Karishma Johar
Interviewed by: Harinath
Who is Karishma Johar?
Karishma Johar is a visionary on a mission to change society’s perception of sweets—making them both delicious and guilt-free.
In today’s world, sweets are often labeled unhealthy, but she challenges this belief. Traditionally, we celebrate life’s biggest moments with sweets—from a newborn’s first taste of honey to sacred offerings in temples. Through Millet Bake, she proves that indulgence and health can coexist, without compromise.
The Culinary Magician
Karishma's approach to cooking isn't your typical recipe-following. Think of her as a Culinary Magician, transforming ingredients and expectations into delicious realities. Her journey, from a curious kid experimenting in the kitchen to a MasterChef contestant, blends intuitive skill with scientific precision – and it's a fascinating story.
A Self-Taught Culinary Journey:
Karishma's culinary education wasn't in a formal classroom. While she acknowledges the influence of Tarla Dalal, her foundation came from countless experiments and keen observation. She learned by trial and error, mastering ingredient interactions and understanding how temperature, time, and technique dramatically impact the final dish. This self-driven approach, coupled with seeking mentorship from experienced chefs, continuously honed her skills.
So, you eat first from your eyes and then you put it in your mouth. No matter how tasty it is. Got it! 👍
The Art and Science of Sensory Evaluation:
Karishma possesses impressive sensory skills. She "eats with her eyes," using visual cues, texture, and aroma to guide her culinary decisions. This intuitive understanding of ingredients allows her to predict interactions, anticipate changes in texture, and even envision how a dish will evolve over time
The Art of Ingredient Substitution:
Karishma's ability to substitute ingredients is remarkable. During a MasterChef challenge, limited paneer (Indian cheese) options didn't faze her; she ingeniously marinated it with atta (wheat flour) for a winning dish. This showcases a deep understanding of flavor profiles, texture manipulation, and creative problem-solving. This inventiveness extends to baking diabetic-friendly cakes using jaggery and millets – delicious and healthy!
Cooking vs. Baking: A Tale of Two Disciplines:
Karishma readily distinguishes between cooking and baking. While cooking offers flexibility and improvisation, baking requires precise measurements. Her mastery of both reflects her exceptional culinary skills
Innovation Through Substitution:
Karishma's innovative substitutions are based on a thorough understanding of food science principles, creatively adapting recipes for dietary needs. Whether using jaggery instead of sugar or millets instead of refined flour, she skillfully balances taste and dietary requirements, demonstrating her deep culinary knowledge.
Appreciation: The Driving Force:
Karishma is motivated by the appreciation she receives for her cooking. The joy of creating delicious food and the positive feedback fuel her passion, pushing her to continuously experiment and refine her skills. For her, it's about more than just food; it's about creating positive experiences.
Karishma's culinary journey is a testament to the power of passion, curiosity, and a drive to excel. She shows that culinary expertise blends the art of cooking with a solid understanding of science.
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