In Indian weddings, while the grandiose clothes and elaborate decorations are certainly a highlight, it is often the food that steals the show. The sumptuous spreads and diverse flavours are a testament to India’s rich culinary heritage. It was no different at the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, a dazzling affair of opulence and grandeur that left everyone in awe.
The food menu at the reception was nothing short of extraordinary. Renowned chefs from around the world were flown in to create a culinary spectacle. Among them were Chef Massimo Bottura, famous for his innovative Italian cuisine; Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, renowned for his exquisite Japanese dishes; and Chef Alain Ducasse, a maestro of French gastronomy.
With over 2,500 dishes served, the event was a gastronomic extravaganza. Celebrities from around the world indulged in the culinary delights, but it’s essential to remember that your body is the most expensive real estate you’ll ever own. Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for them.
If I were tasked with making the menu healthier, here’s how I would approach it, especially considering the Ambanis’ preference for vegetarian cuisine. Italian Cuisine Truffle Risotto (Chef Massimo Bottura) Healthier Version: Quinoa Truffle Risotto — Replaced arborio rice with quinoa to increase protein content and reduce glycemic load. Protein: 12g per serving; Carbs: 45g per serving Classic Margherita Pizza Healthier Version: Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza — Used a cauliflower crust to reduce carbs and increase fiber content.
Protein: 10g per slice; Carbs: 20g per slice Japanese Cuisine Sushi Platter (Chef Nobu Matsuhisa) Healthier Version: Brown Rice and Vegetable Sushi — Substituted white rice with brown rice and added more vegetables for fiber and vitamins. Protein: 8g per roll; Carbs: 30g per roll Tempura Healthier Version: Baked Vegetable Tempura — Baked instead of deep-fried to reduce fat content. Protein: 4g per serving; Carbs: 25g per serving French Cuisine Coq au Vin (Chef Alain Ducasse) Healthier Version: Mushroom and Lentil Coq au Vin — Replaced chicken with lentils and mushrooms to create a vegetarian version rich in protein and fiber.
Protein: 15g per serving; Carbs: 40g per serving Crème Brûlée Healthier Version: Greek Yogurt Brûlée — Used Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce fat and increase protein. Protein: 10g per serving; Carbs: 20g per serving Middle Eastern Cuisine Falafel Healthier Version: Baked Falafel — Baked instead of deep-fried to reduce fat content. Protein: 6g per serving; Carbs: 18g per serving Shawarma Healthier Version: Chickpea Shawarma — Used chickpeas instead of meat for a plant-based protein source.
Protein: 12g per serving; Carbs: 35g per serving Indian Cuisine Paneer Butter Masala Healthier Version: Tofu Butter Masala — Substituted paneer with tofu for a lower fat and higher protein content. Protein: 20g per serving; Carbs: 15g per serving Biryani Healthier Version: Quinoa Vegetable Biryani — Used quinoa instead of rice to increase protein and fiber content. Protein: 14g per serving; Carbs: 40g per serving Banarasi Chaat Healthier Version: Baked Sweet Potato Chaat — Replaced fried potatoes with baked sweet potatoes to reduce fat and increase vitamin A content.
Protein: 4g per serving; Carbs: 30g per serving Banarasi Paan Healthier Version: Herbal Banarasi Paan — Used natural sweeteners and herbs to make it a healthier, refreshing digestive treat. Protein: 1g per serving; Carbs: 10g per serving Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma Healthier Version: Multigrain Baati with Steamed Churma — Used multigrain flour for baati and steamed the churma to reduce ghee content. Protein: 12g per serving; Carbs: 35g per serving Punjabi Amritsari Kulcha Healthier Version: Whole Wheat Amritsari Kulcha — Used whole wheat flour instead of refined flour to increase fiber content.
Protein: 8g per serving; Carbs: 45g per serving South Indian Dosa and Idli Healthier Version: Millet Dosa and Idli — Used millets instead of rice to increase protein and fiber content. Protein: 6g per dosa/idli; Carbs: 20g per dosa/idli Bengali Sandesh Healthier Version: Stevia-Sweetened Sandesh — Used stevia instead of sugar to reduce calorie content. Protein: 5g per piece; Carbs: 10g per piece Transforming the luxurious menu at the wedding into a healthier feast would not only cater to the dietary preferences of the amily but also ensure that the health-conscious celebrities can indulge without compromising their fitness goals.
By substituting high-calorie ingredients with nutrient-dense alternatives and incorporating more plant-based proteins, we can create a menu that is both delectable and nourishing. This balanced approach ensures that the celebration of love and unity is complemented by a commitment to health and wellness. Comments More stories from this issue Quinoa biryani, anyone? Off-side: The wretchedness of a fourth-place finish at the Olympics O’Malley vs Dvalishvili: Battle for Bantamweight Supremacy at UFC 306 The Last Word: The quadrennial extravaganza is here, again Sunil Gavaskar: India basking in glory of Manu’s Olympic medal and Leander, Vijay’s induction into Tennis Hall of Fame Paris Olympics 2024: Manu mania grips the world, from France to India Paris Olympics 2024 Diary: An iconic signatured cap, street king Nadal to Olympic village drama Tennis stars Leander, Amritraj make it India’s day in Newport Tennis Hall of Fame CEO hails inductees Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj, explores expansion possibilities for museum India vs Sri Lanka T20I series review: Bright start to Gambhir-Suryakumar era Latest on Sportstar.
