Podcast Summary: Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster – Episode 284: Meera Sodha

Introduction

In Episode 284 of Off Menu, hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome celebrated chef and cookbook author Meera Sodha into their whimsical dream restaurant. The concept of the show revolves around guests selecting their ultimate dream meal, encompassing starters, main courses, side dishes, desserts, and drinks. This episode delves deep into Meera Sodha’s culinary journey, her acclaimed cookbooks, and her personal experiences with food and cooking.

Discussion of Cookbooks: "East" and "Dinner"

Meera Sodha shines a spotlight on her beloved cookbooks, East and her latest release, Dinner. She enthusiastically praises East for its accessible vegetarian and vegan recipes that deliver both simplicity and flavor.

Meera Sodha (05:23): "The sauce as well, just the tahini, the chili oil, the vinegar and the soy together with noodles. You could just have that. But with the shiitake mushrooms and Szechuan peppercorns... What a recipe that is."

James shares how East has become a staple in celebrity circles, highlighting its popularity among comedians and public figures.

James Acaster (05:00): "I don't think I've even had a cookbook recommended to me, let alone multiple times."

Transitioning to her new book, Dinner, Meera explains its personal significance, detailing how it helped her rediscover her passion for cooking during a challenging period in her life.

Meera Sodha (07:17): "I wrote the book following quite a difficult period in my life where I fell out of love with cooking and food... dinner is really. It's actually quite a joyful book because it's all the recipes that I cooked that allowed me to come back to myself."

Favorite Recipes and Ingredients

The conversation shifts to Meera’s favorite dishes and ingredients. Ed Gamble reminisces about his favorite lemon meringue tart from Elio’s, while James introduces his dream starter: pani puri—a beloved Indian street food.

Ed Gamble (63:06): "My dream pudding is a lemon meringue tart... super thin, beautiful pastry... real whippy sort of meringue on the top."

Ed Gamble (30:00): "So my dream starter is pani puri. It's like the Indian equivalent of a flaming sambuka, but without the alcohol or flames."

Meera elaborates on the complexity and balance of flavors in pani puri, emphasizing its sweet, sour, and salty profile.

Meera Sodha (30:13): "It's a crispy, crunchy, sweet, sour, salty, like textural sensation that could go wrong."

Personal Stories and Experiences

Meera shares poignant anecdotes about her culinary journey, including a transformative moment when her husband, Hugh, encouraged her to cook a meal amidst her creative slump.

Meera Sodha (11:02): "I kind of had to refind my pleasure. And so I just promised myself that I would start to cook again because that's what this dahl... could feel like. It was almost like... you feel great all of a sudden."

Ed and James contribute with humorous stories about their own culinary mishaps and experiences, adding depth and relatability to the discussion.

Food-Related Anecdotes and Banter

The episode is peppered with lighthearted banter, including discussions about unusual cooking methods, favorite ingredients, and playful teasing about each other's food preferences. A memorable moment involves an animated exchange about camels and their milk, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and humor.

James Acaster (18:34): "When you rode the camel, was it the one hump or two? And did you sit in the middle of the two humps?"

Meera adeptly navigates the conversation, maintaining a balance between insightful culinary discussions and entertaining anecdotes.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Meera solidify their dream menu, highlighting the harmonious blend of dishes discussed throughout the conversation. They also share mutual appreciation for each other's culinary insights and look forward to future collaborations.

James Acaster (72:14): "I'd like to... I'd have all of that. Which is rare, but that sounds great."

Meera extends an invitation to listeners to explore her cookbook Dinner and embrace the joy of cooking as she has.

Meera Sodha (76:08): "Do go and buy a copy of Dinner by Mira Sodha. It is looking like it's going to be my new thing, James."

Notable Quotes

• Meera Sodha (07:17): "Dinner is really. It's actually quite a joyful book because it's all the recipes that I cooked that allowed me to come back to myself and back to the kitchen and back to cooking step by step, meal by meal."

• James Acaster (30:13): "It's a crispy, crunchy, sweet, sour, salty, like textural sensation that could go wrong."

• Ed Gamble (63:06): "The closest I've come to it is the River Cafe. They do an astounding lemon tart, which is beauty and grace."

Final Thoughts

Episode 284 of Off Menu offers listeners a delightful blend of culinary expertise, personal storytelling, and comedic interplay. Meera Sodha's passion for food and her journey through challenging times to rediscover her love for cooking provide both inspiration and practical insights. Meanwhile, Ed Gamble and James Acaster ensure the conversation remains engaging and entertaining, making this episode a must-listen for food enthusiasts and comedy lovers alike.