Actor Tarana Raja, who will next be seen in the Aamir Khan starrer Sitaare Zameen Par, exults, “They really know how to look after their cast and crew. During lunch time, we all felt pampered.” At home too, Tarana pampers herself by eating what she wants to, albeit in what she deems a balanced manner. Besides being an actor, Tarana is a podcaster, writer, television anchor, radio host, and a connoisseur of good food.
First thing I have in the morning: Haldi, ginger, pepper, and salt. Boil in water and strain. Add lemon juice and drink! Then I eat soaked almonds, egg whites, and toast.
My dietary preference: I am non-vegetarian, but I largely eat only chicken and loads of veggies. No red meat. I love a good Thai curry, dimsums, and a non-sweet butter chicken! I can also eat mom’s homemade dosas morning, noon, and night.
My lunch is: Typically two chapatis, steamed veggies, and a dal/soybeans/paneer.
In the evenings I have: Egg whites and upma or sabudana khichdi or poha.
My dinner is: Rice, chicken, and steamed veggies.
My fitness regimen: I do strength training three to four times a week and focus on stretching and cardio for one or two days.
My favourite desserts: Dark chocolate with hazelnuts is my weakness. I also love kulfi, rasmalai, and gulab jamun.
Foods I consciously have for health reasons: I throw in as much protein and fibre as I can daily.
Foods I consciously avoid for health reasons: Sweets... unless it’s my favourite!
The dish I cook the best: Most of my favourite chicken dishes!
My favourite cooks in my family: Mom and my sister. Everything they make is spot on!
One dish cooked by me that is the favourite of my mom: Cheese omelette.
My favourite restaurants: Couqley, a French restaurant in Dubai; Izumi; Olive to go out to in Mumbai; Jai Hind Lunch Home to order in!
My idea of a romantic meal: I love small plates*, wine, and the ocean next to me. Lighting has to be on point. No top light, please!(*Small portions of a variety of foods)
On the sets of Sitaare Zameen Par: The food was superb. There was Indian and South Indian food, nuts, and cut fruits. They had live counters so the food was fresh and hot.
As a child my favourite food was: Kacchi bhindi, according to my mother! But mostly I ate aloo and chicken—no veggies. I blame mom for not being stricter! But I’ve become much healthier as I’ve grown older.
The weirdest food I have ever had: I tried kangaroo and emu bird meat in Australia. Never again!
My favourite beverage: Tea.
My favourite drink: Wine and espresso. Martinis for when I’m in the mood to party!
My dietary tip: Please balance your meals! All meals must have protein, fibre, and limited carbs. There is no reason to do weird crash diets if you eat in moderation. I eat everything I want to.
My Favourite Recipe: I’m giving a recipe for the topping. Order the pizza, add my topping. I’m sharing a variation of the Aglio Olio sauce which my sister taught me—it makes a basic pizza super exciting!
Recipe for Aglio Olio sauce |
Recipe for Aglio Olio sauce
Ingredients:
5 to 6 tablespoons olive oil (or as required)
20 cloves fresh garlic (crushed or finely chopped)
Oregano as per taste
Red chilli flakes as per taste
Salt as required
Handful of fresh basil leaves (torn)
Method:
Lightly heat the olive oil in a pan. Add garlic, oregano, chilli flakes, and salt. Sauté continuously on a low flame for 3 to 4 minutes—don’t burn the garlic. Remove from flame. While sizzling, add the basil leaves as the oil cools down. Evenly pour this sauce on top of your plain pizza and enjoy. It tastes yum.
