Ep 3. Episode 3

Food Safari is a popular Australian cooking show which takes its viewers on a culinary journey around the world, exploring various cuisines and the stories behind them. In Season 4, Episode 3, we follow the presenter Maeve O'Meara as she embarks on a journey to discover the flavors of India.

The episode begins with Maeve visiting an Indian grocery store, where she explores the vast array of spices, grains, and other ingredients used in Indian cooking. She then meets with Chef Adam D'Sylva, who demonstrates how to make a classic Indian dish - biryani. Biryani is a rice based dish which originated in India and is traditionally made with meat, rice, and fragrant spices. Chef Adam shows Maeve how to layer the ingredients in a pot and cook it on a low flame, resulting in a delicious and aromatic dish.

Next, Maeve visits a restaurant owned by renowned Indian celebrity chef, Sanjeev Kapoor. Chef Kapoor gives Maeve a crash course in Indian street food, particularly the dishes that are popular in Mumbai. Maeve gets to sample a range of dishes such as pav bhaji - a spicy vegetable curry served with bread, and vada pav - a vegetarian patty served between two pieces of bread, similar to a burger. Chef Kapoor also shares the story behind his success and how his passion for Indian cuisine has led him to become a global icon.

Maeve then travels to the southern state of Kerala, known for its coconut-based cuisine. She meets with Chef Rossario Gomes who shows her how to make a popular seafood dish - fish moilee. Fish moilee is made with coconut milk, a range of spices, and a variety of fish. Chef Rossario lets Maeve in on the secret behind the perfect balance of flavors in this dish - the use of tamarind to cut through the richness of the coconut milk.

Back in Mumbai, Maeve visits a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, where she learns about the significance of food in Indian culture. The temple has a unique tradition of preparing prasad - an offering made to the deity which is also served to devotees. Maeve gets to taste a range of prasad dishes such as modak - a sweet dumpling made with rice flour and coconut filling, and besan ladoo - a sweet made from chickpea flour and sugar.

The episode ends with Maeve visiting a spice market in Old Delhi, where she meets with a spice-seller who shares his knowledge about the various spices used in Indian cooking. She then visits a restaurant that serves food from the northern state of Punjab, where she gets to try classic Punjabi dishes such as tandoori chicken and butter chicken.

Overall, this episode of Food Safari is a rich and vibrant exploration of the diverse and flavorful world of Indian cuisine. Maeve's journey through the different regions and the stories behind the dishes make for a compelling and informative viewing experience. Anyone who loves food, or is curious about the intricacies of Indian cooking, will definitely enjoy watching this episode.