Aficionados spread aroma at The Hindu ‘Our State Our Taste’ cookery contest in Vijayawada

Aficionados spread aroma at The Hindu ‘Our State Our Taste’ cookery contest in Vijayawada. Qamar Sultana, a homemaker, bags the first prize with her ‘Methi-fish Curry’, loaded with flavours of fenugreek, garlic and onion, turning judges’ favourite. B. Satya Durga, a homemaker from Tadimalla village of Nidadavolu mandal in East Godavari district, was declared the first runner-up by the judges who were impressed by the tangy-flavoured chutney she made by combining coconut and star fruit (Carambola). C.H. Nagaveni emerged the second runner-up. Winners of the regional rounds will participate in the grand finale, scheduled to be held in Vijayawada on July 27.

The undeniable hunger among cooking aficionados to explore new flavours was palpable at Manor Food Plaza, on Tikkle Road in Vijayawada, where The Hindu’s Óur State Our Taste’ cookery contest’s regional round brought delicious and variant cuisines under one roof, on June 30 (Sunday).

The participants, with their family members in tow, trooped in, braving persistent drizzle to showcase authentic flavours dished out by them at home.

Qamar Sultana, a homemaker, bagged the first prize. The ‘Methi-fish Curry’ she cooked was loaded with the aroma of fenugreek and infused with garlic and onion, which made the dish an instant hit.

“This is a pleasant surprise. I am very excited and can’t wait to participate in the grand finale,” said Ms. Sultana.

“Everybody at home loves what she cooks. It took a lot of prodding to persuade her to take part in this event,” said her elated sister, Fatima.

Ms. Sulatana is qualified to participate in the grand finale.

B. Satya Durga, a homemaker from Tadimalla village of Nidadavolu mandal in East Godavari district, was declared the first runner-up by the judges of the contest, celebrity chefs ETV Raju and Chinnam Raju, who were impressed by the tangy-flavoured chutney she made by combining coconut and star fruit (Carambola), the edible fruit with distinct ridges running down its sides.