Article about my books in THE HINDU METRPLUS 3/11/07

Bridget White’s earlier books, “The Best of Anglo-Indian Cuisine – A Legacy”, “A Collection of Anglo Indian Roasts, Casseroles and Bakes”, and “Flavours of the Past”, were largely influenced by South In dian flavours. For her new book, “Anglo Indian Delicacies”, Bridget, born and brought up in Kolar Gold Fields, has included favourites from North India and Kolkata.

The book features old favourites such as pork bhooni, the Portuguese devil curry, which as the name suggests is fiery with chillies, and Fish Kedegeree, (an anglicised kitchri, a rice and lentil dish) among other things.

Bridget’s father, Sydney White, served in the REME during World War II and he would tell stories of his Army days and the glorious camp soup. The book includes regimental recipes such as camp soup, Bengal Lancers shrimp curry, one eyed Jack and boiled mutton chops. The recipes are simple and can be tried with easily available ingredients.

With the festive season upon us, the second book, “The Anglo Indian Festive Hamper” is just the ticket. The book is a collection of popular Anglo-Indian festive goodies such as cakes, sweets, puddings, sandwiches, preserves and home-made wines. The cakes section is exhaustive. From the rich plum cake to yule log, the walnut cake to the fruit mince pies, the list is endless. Then there are different kinds of icing. Besides, there are Easter eggs, hot cross buns, kalkals, rose cookies, marzipan, fritters, marshmallows, fudge, toffees, puddings, blancmange, cookies, pancakes, marmalades and preserves. These books are a sure way of surprising family and friends with a treat that’s easy to cook.

For copies contact Bridget at 0091 80 25504137 / +91 98455 71254
bridgetkumar@yahoo.com

TANGY FISH CURRY (FISH COOKED WITH TAMARIND


Serves 6 Preparation Time 45 minutes

1 kg good fleshy fish cut into slices
½ cup thick tamarind juice extracted from a lime size ball of tamarind
2 big onions chopped finely
2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
½ cup ground coconut or 1 cup of coconut milk
3 teaspoons chilly powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
2 teaspoons coriander powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons oil

Wash the fish well and fry it lightly to make it firm. Heat the oil in a shallow vessel and fry the onions till golden brown. Add the ginger garlic paste, chilly powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and a little water and fry well for some time. Add the coconut, salt, tamarind juice and some more water and bring to boil. Add the fish and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes till the fish is cooked. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and slit green chilies