24 september 2009 - The amount of chili powder has been considerably reduced for Cursor, for these six Indian house-mates and TU/e students (Electrical Engineering and Embedded Systems) normally favor hot and spicy. “We are used to it, but the Dutch aren’t!”

Two of the six boys are vegetarians, so there will not be any meat on the table. “India has a large proportion of vegetarians, because of the religion”, ‘chef’ Shubhendu Sinha (22) explains. “There is a reason for everything in India. In our philosophies positive thoughts and health occupy center stage.” Especially for Cursor the hosts have put some glasses of water on the table, in order to put out internal fires. Mostly, the boys choose not to drink during dinner. “We only drink after the meal, so that we do not disturb the digestion”, is the explanation. “If the food is too spicy, we just have some extra rice or bread.”

The Roseeco Beans Curry and Pav Bhaji taste delicious. The boys, all between 22 and 24 years old, have really done their best. “It takes a lot of time to prepare these dishes. The pressure-cooker, a special vessel that we have brought along from home, helps us speed up the cooking”, Shubhendu informs us. The herbs may be bought from the toko - though at a much higher price than at home. Fortunately Pratik Sahindraka (22) will be going to India for a week in October. “When I come back I shall bring along a big supply!”, he says with a smile.

In India it is usually the women who prepare the food. Nevertheless the boys have mastered the skill to a T. In the student house it is usually Shubhendu who does the cooking, for the others say he is the best chef. “I looked over my mother’s shoulders at home for a few months”, he confesses.

The six boys are curious about the Dutch cuisine. During the introduction they have already gathered some first impressions. “Unfortunately many dishes were prepared with meat, so that we did not really have much to choose from”, says Shubhendu. Yet by going to Aldi they also get to know Dutch products. Cheese is one of their favorites. “And fillet of chicken for my sandwiches!”, shouts one of the non-vegetarians.

You can find the recipe on the forum of www.tuemeetingplace.nl.
Would you like us to sample your cooking skills? Send an e-mail to engcursor@tue.nl.