice with a moderate consistency that tasted like more of a comfort food to me. A bit of herb pep up or even black Pepper could add to the savour. My suggestion was to use roasted rice on top just before serving it piping hot for that crispy crunchy magic.
Tex Mex Chicken Corn Soup had an absolute reflection in its taste justifying its name derived from the Texas-Mexican Cuisine. This spicy & tangy Soup with decent chunks of chicken & corn kernels is sure to win many hearts. 😘
Corn Pesto is a delectable fusion of corn in a cheesy Pesto Sauce garnished with Basil. Although I liked the taste but one could have only a little of this dish as it saturates the mouth very easily being so rich & creamy.
Moving on to the Main Course, Corn Masala, Corn Bhurjee, Corn Stew & Corn Biryani were served. While the first two dishes were good to taste, the next two were indeed delectable. A single spoon of the Corn Biryani tasted really well composed and complete in itself not only in terms of its flavour & texture but taste as well. 😅
Ever thought of some mouth watering corn based desserts? Yes, Corn Rasmalai & Corn Rasgulla were served to us where in the blend of corn was just perfect. However, to me the Rasmalai took over Rasgulla for its rich, creamy & soft texture. 😛
Finally, time for the ratings… Ting Tong!
Ambience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Presentation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
COURTESY:
Special thanks to the owners Mr. Anand Agrawal & Mr. Sumit Sancheti for inviting us over, the Banquet Team & Chef Diptesh Dhapade of Papaya Tree Hotel for your warm hospitality in hosting us. Thank you Mr. Dipesh Agrawal from Photographyaristo for capturing the candid moments in the camera during the event. Also acknowledge the endeavour of my fellow Bloggers from Indore Bloggers Association who contributed in making this event a memorable one. We eagerly look forward for more such events to cherish.
Happy Monsoon… Bon Appetite! 🌨😄🌽
Weekend Special Cooking - Satyajeet David 