Ever wondered if tasty recipe videos turn out as well as they do on your screen? We got our food experts to try, and judge. Find out how they fared in the endeavour
Roxanne Bamboat, food and travel blogger, tried the Lentils and Rice with Caramelised Onions recipe. Pic/Datta Kumbhar
ADVERTISEMENT
As you scroll down your Facebook feed, the chances that a Tasty video pops up and your work routine comes to an absolute standstill are rather high. The average Tasty video is known for simplifying recipes, wherein the most complex dishes seem to be a breeze, and the end result is straight from a chef's table. But, is the Tasty recipe as fool-proof as it looks?
We sent out a list - six recent picks from Tasty's video feed - and asked four experts in the city to give them a shot. Just so that you know what to do, and what to change, when you take to Tasty at home:
The dish cooked and prepared by Bamboat
Tried out: Lentils and rice with caramelised onions
The recipe: The recipe was simple enough, but we'd have to keep in mind that it is for non-Indian viewers. I had to initially figure out which lentils the video referred to - green (moong) or brown (masoor). The video starts out with green ones that later turn brown; I figured masoor it was. The recipe also doesn't tell you how long to soak the lentils or the rice since tinned lentils are often used abroad. It may seem exotic to Western viewers, but, come on, it's masoor dal and rice, for us.
The dish: This was a nice vegetarian option and a healthy one from Tasty, considering most of their recipes include cheese and meat. And, it didn't involve baking either, a process that Tasty videos usually include.
Overall, however, I found this dish to be a little bland. It uses cinnamon, cumin and bay leaf for flavouring; personally, I would have preferred stronger flavours. A teaspoon of cumin just won't do for us.
Food video radar: I watch tons of food recipe videos online. I watch our for healthier options and specific ingredients, such as pumpkin, so I go to Domestic Geek or Laura and the Kitchen. This is my favourite recipe from Tasty.
Juhu resident Sapna Salins with the Frozen Sandwich with Baked Omelettes. Pics/Satej Shinde
Tried out: Frozen sandwich with baked omelettes
The recipe: The recipe is innovative and comes with three variations - ham, bacon and assorted meat patty. I used kheema instead of assorted mince. While the recipe was simple, the proportion for milk could confuse viewers. One cup milk needs to be translated into milliliters. It showed an interesting way to bake an omelette in bulk in a tray.
The Tasty Video result
The dish: As the milk measurement was off, I didn't get the same golden crispy top on the omelette as the video has. However, since these sandwiches are meant to be frozen, I think it's a great idea for children when they want an evening snack after school or if you have to prepare for a party at home. It may not be the healthiest option, but it uses less oil than regular omelettes. You could also switch the patty to a vegetarian one.
Food video radar: One of my favourite channels is Hebbar's Kitchen
Vinay Lohar Entrepreneur and home chef. Pics/Datta Kumbhar
Tried out: Lighter chicken korma
The recipe: Unlike the chicken korma that we find in the subcontinent, this one uses very little cream. We are used to adding cashew paste or coconut milk, which makes korma rich. And, since the recipe uses olive oil, instead of sunflower or groundnut oil, there is also no caramelising onions.
Lighter chicken korma
The dish: The korma is more in the manner of a stew or soup. Tasty recommends that it is paired with basmati rice, and, while we are used to having it with naan, this was actually right. It is a light dish, suitable both for our humid summers and monsoons. I am sure youngsters will like it. And, though it is attuned for the Western palate, the spice is mild but enough in this variation. I'd add some olives or gherkins to it and reduce the spices too.
Food video radar: I usually search on YouTube according to international cuisines. One of my favourite channels is Yellow Saffron. Tasty videos are pretty crisp but you often feel the need to slow down to understand the steps
Nicole Mody Author and food curator. Pic/Bipin kokate
Tried out: Caramelised banana peanut butter cheesecake rolls
The recipe: I chose this dish because I prefer recipes that are challenging and complex. I make cheesecakes and was curious about this recipe since it was a no-bake one. I timed it correctly - you need to go to the full recipe link that accompanies the video for details since the video doesn't have them all.
The step that drove me nuts, since I am a perfectionist, was the caramel sauce. I had to attempt it thrice before I got it right. I also made the half-and-half from scratch with milk and cream instead of the readymade one they used.
Caramelised banana peanut butter cheesecake rolls
The dish: It was very heavy! It is essentially frosting on biscuit , and while the kids might love it, I am not a fan. It uses 24 ounces of Philly cheese which is a lot. I think I might go with a variation of it which blitzes all the ingredients along with egg and is baked as a pudding. On that note, I believe a no-bake cheesecake is no cheesecake at all.
Food video radar: I am obsessed with food videos and save them routinely to watch later. Tasty has some of the best. The music is really fun and they are artistically shot.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
