My hubby is busy watching his crime series and I am writing down my weekly special feature on Valentine’s day Aphrodisiacs.In between his popcorn munching he notices the word Aphrodisiacs.Curiosity kills the cat and he blurts out “Is this a new movie from Mel Gibson ?” (Hmm…men will be men…that was Apocalypto…and your query is a apocalypse 😉 )
The greek goddess of Aphrodite would have never imagined how her derivative could churn up the food world by its sensuality.Ancient greek,romans were known to pursue the carnal powers as a sign of valour.But my version I feel has completely evolved from the medieval times.
The Oxford dictionary meaning :
aphrodisiac /ˌæfrəˈdɪzɪæk/ a drug,food or drink which stimulates carnal desire.
My version :
Colours, aromas, tastes and textures that tantalize the palate and challenges the mind.
Quoting FDA “There is no scientific proof that any over-the-counter aphrodisiacs work” so whether aphrodisiac is folklore is for the experts to decide.But the consumer industry echoes this unanimously and stocks up the shelves with truffles, caviar and champagne adding a touch of rarity and luxury.
I will continue to believe in the idiom that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.Love is always homemade and if its incorporated in everyday life then that’s real eroticism.Cook up a meal together this weekend while you earn your buck on weekdays.Pick up his favourite record from a yard sale or buy her a satin scarf or try your hand at homemade wine the possibilities are infinite if planned right.There are so many ingredients to an exotic meal only if you read it figuratively rather than literally.
The simple equation which underlines the theory of everything is love.
I have chosen the ingredient Asparagus for today as it is a great source of Vitamin E, which is involved in stimulating the production of hormones in both men and women.It is also a natural diuretic, helps the body get rid of excess fluids and salts. Packed with antioxidants which fight free radicals and prevent/slow down ageing. My recipe today is part greek with an indian touch hope it hit the right chord.As for alcohol here is what Shakespere advices in Macbeth: Alcohol “provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance.” 🙂
- For Asparagus
- 250 gm asparagus
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Black salt
- 25 gm Feta Cheese
- For Garlic Chutney
- Sea salt flakes
- 2 tbsp Desiccated coconut
- 4 cloves of Garlic
- 1 tbsp red chilli powder
- Blend all the ingredients in a mixer.Adjust the chilli and salt as per your taste.
- Preheat the oven or the girdle pan.
- Chop off the woody ends of the asparagus.Then place them on the tray and drizzle a little bit of olive oil.Chargrill them for 8-10 minutes.I like mine crispy.
- Then sprinkle the garlic chutney and black salt.Crumble feta on the hot asparagus.
- Have it as is or combine it with steak and mash.
- Pair it with a good white wine.
A different take on asparagus…I usually stir fry mine with minced garlic…will try your spicy version…I am sure it will hit a colourful note 🙂
Hi Bidisha, I am sure it will stir up some hormones 🙂