NEW DELHI: An elaborate spread of Indian delicacies, including paneer lababdar, Himalayan morel mushrooms, millet pulao and shahtoot phirni, was served to BRICS leaders and delegates at a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam on Saturday.
The dinner was organised on the opening day of the two-day BRICS Summit being hosted by India in the national capital.
The vegetarian menu offered a selection of regional Indian flavours, with khandvi mille and khumb galouti served as starters.
Khandvi mille, a steamed gram-flour roll tempered with mustard, coconut and curry leaves, was served with kesar mango, micro-greens and a yoghurt dressing. Khumb galouti comprised pan-grilled mushroom kebabs accompanied by mint pearls and sheermal bread.
The main course featured paneer lababdar, with cottage cheese cooked in a rich shallot and tomato gravy, and gucchi marmik, made with Himalayan morel mushrooms and asparagus simmered with saffron, raisins and mamra almonds.
Carrot bean poriyal, prepared with carrots and green beans tossed in South Indian spices, virgin coconut oil and fresh coconut, was also part of the spread.
Other dishes included thakkali belle saaru, a light lentil broth prepared with toor dal, tomatoes and curry leaves; millet pulao made with basmati rice and pearl millet; beetroot raita; and an assortment of Indian breads.
The dessert menu included Old Delhi fruit cream with jalebi, combining seasonal fruits and whipped cream with the traditional crispy sweet, and shahtoot phirni, a slow-cooked milk and rice pudding topped with mulberries and gold leaf.
The gala dinner was accompanied by a cultural performance featuring an ensemble of more than 100 artistes, drawn mainly from India as well as other BRICS member countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and several other heads of state and senior dignitaries attended the summit on its opening day.