Chef Rick Stein travels the Indian sub-continent in his new BBC TV Series as he goes in search of the perfect curry, which starts at 9pm Monday 17 June 2013 on BBC Two.
In the visual and culinary feast, the chef who is well known for his love of seafood, traverses India cooking and sampling various dishes along the way. Stein scours the Indian sub-continent for original recipes, unique spices and fresh ingredients in the new 6 part TV series that was first announced over a year ago.
He uncovers the origins of truly authentic dishes as he begins his Indian journey in the buzzing metropolis of Kolkata with its ethnic and British inspired dishes. He continues down India’s East coast to discover the traditional temple cuisine of Tamil Nadu, simple fare produced on the houseboats of Kerala and regal Rajasthan delights.
It’s ironic that Rick Stein goes in search of the perfect curry dish as curry has now surpassed the traditional fish and chips combo to become Britain’s favourite dish! Stein has established himself as the most respected fish evangelist on the British ‘celebrity chef’ circuit. Padstow in Cornwall is home to his four restaurants, deli, bistro and café, which serves up fantastic fish and chips (I’d go so far as to say the best I have ever tasted!)
With over 20 books under his belt, Rick Stein is also a welcome regular on the BBC. In fact his first appearance was in Keith Floyd’s ‘Floyd on Fish’ in 1985 where the inimitable Floyd kept calling him ‘Nick’. He has since gone on to present more than 25 TV series, tasting and cooking his way around France, Spain and the Far East. Rick Stein’s India sees him take in Calcutta, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and The Punjab.
Rick Stein has also said on his Twitter feed that he cooks biryani, aloo gobi and also meets the Dali Lama. He has also posted a series of twitpics from Pondicherry, Alleppey, Chennai, Mumbai, Madurai, and Himachal Pradesh where he posts his photo taken with the Dalai Lama.
Food and travel enthusiasts will be in their element as India’s colourful cultures and fascinating history comes to life. Watch out for the final episode in which six of best curry dishes from Stein’s journey will be put to a panel of curry experts in Bradford. How will it compare to Britain’s national curry dish, the Chicken Tikka Masala?
It’s a tough call but I’d be more than willing to give it a go: my love of curry is legendary!
