Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor recently shared a heartwarming and nostalgic glimpse into his childhood, revealing the first dish that left a lasting impression on his palate. The revelation came during a candid family conversation on the popular OTT series, 'Dining with the Kapoors'.
A Taste of Childhood: Ranbir's Core Memory
While discussing cherished family memories and culinary delights, Ranbir Kapoor pinpointed his first core memory of food. The actor fondly recalled that it was his grandmother's special preparation of Mac and Cheese. He added a charming detail, noting that his grandmother used to refer to the dish simply as 'Baked'. Ranbir described the traditional method she employed, which involved cooking it on an open mud chulha (clay stove) and finishing it with a flavourful tadka (tempering) of ghee.
To this, his cousin, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, chimed in with a cultural context. She remarked that in Indian households of that era, any baked dish was considered a rather posh and special affair, highlighting the unique status this comfort food held in their family.
Recreating the Magic: Easy Mac & Cheese Recipes
Inspired by Ranbir's nostalgic memory, here are two simple ways to recreate this creamy delight at home, blending Indian touches with the classic recipe.
Stovetop Mac and Cheese with an Indian Tadka
This method creates a rich, restaurant-style sauce on your stovetop. Ingredients you will need include 1 cup macaroni, 1 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida), salt, black pepper, 1 cup blanched mixed vegetables (like corn or broccoli), oregano, 2 tbsp ghee, and 1 tsp chilli flakes.
Method: Begin by boiling the macaroni in salted water until it is al dente, then drain it. In a separate pan, melt butter on a low flame and whisk in the flour for about half a minute. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat, add the shredded cheese and blanched veggies, and stir until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix in the boiled macaroni until it's well-coated. For the final Indian flourish, heat ghee in a small pan, add chilli flakes, and pour this aromatic tadka over the prepared dish before serving.
Quick Microwave Mac and Cheese
For a speedy single-serving version, try this microwave method. You will need ½ cup macaroni, ½ cup water, ¼ cup milk, ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or processed), and salt and pepper to taste.
Method: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the macaroni, water, and a pinch of salt. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, pausing to stir every minute and adding a little extra water if it looks dry. Once the pasta is soft, drain any excess water. Stir in the milk and shredded cheese. Microwave again for 30-40 seconds until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Give it a final stir, season with pepper, and enjoy immediately.
The Bhatt Connection: Alia's Family Recipe
Interestingly, Ranbir's wife, actress Alia Bhatt, also has a strong family connection to this classic dish. In her YouTube series 'In My Mama's Kitchen', Alia learned to make her favourite Mac and Cheese from her mother, Soni Razdan. She confessed she had been wanting to learn this recipe from her mom for over two years.
Alia shared Soni Razdan's expert tip to prevent the butter from burning: add a dash of olive oil to the pan before the butter. The recipe involves making a roux with butter and flour (maida), whisking in milk until lump-free, and then adding grated cheddar cheese, nutmeg powder, salt, and black pepper. The cooked pasta is mixed into this thick sauce, transferred to a baking dish, topped with more cheese, and baked for 5-7 minutes for a golden finish.
This delightful crossover of family stories from the Kapoor and Bhatt households showcases how a simple dish like Mac and Cheese can hold profound sentimental value, connecting generations through the universal language of food and love.
