Alfred Hitchcock's non-film obession

In 2012, Alfred Hitchcock's (1899-1980) Vertigo finally dislodged Citizen Kane as the best film ever made. Hitchcock's obsession with detail in his filmmaking is legendary. This ranged from his attention to the minutest details in his script, the costumes of his leading ladies (usually blondes), the visuals (he visualized his script to the last detail before shooting), the music (only Bernard Hermann could create that unmistakable sound of dread). It can be argued that it was Hitchcock who brought the director firmly into the forefront from behind the shadows of the producer.

But what did Hitchcock obsess about outside films? Turns out is was - food.  As can be expected from Hitchcock, he had specific likes, dislikes and even fears. He was horrified of  raw eggs (blood was a better option), yet the Quiché Lorraine (egg pastry with a ham filling) was his favorite. Other favorites include foie gras (which he ate straight from the can), dover sole (which was imported from England during his Hollywood years), and fine wine (only his select guests got a tour of his famous wine cellar).

But more than his tastes,  it is Hitchcock's enormous appetite which is legendary. In a delightful interview about his dinner with Hitchcock, Mel Brooks  remembers his amazement as Hitchcock easily downed a shrimp cocktail, a two inch thick sirloin steak, a tomato salad, a baked potato, asparagus with hollandaise dressing, and two bowls of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.  But then, he- repeated the entire order- as  he still feeling slightly "peckish". In a typical Hitchcockian twist, at the end of this two course - five course meal, he drank his coffee black to keep the calories down!   

Food was his solace, obsession and lifelong friend. Indeed, as Hitchcock remarked "cinema to me is not a slice of life, but a piece of cake"

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Narendra Modi's khichdi

As India watches its new prime minister Narendra Modi with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, several articles have surfaced detailing his lifestyle. It is impossible to check the veracity of these articles, but Modi himself discusses his simple vegetarian food habits, and his preference for "khichdi" in the following interview (in Hindi).

Thanks to Modi, the humble khichdi is a now front pager.  Khichdi*; a mushy mix of rice and lentils is a comfort food for many Indians. It's closest American counterpart would probably be the peanut butter and jelly sandwich; simple yet wholesome and satisfying. This comparison is only for clarity's sake, and must go no further. The khichdi has a long history, and can be traced back to the writings of visitors to India in the 17th century, and also figured in the Mughal lore (16th century) . Khichdi is also a recommended food in the Ayurveda diet. While the khichdi has undergone several variations over time, with spices, nuts, raisins and, vegetables finding their way into it, it's simplest -rice and lentil- version is the one worth discussing here.

Khichdi is easily digestible, uses very little spice (except salt and turmeric), and is therefore a food recommended for both invalids, and on the other end of the spectrum as the first solid food for babies. As with everything traditional, the simple exterior of khichdi conceals its innate goodness. The rice and lentil combination of the khichdi provides several essential nutrients like protein, fiber, iron, amino acids etc. making it a complete protein. Add a blob of clarified butter, and a side of yogurt and vegetables to get a wholesome meal. See the recipe below along with some serving suggestions.

An interesting article article about the various adaptations (even royal) can be found here.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khichdi
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