10 December,2014 07:29 AM IST | | Soma Das
For those who dig cheese, Silverspoon Gourmet is hosting physicist-turned-cheesemaker Dr Aditya Raghavan from Canada who will conduct a Mozzarella making session on December 13
Silverspoon Gourmet, cheesemaker, cheesemaking, cheese, Dr Aditya Raghavan, Mozzarella making session, cheesemaking workshop, Food special, Mumbai Guide
It was for the love of cheese that Canada-based physicist Dr Aditya Raghavan (33) taught himself the technique of making it and decided to devote himself fully to the craft. He is presently consulting and setting up handmade cheese lines with farms across India.
Poutine, a concoction from Quebec, Canada, combines crispy fries, gravy and cheese curds
This weekend, Dr Raghavan along with Mansi Jasani will instruct Mumbaikars on the various steps involved in making buffalo mozzarella. Participants will also get to taste delicious mozzarella- themed canapés.
Science of the art
Dr Raghavan shares about his tryst with cheese, "I have always loved being in the kitchen and, for as long as I can remember, I enjoyed eating a variety of cheese. A few years ago, I stumbled upon a recipe to make chèvre - a soft goat's milk cheese - on Martha Stewart's website. Seeing that it involved the use of only three ingredients (though not the easiest to find), I ventured into it and enjoyed months of making this simple cheese and improving myself over time."
A cheese platter. Representative pic
Being a scientist, he enjoys the science behind cheese making: "What drew me was the trifecta of loving to be in the kitchen, loving to eat cheese and loving science. I enjoy the complex interplay of microbial activity, acid production, changes in protein structure, and other details responsible for producing a wide spectrum of cheese styles, textures and tastes. Through this craft, the scientist in me could finally meet the cook in me."
The process of cheesemaking
He considers mozzarella to be an exciting cheese to make as it affords participants a chance to shape and mould hot, melted curd into balls, which makes for a unique experience.
Cheese call
The session is targetted at anybody who loves to cook new things. "Participants will be equipped to make mozzarella at home for their homemade pizzas or Caprese salads. Today's foodies enjoy learning new techniques, and we want to introduce them to the world of cheesemaking at home," reveals Dr Raghavan.
Dr Aditya Raghavan
He admits that the challenge in cheesemaking is to source ingredients ranging from reliable raw milk to good quality rennet (complex of enzymes) and cultures. "The inertia of sourcing ingredients dissuades most people," he admits.
He is presently helping The Cheese Collective set up their cheesemaking room in Lonavala. He will soon head to The Farm, a Chennai-based restaurant where he has helped set up a mozzarella line and he will also be working at the Munjoh Resort on Havelock Island, Andaman, helping them set up cultured dairy products for their menu.
On: December 13, 5 pm to 9 pm
At: Silverspoon Gourmet, Dhanraj Industrial Estate, Sitaram Jadhav Marg, Lower Parel.
Call: 8286044424
Cost: Rs 2,500 per head
