If you could invite 2 people (dead or alive) to dinner, who would they be? When I pose this question at dinner parties, answers range from Thomas Jefferson to Tom Cruise. More often than not, my answer is a politician. Topping my list now: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Which got me thinking, what would I cook for Kamala and Tim?
The nominees for President and Vice President have widely divergent tastes (curry vs. corn dogs). In this post, I’ll fantasy-cook for Kamala, a politician famous for both her kitchen skills and her love of food. I’ll tackle Tim in a couple of weeks.
Here’s What I Know About Kamala’s Taste
She loves Doritos (which a Fox News commentator slammed her for), South Indian curries, Jamaican Rice and Peas, and Gumbo, a melting pot of dishes that reflect her melting pot of a life: The daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, who grew up in California with a neighbor from Louisiana she considers “a second mom,” who often looked after her and her sister while their mother was at work.
As of now, Kamala is scheduled to debate Donald Trump on September 10. If he doesn’t chicken out (squawk! squawk!) consider one, two, or all of these dishes for your Debate Supper. They’re saucy, complex, and as cool as our next President.
Kamala’s Favorite Junk Food:
Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, and Spicy Taco Doritos: These chips have all the flavor and none of the icky chemicals in the store-bought version. We want Madam President to live a long, healthy life! Start with a base of homemade baked tortilla chips, then choose whichever topping you like. Nutritional yeast adds deeply cheesy, umami flavor (Dorito-y) to each, and onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (you decide which) add the right amount of addictive oomph that keeps you from eating just one.
Kamala’s Favorite Dish:
Gumbo! I recently watched an interviewer ask Kamala, “What’s your favorite dish?” When she answered, “gumbo,” I asked my friend and favorite recipe creator, Diana, “how do you make gumbo plant-based?” That was at 9 a.m. By dinnertime, she and her husband were enjoying Diana’s latest creation, a plant-based, satisfying, dare I say “meaty?” gumbo. It’s amazing. Watch this video to learn the story behind Kamala’s love of the Louisianan dish.
To Honor Kamala’s South Indian Mother:
South Indian Veggie Coconut Curry: I’m fortunate to live in a city with a number of Indian grocery stores. Last week, I took two friends to my favorite, Foodland, and guided them directly to the fresh mint and curry leaves section. I’d been planning to tackle this recipe that evening, so imagine my dismay when the curry leaf bin was empty. Thankfully, a store clerk said, “One moment!” and soon appeared with a package of curry leaves for each of us while we were busy marveling at the adorable miniature eggplants, enormous mangoes, and rows of fruits and vegetables unidentifiable to the Western eye. We vowed to come back, ask questions, and make a dish with each. If you can’t find curry leaves, no worries. This recipe has enough going on that they are not essential. But if you’re seeking the deep, musty flavor of authentic curries, seek them out.
South Indian Eggplant Casserole: Vegan Richa is one of my favorite Indian chefs, and she nails it with this one. I know, I know, eggplant is one of those opinionated vegetables. I adore it. I also adore that she assembles this in a casserole dish, which makes it perfect for a potluck or dinner party. This is classic South Indian, with all of my favorite “c” spices: coriander, cumin, curry, and my favorite “g” as well: garam masala. If you decide to make a pilgrimage to an Indian grocer, be sure to stock up with the spices there; the quality and prices beat what you’ll find at a supermarket (especially a gourmet grocer or Whole Foods).
To Honor Kamala’s Jamaican Father:
Rasta Pasta: Kamala says Jamaican Rice and Peas are her comfort food, but to me, no food is more comforting than a bowl of creamy pasta. Which is why I want to make this for her. Like the traditional version, the dish features lots of bell peppers, garlic, scallions, and of course, jerk seasoning. Chef Jhanelle Golding’s twist substitutes coconut milk for heavy cream, and cheesy nutritional yeast replaces copious amounts of mozzarella and cheddar found in traditional versions. Not only is Jhanelle’s lighter and healthier, it’s even more delicious. FYI – The one ingredient most Jamaican chefs agree on is Walkerswood jerk spice.
Jamaican Rice and Peas: So simple. So comforting. Make this dish, close your eyes, take a forkful, and you’ll be transported to Jamaica. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear crashing waves, feel sand between your toes, and smell the ocean breeze.
To Honor Kamala’s Jewish Husband:
Matzoh Ball Soup: It’s simple to veganize matzoh balls. The chicken soup part is a bit more difficult. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: If you can find it (Whole Foods carries it), use Imagine No-Chicken Broth. It tastes shockingly like the real thing. If you can’t find it, use regular veggie broth. The veggies and herbs in the recipe ensure it’s authentic, warming, and good for anything that ails you. Make some for your mother.
Bonus Kamala Video:
Watch this heart-warming video of Kamala cooking masala dosa with Mindy Kaling. Cameo appearance by Mindy’s dad!
Fabulous! Kamala would vote for you.